Ceylon / Sri Lanka
Assam, India
Japan
Taiwan
Nepal
China
Kenya
Egypt
Iran
South Africa
Specification
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Alloy
Fine Gold - 999.9Au
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Denomination
£5
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Weight
1oz
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Authority
St Helena
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Diameter
32mm
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Edge
Milled
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Issue limit
100
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Total Mintage
100
BEHIND THE CRAFT
Behind the Craft - Japanese Trade Dollar
Trade Dollars were first introduced in the late 15th Century, when the ‘Spanish Dollar’ was used as a standardised currency to facilitate international trade.
Minted to a consistent specification and worth eight Spanish Reales, the reliable, trusted Spanish Dollars were the original “pieces of eight”!
The first Japanese Trade Dollar followed in 1874, helping Japan to trade in the lucrative Chinese markets.
Despite only being produced for three years, nearly three million were minted, many of which then entered into general circulation in Japan.
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Japan forged new relationships across the globe during the latter years of the 19th Century, driving a period of economic expansion. Much of this vital diplomatic work was undertaken by the Iwakura Mission, which saw leading statesmen and scholars travel far and wide to represent the Emperor between 1871 and 1873, before the Japanese Trade Dollar itself was introduced in 1874.
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• Our exclusive ‘Modern Trade Dollar’ series continues
• Strictly limited edition of just 100 coins worldwide • One ounce of gleaming 999.9 fine gold • Stunningly detailed ‘Dragon’ design by Chiara Principe • Struck to our highest Proof quality finish • Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet |
Product Detail
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Japan forged new relationships across the globe during the latter years of the 19th Century, driving a period of economic expansion. Much of this vital diplomatic work was undertaken by the Iwakura Mission, which saw leading statesmen and scholars travel far and wide to represent the Emperor between 1871 and 1873, before the Japanese Trade Dollar itself was introduced in 1874.
|
• Our exclusive ‘Modern Trade Dollar’ series continues
• Strictly limited edition of just 100 coins worldwide • One ounce of gleaming 999.9 fine gold • Stunningly detailed ‘Dragon’ design by Chiara Principe • Struck to our highest Proof quality finish • Bespoke presentation case and storytelling booklet |
Stories
History of the Japanese Trade Dollar
The end of Japan’s Shogun Era in 1867 brought a close to more than 250 years of feudal power and cultural and economic isolation. Up until this point the Emperor was Emperor in name only but, with the Shogun Era over, the 15-year-old Emperor Meiji ascended to the Chrysanthemum throne in 1868 and Imperial Rule was re-established.
Japan then surged ahead with plans to modernise its economy and rebuild its trading and diplomatic links with foreign nations. Just as the British Empire and economy had grown rapidly during the Victorian Era, the Meiji Era became a key chapter in the story of Japan’s rise as an economic world power.
Japan then surged ahead with plans to modernise its economy and rebuild its trading and diplomatic links with foreign nations. Just as the British Empire and economy had grown rapidly during the Victorian Era, the Meiji Era became a key chapter in the story of Japan’s rise as an economic world power.
The Meiji Era lasted until 1912, including the brief experiment with Japanese Trade Dollars between 1874 and 1877. The coin’s design was inspired by the first silver Yen coins struck in 1870, a coiled dragon holding a tamashi, a treasured orb that contains supernatural powers; ancient legends tell that if a dragon loses its tamashi, its supernatural powers would be lost with it.
The Meiji Era lasted until 1912, including the brief experiment with Japanese Trade Dollars between 1874 and 1877. The coin’s design was inspired by the first silver Yen coins struck in 1870, a coiled dragon holding a tamashi, a treasured orb that contains supernatural powers; ancient legends tell that if a dragon loses its tamashi, its supernatural powers would be lost with it.
The Meiji Era lasted until 1912, including the brief experiment with Japanese Trade Dollars between 1874 and 1877. The coin’s design was inspired by the first silver Yen coins struck in 1870, a coiled dragon holding a tamashi, a treasured orb that contains supernatural powers; ancient legends tell that if a dragon loses its tamashi, its supernatural powers would be lost with it.
The 2023 ‘Modern’ Japanese Trade Dollar pays tribute to its ancient predecessor with a new design by celebrated artist Chiara Principe struck in one ounce of fine gold, every stunning detail emphasised by our highest Proof quality finish.
Artist Chiara Principe’s Japanese Trade Dollar design features a beautifully detailed dragon treasuring its tamashi as the iconic Kanagawa wave crashes below, with the islands of Japan standing proudly upon the globe in the background.
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FAQ
What is the difference between maximum mintage and issue limit?
Maximum mintage is the total number of individuals coins which will be struck, this includes coins presented is sets. The Issue limit refers to the number of coins which will be sold in the specific presentation.
What if the maximum mintage and issue limit is the same?
This means the coin will only be available in the presentation shown and will not be issued in any other way.
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Delivery & Returns
UK Standard Delivery: £9.95
See our delivery page for more information and overseas delivery. - Reviews
