1 Yen Gold Meiji
(一円金明治)

(Ginza Coins Collection, Tokyo. Reproduction authorized. © All rights reserved.)

The 1 yen gold coin was introduced in 1871 during the Meiji era as part of modernization reforms inspired by Western models. Initially minted with larger dimensions, its diameter was reduced in 1872 while maintaining the same weight and fineness, in order to improve practicality and production efficiency. The 1 yen was formally redefined by the 1897 Coinage Law, which established the adoption of the gold standard and guaranteed the gold equivalence of the Japanese currency, strengthening its credibility in international markets. Minted in 900/1000 gold, the coin initially weighed 1.67 grams and measured 13.51 mm, later reduced to 12.15 mm. Its stylistic variations are distinguished by the shape of the character 明 (Mei) and the position of the dot below the Yen character 圓.

Significant Variants of 1871*:

Tomei 止明	Chomei 跳明
Full 明 (Mei) character First mintings of 1871	Truncated 明 (Mei) character Last mintings of 1871 continued until 1880
Wider space between the dot and the character 圓 (En) First mintings of 1871	Narrower space between the dot and the character 圓 (En) Last mintings of 1871 continued until 1880