1871 (Meiji 4) Old 1 Yen Gold Coin High Dot Y-9

 PCGS MS64 Certified Detailed Description

 ⸻

 ■ Overview

 This coin is an Old Type 1 Yen Gold Coin minted in 1871 (Meiji 4), and is an extremely important gold coin that symbolizes the starting point of Japan's modern monetary system.
 It has been given a high rating of **MS64 (Mint State 64)** by PCGS, and is in excellent condition in terms of preservation, gloss, and clarity of the inscription.

 The classification falls into the following categories:
 • Country of issue: Japan
 • Year: 1871 (Meiji 4)
 • Face value: 1 Yen
 • Classification number: JNDA 01-5
 • Y number: Y-9
 • Variant: High Dot
 • Grading agency: PCGS
 • Grade: MS64

 ⸻

 ■ Historical Background - The Meiji Restoration and the New Currency Ordinance

 The year 1871 (Meiji 4) was a very important year in the formation of the modern Japanese nation. In that year, the Japanese government promulgated the New Currency Ordinance, abolishing the traditional Edo period currency system of ryo, bu, and shu, and transitioning to the Western-style system of yen, sen, and rin.

 This marked the introduction of a modern monetary system based on the gold standard in Japan. The old one-yen gold coin was one of the earliest gold coins issued under this system and was an important symbol of Japan's participation in the international economy.

 Currency in this era was not just a means of payment, but also a symbol of the modernization and enlightenment of the nation.

 ⸻

 ■ Obverse design

 The character "ichien" is engraved in large letters in the center of the surface.
 The era name "Meiji" is written at the top, and "Yonen" (year 4) is written on the left and right, indicating that it was issued in the fourth year of the Meiji era.

 The Chinese characters are distinctive, with strong, clearly engraved lines, demonstrating a design style influenced by traditional Japanese calligraphy and a fusion of Western coin-making techniques.

 This specimen is also a High Dot variety, meaning there are differences in the placement of the letters and dots. These subtle differences are important identification factors for specialist collectors.

 ⸻

 ■ Reverse design

 On the reverse side, the chrysanthemum crest (a sixteen-petal double chrysanthemum), the symbol of the Meiji government, is placed at the top.
 In the center is a radiating sun design, surrounded by paulownia and tangerine branches, which are tied at the bottom like a ribbon.

 This design symbolizes national authority and the imperial family, and expresses the prestige of the Meiji state.

 Furthermore, flags are painted on both sides, incorporating a Western-style national emblem, which is a manifestation of the Meiji government's intention to show that the country was a modern nation on a par with the Western powers.

 ⸻

 ■ Technical specifications
 • Material: Gold
 • Quality: Approximately 90% (900/1000)
 • Weight: approx. 1.66g
 • Diameter: approx. 13.5mm
 • Japan Mint: Osaka Mint Bureau (later Japan Mint Bureau)

 At the time, Japan had introduced British minting technology and had begun to produce modern coins by machine. This coin was one of the first results of this effort.

 ⸻

 ■ About the High Dot variant

 "High Dot" refers to a type in which the position of a small dot in a specific position is higher than usual.

 There are several subdivisions of the old one yen gold coin,
 • High Dot
 • Low Dot
 • Other minor differences

 etc.

 These variants are due to differences in the manufacturing process or the timing of die replacement, and are often issued in limited numbers, making them rare.

 The High Dot type, which belongs to the Y-9 classification, is a highly valued category in the collector's market.

 ⸻

 ■ The meaning of PCGS MS64

 MS64 is the highest grade of Mint State (unused).

 The evaluation criteria are:
 • Original gloss is still intact
 • No significant wear
 • There are small contact marks, but they are not noticeable.
 • Good stamping

 Stones with MS65 or above are considered gem-class and prices rise sharply, but MS64 is also considered very attractive in the market.

 ⸻

 ■ Market value and investment potential

 Early Meiji gold coins are particularly popular among modern Japanese gold coins and are in demand in overseas markets as well.

 Evaluation points:
 • First published in 1871
 • Old type
 • High Dot variant
 • PCGS MS64 high appraisal

 The combination of these conditions creates stable demand.

 In recent years, modern Japanese gold coins have been showing an upward trend in price due to growing interest among Asian collectors.

 ⸻

 ■ Positioning in the international market

 It is known overseas as "Meiji Gold 1 Yen 1871".
 • Modern World Gold Coin Collection
 • Special Feature on Asian Gold Coins
 • Meiji Restoration Theme Collection

 It is handled in categories such as:

 Western collectors in particular value it as a symbol of modernization.

 ⸻

 ■ Attractiveness for collectors
 1. Historical value immediately after the Meiji Restoration
 2. Early Modern Gold Coins
 3. The cute size of the small gold coins
 4. The joy of collecting varieties
 5. High appraisal MS64

 ⸻

 ■ The importance of preservation

 Gold coins are soft and are prone to minor scratches from contact.
 The MS64 rating is excellent, proving that the item is in excellent original condition.

 ⸻

 ■ Long-term holding perspective

 The supply of Meiji gold coins will not increase, and market stock will decrease over time.

 In the long run:
 • Rareness improvement
 • Rising international reputation
 • Historical reassessment

 is expected.

 ⸻

 ■ Overall rating

 This coin is
 • 1871 (Meiji 4)
 • Old one yen gold coin
 • High Dot Y-9
 • PCGS MS64

 This is a very attractive modern Japanese gold coin that meets the following conditions.

 It is a piece that is well-balanced in terms of historical significance, varietal value, state of preservation, and market value.