Schulman b.v.
Auction 374 6 Apr 2023
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Japan - Yen or Trade Dollar Year 9 (1876), Silver, MEIJI 1867–1912 Dragon within beaded circle, legend above, written value below. Rev. denomination within wreath, chrysanthemum above.KM. Y-14; JNDA 01-12Being among the first modern-type coins produced in Japan, this trade dollar was only struck between 1875 and 1877 during the reign of the Meiji emperor Mutsuhito (r. 1867-1912). It was issued during a pivotal time in Japanese history: only two decades ago, U.S. Commodore Matthew Perry (1794-1856) had forced Japan into trade and diplomatic relations with the West, a catalyst event that prompted Japan to drastically modernize and Westernize.
The modernization of Japan is also what spurred Mutsuhito to issue the trade dollar in the first place – to show that Japan was willing to forge trade relationships with Western powers and to commemorate his reign in a new era. While the reverse is fairly plain, embossed on the obverse is a fearsome dragon, pictured with large goggle eyes, pointed claws, and armor-plated scales. In Shinto, a set of religious beliefs and practices in Japan, dragons had been long feared and worshiped. Many followers of Shintoism believed that they would only appear at a time of great social upheaval, such as the present time which saw Japan change almost out of recognition. In this regard, a dragon was a well-chosen symbol, fitting both for the time as well as for Mutsuhito's political agenda.
This trade dollar, struck at the Osako mint, has been designated by Richard Yeoman as R, making this a desirable rarity for collectors.
27.13 g. Rare date Miniscule edge nick Extremely fine +
The modernization of Japan is also what spurred Mutsuhito to issue the trade dollar in the first place – to show that Japan was willing to forge trade relationships with Western powers and to commemorate his reign in a new era. While the reverse is fairly plain, embossed on the obverse is a fearsome dragon, pictured with large goggle eyes, pointed claws, and armor-plated scales. In Shinto, a set of religious beliefs and practices in Japan, dragons had been long feared and worshiped. Many followers of Shintoism believed that they would only appear at a time of great social upheaval, such as the present time which saw Japan change almost out of recognition. In this regard, a dragon was a well-chosen symbol, fitting both for the time as well as for Mutsuhito's political agenda.
This trade dollar, struck at the Osako mint, has been designated by Richard Yeoman as R, making this a desirable rarity for collectors.
27.13 g. Rare date Miniscule edge nick Extremely fine +