1265) Annual Proof and Mint Sets, Japan: Coin sets and coins, which will be available to collectors through 2020, together-with complimenting medals:

1265) Annual Proof and Mint Sets, Japan: Coin sets and coins, which will be available to collectors through 2020, together-with complimenting medals:

The Mint of Japan is bringing out its collection of Proof and Mint sets which includes Presentation Folders for special occasions. The 2020-dated sets incudes the denotation of the second year of "Reiwa", named after Emperor Naruhito's regnal era, which began in 05/2019.

500 Yen Nickel-Brass Coin: 2000-2020:

2020 marks the 20th year since the current 500-Yen Nickel-brass coin was issued. The coin incorporates four types of anti-counterfeiting technology such as - latent imaging, helical ridges, microdots and micro stripes and was first minted in 2000.

A new bimetallic 500 Yen Coin is being minted incorporating new anti-counterfeiting measures. This coin will be issued from the first half of 2021.

Coin Sets - Mint set 2020: Lunar Zodiac (Brilliant Uncirculated) Coin Set:

Each coin set includes the currently circulating denominations from 1 to 500-Yen and all six coins are accompanied by a special collector medal that is determined by the Coin-set's theme (described later in this post).

Collector's have a choice of either acquiring the Proof Set Medal in the Presentation Pack or choose a Proof Set, without the Medal.

The Lunar Zodiac Mint Coin set - 2020 with medal.

Lunar Zodiac Medal Featuring the Rat:

On the Obverse, the Medal depicts three  rats together-with a lucky bell signifying the ringing in of the Lunar New Year.

On the Reverse, the Medal includes the Year 2020 along with the denotation of the lunar zodiac in Japanese characters.

The Brass medal measures 27.0 mm in diameter/size and weighs 7.5 grams.

Coin Sets - Mint Set: The Technology (Brilliant Uncirculated) Coin set:

This set includes a square-shaped silver medal measuring 17.5 mm and weighs 4.36 grams. Its metal composition is .999 Fineness Silver (Ag). It is struck using a technique which includes treating the surface with iridescent colour, highlighting different parts of the design that changes colour when viewed from different angles.

                    The technology orientation medal

The Obverse includes a depiction of the "Rising Sun" motif seen on the National Flag.

The Reverse features traditional and contemporary patterns which change colour due to the technical processes of minting involved.

Coin Sets - Mint Set: The Happy Anniversary (Brilliant Uncirculated) Coin Set:

This Coin Set features a presentation, where one can include a photograph for a special occasion and writing a personal message.

This set includes a .999 Fineness Silver (Ag) medal, measuring 22.0 mm in diameter and weighing 4.0 grams. 

On the Obverse, the medal design depicts a gift box.

On the Reverse, the medal design recreates elements of the folder's geometric patterns seen featured on the outside.

The Happy Anniversary Silver Medal


Coin Sets - 2020 - Mint set: Proof Quality Set:

This Coin set is housed in a frame, which is encased in a leather folder and heavy-gauge card slip-case.

The Proof sets are available with or without the Proof Bronze rectangular shaped medal.

Links to interesting posts on Coins & Banknotes of Japan:

1) Coins and Currency/Banknotes of the Japanese Yen

2) The Era of "Reiwa", Japan: New Banknotes and Coins will be introduced by the Bank of Japan to bring in the new Era in Japanese monarchy: Banknote issue scheduled for 2024; Coin issue scheduled for 2021

3) Japanese Trade Dollars: Niue Island in partnership with East India Company Bullion Ltd. has issued the fourth coin in the five-coin series titled "The trade dollar collection" depicting five Trade Dollar Coins which shaped commerce in various parts of the world: A Gold 250 Dollar and a Silver 1 Dollar issued in 2019

4) Annual Proof and Mint Sets, Japan: Coin sets and Coins, which will be available to cellectors through 2020, together-with complimenting medals