Thanks to Kuhli I finished a subset. Pictures added

satootoko · January 26, 2004 8:22AM

Just got my package from Scott, including a thin planchet 1943 aluminum yen, which filled the last hole in the Showa era 1 sen series (1927-45, consisting of 2 bronze, 3 aluminum, 1 zinc, & 1 baked clay coins).

Edited to add the pictures Askari asked for

Y#47, 23mm bronze, Showa 2-13 (1927-38)

Y#55, 23mm bronze, Showa 13 (1938)

Y#56, .9g, 17mm, Showa 13-15 (1938-40)

Y#59, .65g, 16mm, Showa 16-18 (1941-43)
Identical obverse and reverse with
Y#59a, .5g, 16mm, Showa 18 (1943)

A comparison of the planchet thickness on Y#59/59a

Y#62, 15mm tin-zinc, Showa 19-20 (1944-45) (Guess which one is first in line for an upgrade

)

KM#110, 15mm, Showa 20 (1945 reddish brown baked clay, also known to exist in chocolate brown and (rare) white. Produced in the final days of World War II and believed to have circulated in Central Japan for a few days. (5 sen and 10 sen versions also exist)

Askari · January 26, 2004 8:24AM

Congratulations!!!

Uh ... where's the pics? We want pics!!

satootoko · January 27, 2004 1:45AM

ttt

Askari · January 27, 2004 1:57AM

Thanks for the pics!! Quite impressive!!! It's amazing the condition these older coins can be found in -- the Showa 13 looks almost like brass. I find the baked clay/porcelain types intriguing. They're so fragile and this type circulated so briefly. The tin-zinc one will be somewhat challenging to upgrade. The alloy doesn't stand up to handling well. Altogether, it's a very nice accomplishment to put together a nice set like these!! Congratulations again!!!

Lloyd · January 27, 2004 2:58AM

Baked Clay?

Apart from the mentioned, what do we know about them? How many minted? Were they kept as souvenirs or just smashed up as a bad memory? So many questions....

EDITED TO ADD: Nice coins too... I've ordered a few from him - if he'll ship to good ol' Blighty.

L