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[Ancient Gold Appraisal] Buying back a Japanese Meiji 29th year (1896) 1 Yen
[Ancient Gold Appraisal] Buying back a Japanese Meiji 29th year (1896) 1 Yen
In-depth Analysis: The Historical Significance and Collection Potential of the Meiji 29 (1896) One Yen Silver Dragon Coin
The One Yen silver coin (commonly known as "Japanese Dragon Silver Coin" or "Dragon Dollar") minted in Japan in Meiji 29 (1896 AD) holds a pivotal position in the Asian numismatic collecting world. This year coincided with the period shortly after the end of the First Sino-Japanese War, a critical juncture during which Japan's economic and military power was rapidly expanding.
Notably, the Japanese government subsequently officially promulgated the "Currency Law" in Meiji 30 (1897) and implemented the gold standard, discontinuing the domestic circulation of such large trade silver dollars. Therefore, the Meiji 29 One Yen silver coin, as a late-period large trade silver dollar just before the implementation of the gold standard in Japan, witnessed significant changes in East Asian monetary history. This imbues it with extremely high historical research value for Japanese ancient silver coins and an asset hedging property for physical silver.
Meiji 29 (1896) One Yen Specifications and Physical Authentication Data Sheet
To help collectors initially determine the authenticity of their 1896 Japanese Dragon Dollar, the following standard specifications from the official mint are provided. These details are important criteria for professional authentication of old silver dollars:
| Measurement Item | Standard Data and Feature Description | Authentication Notes |
| Year of Issue | Meiji 29 (1896) | Pay attention to whether the character "九" (nine) has traces of later alteration |
| Standard Weight | 26.96 grams (7 Mace 2 Candareens of Kuping tael) | Heavily worn circulated coins may weigh slightly less, but caution is advised if it falls below 26.5 grams as it may be counterfeit. |
| Diameter | 38.1 millimeters (mm) | The reeded edge should be regular and deep, without blurring or the harsh feel of filing. |
| Metal Composition | 90% Pure Silver, 10% Copper | Genuine silver dollars have a clear, long-ringing sound; counterfeits often sound dull or sharp. |
| Obverse Design | Flying dragon, beaded border, and denomination "416 ONE YEN 900" | Dragon scales should be three-dimensional, whiskers fine and unbroken, eyes vibrant. |
| Reverse Design | Chrysanthemum crest (imperial symbol), surrounded by paulownia leaves and chrysanthemum branches, and Chinese characters for the denomination. | Leaf veins should be clear, character strokes strong at start and end, without bloating or blurring. |
Key Factors Affecting the "Meiji 29 One Yen Price" and Condition Grading
In the current ancient coin auction market and in transactions involving high-price acquisition of Japanese silver dollars, the price of dragon silver coins from the same year can vary greatly due to their condition. When conducting free appraisals of old coins, we typically consider the following key points:
- Completeness of Dragon Scales (Strike & Wear): This is the most stringent standard for evaluating the condition of Japanese dragon silver coins. A "full-scale" coin (where the dragon's body scales show no wear and are clearly defined) is much more valuable than common coins with flat or worn scales.
- Original Luster and Toning: Coins with original mint luster (cartwheel luster) or naturally formed "rainbow toning" with rich color layers are highly sought after in PCGS/NGC graded coin acquisitions, often fetching high prices.
- Physical Damage: If the coin surface has chop marks (marks left by ancient money changers to authenticate silver), scratches, edge nicks, or has undergone improper chemical cleaning (cleaned coin), its antique coin recycling price will be significantly reduced.
Why Choose Us for 【Meiji 29 Silver Dollar Recycling】?
The old coin recycling shops on the market vary in quality. We offer transparent and professional high-price acquisition services for second-hand silver dollars. Whether your Meiji 29 One Yen coin is a family heirloom or an early investment collection, we are equipped with professional optical instruments and extensive market experience to accurately identify Meiji silver dollar varieties and subtle condition differences.
We promise to provide Japanese old coin acquisition quotes that align with international coin auction prices, with confidentiality and prompt transactions. If you wish to know the current value of your Meiji 29 Dragon Silver Coin, please feel free to send clear photos of the front and back via WhatsApp or WeChat above. We will provide you with a free preliminary online appraisal and valuation.
Professional Silver Dollar Acquisition - Ancient Coin Recycling - Old Coin Acquisition - Old Coin Recycling - Old Banknote Acquisition
WeChat: john19998 (Long press to copy WeChat ID)
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Have silver dollars and want to know their market value? WhatsApp 98342057 with clear photos of the front and back, and a master appraiser from Gu Jin Jian Bao will provide a preliminary quote on the same day. For more recycled collectibles, see All Series.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Recycling process
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1) Clients should first provide basic information about their collections via WhatsApp (852) 98342057. You can also contact us directly via this link.
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2) We will provide a preliminary quote after receiving your information.
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3) Both parties agree on a time and place (on-site inspection is available) to inspect the collection. We will provide a precise quote based on the actual condition of the collection.
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4) Confirm the sale and make payment in various forms such as bank transfer or cash.
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