🏯 Meiji 3 (1870) Japanese 10-sen Silver Coin – "Small Scales" Dragon Design – PCGS MS67 – Treasures of Modern Japanese Coinage
 Goldsilverjapan is proud to present a masterpiece representing the history of modern Japanese coinage. This 10-sen silver coin, "Small Scales" with a dragon design, was issued in 1870 (the third year of the Meiji era), and is in excellent condition, having been awarded MS67 (Mint State 67) by the world-renowned PCGS. This extremely rare silver coin, in top condition, truly symbolizes Japan's modernization and is a coveted item for collectors and investors.
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 Historical Background – The Meiji Restoration and the Birth of the Modern Monetary System
 In 1870 (Meiji 3), Japan was in the midst of the great reforms of the Meiji Restoration. After the collapse of the Edo Shogunate, the new government accelerated its progress towards becoming a modern nation and carried out various institutional reforms to bring Japan on par with Western countries. One of these reforms was the introduction of a new decimal currency system.
 Until the Edo period, Japan's currency was in a variety of forms, with large regional differences, including koban, ichibugin, and Kan'ei tsuho coins. As international trade expanded, the need for a unified currency system aligned with global standards grew, and the "New Currency Act" was promulgated in 1871, which adopted the decimal system of yen, sen, and rin.
 This 10-sen silver coin (minted in 1870) is one of the earliest modern silver coins, symbolizing the reforms and also evidence of Japan's full-scale entry into the global economy.
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 Design Features – Dragon and Rising Sun
 Obverse – Dragon
 In the center is a powerfully drawn, curled-up dragon. Dragons have symbolized authority, power, and prosperity in East Asia since ancient times, and for the new Meiji government, it was a fitting motif to represent national prestige.
 • This coin is a "Shallow Scales" variety, characterized by shallow carving of the dragon's scales. It is compared to the later "Deep Scales" and is highly valued by collectors as an early type.
 • The words "Great Japan" and the face value of "10 sen" are engraved around the coin.
 Reverse – Rising sun and chrysanthemum crest
 A rising sun (sun rays) shines in the center of the reverse, symbolizing Japan as the "Land of the Rising Sun." Above and below it are the chrysanthemum crest and the paulownia tree crest, representing the dignity of the Imperial Family and the nation. Surrounding the perimeter are wreaths of chrysanthemums and paulownia flowers, representing prosperity and harmony.
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 Basic specifications
 • Country of issue: Japan (Meiji Government)
 • Year of publication: 1870 (Meiji 3)
 • Face value: 10 sen
 • Grade: 80% silver, 20% copper
 • Weight: 2.7 g
 • Diameter: 18.8 mm
 • Issued by the Osaka Mint Bureau (currently the Japan Mint Bureau)
 • Variety: "Small Scale" Dragon (JNDA 01-23)
 • Edge: Serrated
 • Appraisal: PCGS (Certificate Number 500418.67 / 41571743)
 • Grade: MS67 (Unused Super Gem)
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 The importance of "small scale" variety
 There are two main types of Meiji 3 10-sen silver coins: "small scales" and "large scales."
 • The dies used in the early days of issue had shallowly engraved dragon scales, a type known as "small scales."
 • Later, the improved, deeply carved "large scale" type became mainstream.
 For this reason, "Small Scales" was limited to early production and is highly sought after by collectors as a rare variety with few remaining.
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 Grade Value – PCGS MS67
 This coin has been graded MS67 by PCGS.
 • MS67 means that even in mint state, there are only very slight dents and almost no imperfections visible to the naked eye.
 • The luster, clarity of the inscription, and state of preservation are all extremely good.
 • It is miraculous that modern silver coins, more than 150 years after their issue, have survived in such good condition.
 The number of MS67 stones in global grading institutions such as PCGS and NGC is very small, and they are traded at extremely high prices on the market.
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 Market value and investment potential
 This Meiji 3 (1870) 10-sen silver coin, "Small Scales," is not just a collection piece, but also has high value as an investment.
 Value drivers
 1. Historical significance – its position as an early modern silver coin in Japan.
 2. Scarcity – The number of “small scale” types remaining is limited, and higher grades are even rarer.
 3. Grading – PCGS MS67, the highest standard of condition.
 4. Global Demand – International collector demand for Japanese and Asian coins is growing.
 Given these conditions, this coin is an investment-grade currency that is expected to maintain and increase in value over the long term.
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 A symbol of Japan's modernization
 The dragon 10-sen silver coin is not just a lump of silver, but a symbol of Japan's beginning as a modern nation.
 • The dragon represents tradition and authority.
 • The rising sun represents the future and hope,
 • The chrysanthemum crest represents the unity of the imperial line and the nation.
 This piece captures the spirit of the Meiji era, when Japan took flight into the world under the slogans of "enriching the country and strengthening the military" and "civilizing and enlightening the nation."
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 Why choose Goldsilverjapan?
 Goldsilverjapan offers carefully selected rare coins and precious metals to collectors and investors both in Japan and overseas.
 • Authenticity guaranteed – We mainly handle products certified by third-party appraisal agencies such as PCGS and NGC.
 • Focus on quality – We select properties not only for their historical value, but also for their state of preservation and future potential.
 • International perspective – linked to global markets and reflecting the latest trends.
 Goldsilverjapan is a company with a wealth of experience and trust, allowing you to purchase rare Japanese coins with peace of mind.
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 Summary – The pinnacle of the Meiji silver coin collection
 The 1870 (Meiji 3) Japanese 10-sen Silver Coin – “Small Scales” Dragon Design – PCGS MS67 is
 • It is a monumental figure that symbolizes the beginning of modern Japanese monetary history.
 • It boasts one of the highest standards of preservation in the world,
 • This is a masterpiece with unparalleled value as both an investment and a collectible.
 This is a miraculous coin that has survived for over 150 years. Don't miss this opportunity to purchase it at Goldsilverjapan.