古金鑒寶

Buying and selling Japanese Meiji 11th year"Silver"proof version one yen silver coin. Buyback | Gu Jin Jian Bao

The Japanese Meiji 11 (1878) "Gin" (Silver) Proof One Yen silver coin is an extremely rare trial striking, featuring characteristics that differentiate it from the circulating one yen silver coins of that era, thus possessing unique historical and collectible value.

The"Gin"character mark is the most prominent feature of this version. A clear"Yin"(Gin) character is present to the left of the"Yi Yuan "(One Yen) inscription on the coin face. This is the most obvious distinction between the trial coin and ordinary circulating silver coins. The reverse features the traditional Japanese dragon motif, symbolizing power and imperial authority. This highly detailed design shows a dragon coiled within a central circle. The coin is made of high-purity silver, with a silver content of approximately 90%, consistent with most Japanese circulating silver coins of the time.

Key Technical Specifications and Parameters Comparison Chart

Item Indicator	Parameter Details	Identification Focus
Minting Year	Meiji 11 (1878)	Observe if the characters"Shi Yi"(eleven) are regular and neat
Coin Material	90% Pure Silver + 10% Copper	Silver luster should be natural and soft, with no pungent chemical odor
Standard Weight	Approx. 26.96 grams	Weight of severely worn coins should not be less than 26.5 grams
Coin Diameter	38.6 mm	Edge reeding should be uniform in depth, with no signs of artificial polishing
Punch Mark Position	Left or right of"Yi Yuan "	The"Yin"punch mark should be of uniform depth, with naturally stressed edges
Design Craftsmanship	Front: Dragon motif, Reverse: Cherry blossom and Chrysanthemum motifs	Dragon scale details and fluidity of dragon whiskers are key to authenticity

Why is the Meiji 11 "Gin" (Silver) Edition so Rare?

Unlike common Meiji dragon silver coins, coins marked with the "Gin" character originated from a special policy by the Japanese government. At that time, to prevent silver coins from flowing out of the country, the mint stamped some one yen silver coins with the "Gin" character, specifically for overseas trade and commercial ports such as Taiwan and Korea.

Extremely Low Survival Rate: Meiji 11 itself had a smaller mintage of Japanese dragon silver coins, and the "Gin" proof coins that survive in good condition are less than one percent of the circulating coins.
Trial Nature: This variant was primarily used at the time as a tool to test market reaction. Many were later recalled and melted down, making every existing coin a focal point at auctions.

Collection Value and Market Appreciation Potential

In the ancient coin auction market, **"Japanese Dragon Silver"** has always been a strong currency, and the rare Meiji 11 variant has the following advantages:

High International Liquidity: Japanese dragon silver coins are highly recognized by major auction houses worldwide (such as PCGS, NGC grading), offering strong liquidity.
Inflation Hedge Attribute: Silver coins inherently possess precious metal value, coupled with their irreplaceable rarity as artifacts, making them an excellent choice for long-term asset allocation.
Significant Price Tiers: As grading scores (e.g., MS62, MS65) increase, their premium grows exponentially, making them highly attractive to collectors seeking high-quality items.

Recommended Similar Premium Buyback Series

You may also be interested in: Popular Similar Buyback Products

Do you have silver dollars and want to know their market value? WhatsApp 98342057 with clear photos of both sides, and a Gukin Treasure Appraisalexpert will provide an initial quote on the same day. See more Bought back items inAll Series.

View full details

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Under what conditions should silver coins be kept to be worth reselling?

A: To maximize their collection value, silver coins should retain their original patina, come with their original box and certificate, show no signs of cleaning, and direct handling of the coin surface should be avoided as much as possible.

Q: How is the silver content of a silver coin verified?

A: The silver content of a silver coin is measured on-site using an XRF fluorescence spectrometer, with an accuracy of 0.1%. Common compositions include 90% silver (Kuping Qiqian'er), 92.5% silver, and 99.9% pure silver. The value is calculated based on the silver content multiplied by the daily silver price.

Q: Are silver coins with original blue toning more valuable?

A: Yes. Natural blue toning and iridescent patina on silver coins are highly sought-after characteristics by collectors. Unprocessed original luster coins can be 20-50% more valuable than regular versions.

Recycling process

1) Clients should first provide basic information about their collections via WhatsApp (852) 98342057. You can also contact us directly via this link.
2) We will provide a preliminary quote after receiving your information.
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.
4) Confirm the sale and make payment in various forms such as bank transfer or cash.