1988 Japan 500 Yen Proof - Shōwa 63

01 IDENTITY

Coin Identity

Country Japan

Denomination 500 Yen

Year 1988

Japanese Era Shōwa 63

Finish Proof

Type Standard Circulation Coin

Issuing Authority Japan

02 PHYSICAL PROFILE

Physical Specifications

Composition Copper-Nickel

Weight 7.2 g

Diameter 26.5 mm

Thickness 1.85 mm

Shape Round

Orientation Medal Alignment

03 DESIGN & STORY

Design

Obverse Paulownia plant with the name of Japan and denomination

Reverse Large 500 denomination with mandarin oranges and bamboo leaves

Edge Smooth with incused NIPPON and 500 inscription

The 500 Yen coin introduced in 1982 combines traditional Japanese plant motifs with a clear modern denomination design. The paulownia has long been associated with official Japanese symbolism, while mandarin oranges and bamboo provide a distinctly Japanese decorative character on the reverse.

This archive entry documents the Proof version dated Shōwa 63 (1988). It is distinct from Japan's 1988 commemorative 500 Yen coins issued for the opening of the Seikan Tunnel and the Seto Bridge.

04 ISSUE & MINTAGE

Issue Information

Calendar Year 1988

Japanese Date Shōwa 63

Proof Mintage 200,000

Issue Format 1988 Japan Proof Set

05 COLLECTION RECORD

Archive Information

Archive ID JP-500Y-1988-PROOF

QR Short Code jp500y88p

QR Short URL https://metacoinart.com/q/jp500y88p

06 SOURCES & REFERENCES

References

OFFICIAL SOURCE

Japan Mint

Official information and publications relating to Japanese Proof coinage and annual coin sets.

Open reference

NUMISMATIC REFERENCE

Numista

Reference data for the Shōwa 500 Yen circulation type, including specifications and the 1988 Proof issue.

Open reference