Japanese 1 Yen

1870-Present • Japan • ¥1

About This Coin

The 1 Yen coin is Japan's smallest denomination coin, made entirely of aluminum and so light it floats on water. Modern issues feature a young tree symbolizing growth and prosperity.

Specifications

Composition

100% Aluminum

Weight

1 gram

Diameter

20 mm

Edge

Plain

Designer

Japan Mint

Mintage

Billions (common)

Estimated Values by Condition

Condition	Estimated Value
Poor (P)	$0.01
Good (G)	$0.02
Fine (F)	$0.05
Very Fine (VF)	$0.10
Extremely Fine (EF/XF)	$0.25
Uncirculated (MS)	$1-3 (older dates)

* Values are estimates based on market data and may vary significantly based on specific condition, mint mark, and market demand.

Identification Tips

The modern 1 Yen features a young tree on the obverse with the year in Japanese numerals (Showa, Heisei, or Reiwa era). The reverse shows the denomination "1" and "円" (yen). The coin is incredibly light and will float on water. Older pre-1989 coins show Showa era dates.

Historical Context

The aluminum 1 Yen was introduced in 1955 to replace the earlier silver and bronze versions. It became the lightest circulating coin in the world. Despite inflation, Japan has retained this small denomination coin for cultural reasons - many vending machines and transactions still use 1 Yen coins.

Notable Varieties

Showa era (1955-1989)
Heisei era (1989-2019)
Reiwa era (2019-present)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the 1 Yen coin float?

The 1 Yen is made of pure aluminum and weighs only 1 gram. Aluminum has a density lower than water when shaped as a coin, so it floats. This makes it the only regular circulation coin in the world that floats.

Are 1 Yen coins valuable?

Most modern 1 Yen coins are worth face value (less than 1 US cent). Early Showa era coins from the 1950s-60s in uncirculated condition can be worth $5-20 to collectors. Proof sets containing 1 Yen coins are more valuable.