Meiji Large 50-sen Silver Coin Issued in 1870 (Meiji 3) - Purchase Based on Silver Weight (Considering Marketability as a Modern Japanese Silver Coin)
About the Purchase of This Silver Coin (GoldSilverJapan)

GoldSilverJapan purchases Meiji Large 50-sen Silver Coins issued in 1870 (Meiji 3) based on their silver content, taking into account their marketability as modern Japanese silver coins.

This page does not guarantee future value or rarity for collectors, but rather provides an appraisal policy based on the value of the actual silver.

GoldSilverJapan is an online-only purchasing business with no physical stores, offering nationwide appraisals and purchases without face-to-face contact.

Purchase Price Policy (Silver Weight)

The Meiji Large 50-sen Silver Coin, issued in 1870, is a standard circulation silver coin from the early days of the Meiji government's modern monetary system, containing approximately 12.5g of silver with a fineness of .800.

At GoldSilverJapan, we calculate the purchase price based on the following factors:

- The current international silver price (silver spot price)
- Pure silver content (equivalent to approximately 10g)
- Market viability as an early Meiji silver coin
- Domestic and international trading history
- Exchange rate (converted to yen)

* This silver coin is not appraised with a specific collector's price in mind.
* The final purchase price will be determined based on the silver market price at the time of acceptance.

Condition (Generally Circulated Silver Coins)

The Meiji 3 Large 50-sen Silver Coin was actually circulated and will be purchased in the following condition:

- Fair condition (VG/F/VF)
- Some wear
- Minor edge scuffs and dents
- Natural aged tones
- Minor cleaning marks (value will be adjusted depending on condition)

* Please consult us in advance if there are holes, large chips, or significant deformation.

About the Meiji 3 Large 50-sen Silver Coin

1870 (Meiji 3) marked the early stages of Japan's full-scale transition to a modern, Western-style monetary system.

The large 50-sen silver coin issued in this year symbolizes the transitional period at the intersection of Edo-period monetary culture and the institutional design of a modern nation.

Compared to later small 50-sen coins, it is larger in both weight and diameter and features a bold design unique to the early Meiji period.

Design and Symbolism

The obverse features a dragon within a jewel-patterned circle, with the words "Great Japan" and "50 sen" engraved on it.

The reverse features a radiating rising sun and paulownia and chrysanthemum motifs, expressing the symbolism of an imperial state and national prestige.

Its Place in the History of Modern Japanese Currency

This silver coin is an early form of modern Japanese silver coin issued during the transition from weight-based coinage to face-value coinage.

As a result, it continues to enjoy stable circulation and demand not only in Japan but also overseas.

As a "silver coin," not an investment product

At GoldSilverJapan, we value the Meiji Large 50-sen Silver Coin not as an investment product aimed at increasing its value, but as a historical currency containing physical silver.

When assessing a coin, we place more importance on the pure silver content and market liquidity than on the rarity or future value of the year.

Basic Specifications (Meiji 3, representative value)

Country of Issue: Japan
Year of Issue: 1870 (Meiji 3)
Face Value: 50 sen
Material: Silver (.800)
Weight: Approximately 12.5g
Pure Silver Content: Approximately 10g
Diameter: Approximately 31.5mm
Manufacturing Method: Milled
Classification: Standard Circulation Silver Coin

Market Data Reference (Coinpedia)

The purchase criteria on this page are based on GoldSilverJapan's proprietary coin market database, Coinpedia.

Coinpedia conducts objective analysis based on the following information:

・Prior domestic and international trading history
・Circulation volume of early Meiji silver coins
・Correlation with silver prices
・Appraisal trends by condition

* Coinpedia does not guarantee a specific price.

About online purchases (no in-store service)

GoldSilverJapan is a fully online purchasing specialist.

We do not offer in-person purchases at our physical stores. Instead, we follow the following process:

・Free, simplified appraisal based on photos
・Full appraisal via mail
・Presentation of estimated value
・Payment after acceptance

All transactions are completed without meeting face-to-face.

For those wishing to purchase

The Meiji 3 (1870) large 50-sen silver coin is easy to evaluate in terms of its weight and liquidity, marking the beginning of Japan's modern monetary system.

At GoldSilverJapan, we carefully inspect each coin and provide a fair appraisal based on market conditions.

We offer a free photo appraisal or just a consultation.

To properly value the silver that marked Japan's modern era.

GoldSilverJapan
Online purchase specialist, nationwide service