TCV Roundtable Blog

100 Greatest Modern World Coins Series: Japan 1903 Meiji Gold 20 Yen

A rare issue during a reformation period is in the spotlight as we continue our blog series following along with Whitman Publishing’s 100 Greatest Modern World Coins. Authors Charles Morgan and Hubert Walker will guide us through the makings of the rarity as well as the timing of it.

#34 – Japan 1903 Meiji Gold 20 Yen

When Mutsohito, or Emperor Meiji, took the throne in early 1867 as a young teenager, no one expected him to be one of the most significant rulers in Asian history. During his reign, the country of Japan was forever changed as its dated feudal system was eventually replaced by a new imperial system. The new system gave the emperor ruling authority but also gave way for the creation of bicameral legislature (or legislature with two houses/chambers) and an independent judiciary.

What is referred to as the Meiji Restoration, the system emulated European...read more