Hold a rare piece of Japanese wartime history with this prototype 10 sen ceramic coin. Measuring 22.8mm in diameter and weighing 2.6g, this experimental piece offers a unique look into an unusual moment in monetary design.
By 1945, near the end of World War II, Japan's metal shortages had reached a breaking point. The Mint turned to private ceramic factories to serve as outside production sites, testing coin designs in 1, 5, and 10 sen denominations.
These ceramic coins were never issued for public circulation. Before a final design could be settled on, the mint produced numerous trial prototypes, and this coin is one of those test pieces: a tangible artifact from a pivotal chapter in Japanese history.
Prototype 10-Sen Ceramic Coin No. 1. Diameter: 22.8 mm. Weight: 2.6 g.
Produced as one of many trial pieces made before a final official design was selected. During the final stage of World War II in 1945, severe metal shortages led to the manufacture of ceramic coinage prototypes, including 1-, 5-, and 10-sen denominations. These were produced by private ceramic factories mobilized as outside plants of the Mint Bureau, but were never issued.
