Japanese Coins

Japanese Coins

Japanese coins are dated by Emperor and the year of their reign. Therefore a coin minted in 1946 would be dated Showa 21, Showa for Emperor Hirohito and 21 being the 21st year of his reign. Emperor Hirohito reigned during the entirety of the base's existence. In fact, he reigned from 1926 to 1988. Coins minted during his reign would be dated from Showa 1 through Showa 63, and would be those most common during our time at Camp Hakata. However, a few coins from Emperor Taisho (reigned 1912-1926) would be encountered now and then. And, on very rare occasions one might run across a coin from Emperor Meiji's reign (1867-1912).

1 Sen coin dated Taisho 11 (1922)


1 Sen coin dated Showa 15 (1940)


1 Sen coin dated Showa 18 (1943)


1 Sen coin dated Showa 19 (1944)


5 Sen coin dated Showa 17 (1942)


5 Sen coin dated Showa 20 (1945)