of a Japanese Dragon Silver Coin from the 3rd year of the Meiji reign (1870). Buyback | Gu Jin Jian Bao

The Meiji 3 (1870) Sun and Dragon Silver Coin is a silver coin minted in Japan during the Meiji period. Its official name is "Meiji 3 Sun Silver Dollar," but due to the sun and dragon motifs on its surface, collectors and numismatists commonly refer to it as the "Sun and Dragon Japanese Silver Coin" or simply "Dragon Silver Coin."

1. Issuance Background: Meiji 3 (1870) marked the early stages of Japan's Meiji Restoration, a period when Japan began economic and monetary reforms. The Sun and Dragon Japanese Silver Coin was an important silver coin issued after Japan adopted Western monetary systems, aiming to unify the country's currency system.

2. Design Elements: Obverse: Typically features a coiled dragon, symbolizing power and royalty, with "Meiji 3" inscribed around the outer rim. The center of the coin bears a sun motif, symbolizing Japan's status as the "Land of the Rising Sun." Reverse: Features Japanese characters indicating the denomination and the issuing authority, "Government of Japan." The reverse design may vary slightly depending on the year.

3. Specifications and Denominations: Depending on the year of issue, Meiji-era Sun and Dragon Silver Coins came in various denominations, commonly including one yen, half yen, and twenty sen. The specifications and weights of these silver coins also varied.

4. Historical Significance: This series of silver coins represents Japan's economic modernization process after the Meiji Restoration and is an important part of Japan's modern monetary history. The Meiji 3 Dragon Silver Coin not only served as currency but also reflected the social changes and Westernization influences in Japan at the time.

In-Depth Analysis: Minting Craftsmanship and Specifications of the Meiji 3 (1870) Sun and Dragon Japanese Silver Coin

To help collectors more accurately understand the weight and dimensions of the 1870 Sun Silver Dollar and its physical characteristics, we have compiled detailed specifications for each denomination of Dragon Silver Coin issued in Meiji 3. As the beginning of Japan's modern coinage, its minting standards strictly referenced advanced Western techniques, which is also an important criterion for evaluating the investment and collection value of old silver coins.

Denomination	Material Purity	Standard Weight (g)	Standard Diameter (mm)	Edge Features	Issuance Characteristics & Market Rarity
1 Yen	90% Silver / 10% Copper	26.96g	38.9mm	Reeded (some with plain edge varieties)	As the standard currency coin, it is the largest in size, most exquisitely crafted, and a core target sought after by collectors.
50 Sen	80% Silver / 20% Copper	12.50g	31.5mm	Reeded	Early circulation resulted in significant wear and tear, making high-grade specimens relatively scarce.
20 Sen	80% Silver / 20% Copper	5.00g	23.5mm	Reeded	Numerous varieties exist; differences in fonts or dragon scale details can affect purchase prices.
10 Sen	80% Silver / 20% Copper	2.50g	17.5mm	Reeded	Auxiliary coin, frequently used in daily transactions; pristine examples with full scales and luster are rarely seen.
5 Sen	80% Silver / 20% Copper	1.25g	15.0mm	Reeded	Extremely small in size, difficult to mint; the micro-engraving of the sun totem and dragon pattern is highly ornamental.

Impact of Coin Grading on Japanese Dragon Silver Coin Purchase Prices

In today's antique silver coin market, Meiji Dragon Silver coin varieties and condition are the two core factors determining price. When providing high-price acquisition services, we strictly refer to the standards of international authoritative grading agencies (such as PCGS, NGC):

1. Uncirculated Grade (MS Grade - Mint State): The coin surface retains its original mint luster, dragon scales are fully struck with no wear, and the sun pattern's rays are complete. These exceptionally rare Meiji 3 Dragon Silver coins repeatedly fetch high prices at auctions and possess top-tier old silver coin investment and collection potential.
2. Extremely Fine / About Uncirculated (XF/AU): Shows only minor signs of circulation, with slight wear on high points (such as raised areas of the dragon's body), but the overall design remains clear, and the fields are free from significant scratches. This condition level is currently the mainstream in the high-end collector's market.
3. Common and Repaired Coins: If the silver coin shows obvious cleaning marks (cleaned coin), deep scratches, edge nicks (dents), or has been mounted as jewelry, its purchase price will be significantly reduced. Therefore, the correct antique coin preservation method should be to avoid touching the coin surface with bare hands and to store it in a dry, acid-free protective holder, never using copper polish or chemical agents to wipe it.

The Meiji 3 Sun and Dragon Japanese Silver Coin is one of the representative coins of modern Japan, highly cherished by collectors for its historical background and unique design. Gujin Jianbao specializes in buying back Meiji 3 Sun and Dragon Japanese Silver Coins, offering free appraisal, professional quotes, door-to-door service, and cash transactions. If you have any silver coins for sale, please feel free to contact us.

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