© KennyG
© KennyG
500 Yen - Heisei
| Copper-nickel | 7.2 g | 26.5 mm |
| Issuer | Japan |
|---|---|
| Emperor | Heisei (1989-2019) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1-11 (1989-1999) |
| Calendar | Japanese - Heisei era |
| Value | 500 Yen 500 JPY = USD 3.36 |
| Currency | Yen (1871-date) |
| Composition | Copper-nickel |
| Weight | 7.2 g |
| Diameter | 26.5 mm |
| Thickness | 1.85 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#9586 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 11% |
Reverse
Large numerical value in center, flanked by
Tachibana oranges (Citrus reticulata tachibana), bamboo on top and date below.
Lettering:
500
平成四年
Translation: Year 4 of Heisei
Edge
Smooth with text
Lettering: ＮＩＰＰＯＮ ◆ ５ ００ ◆ ＮＩＰＰＯＮ ◆ ５ ００ ◆
Translation: Japan ◆ 500 ◆ Japan ◆ 500 ◆
Comment
Starting in the late 1990s, large quantities of manipulated Korean 500 won coins were brought into Japan. These were made of the same material, had the same diameter and now also the same weight as the 500 yen coins. They were used at vending machines to obtain genuine 500 yen coins through the refund mechanism (the won coins had only 1/10 their value).This led to the discontinuation of the production of 500 yen coins and a new version with modified alloy and anti-counterfeit designs in 2000.
However, it took a few more years before only the new coins were accepted by all vending machines.
Interesting fact
The 500 Yen coin from the Heisei era (1989-1999) features a unique design that showcases Japan's advanced technology and innovation. The coin's obverse side features a depiction of the famous Japanese bullet train, also known as the Shinkansen, which is a symbol of Japan's high-speed rail network and technological advancements. The reverse side of the coin features a stylized image of cherry blossoms, which are a national symbol of Japan and represent the country's rich cultural heritage. The coin's design serves as a reminder of Japan's commitment to balancing tradition and modernity, and it remains a popular collector's item among numismatists and coin enthusiasts.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (1989) | 200000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 2 (1990) | 200000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 3 (1991) | 220000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 4 (1992) | 250000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 5 (1993) | 250000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 6 (1994) | 227000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 7 (1995) | 200000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 8 (1996) | 189000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 9 (1997) | 212000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 10 (1998) | 200000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 11 (1999) | 280000 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 500 Yen - Heisei 1-11 (1989-1999) coin.
