A few days ago I mentioned the 2023 Japan coins proof set that comes with some silver coins/metals.
I think today I'd write up more details about these sets and give some links in case you want to order one or all three.
There are three sets. We'll look at them one by one.
The three sets are:
- 2023 Japan Coin Set
- 2023 Cherry Blossom Viewing BU set
- 2023 Cherry Blossom Viewing Proof Set
To start with, all three 2023 proof sets contain the six Japanese coins that are currently in circulation. These are ¥1, ¥5, ¥10, ¥50, ¥100, and ¥500. The two cheaper sets give the six coins in BU condition, while the more expensive set is a proof set.
Beyond that difference, where they really differ is the set theme and the silver coin/metal that comes with them. Let's look at each in turn.
The rabbits on the cover of the set are because 2023 is the year of the rabbit in the asian zodiac. I assume they are viewing the moon because in Japan when we look at the moon the pattern visible from here and its alignment is said to look like a rabbit pounding mochi.
From WikipediaFrom Wikipedia
The other designs on the case are nice enough, and the six coins are arranged and displayed nicely. The standout is this:
The mint website says it is pure silver, approximately 4.3 g. The shiny surface is made by making microgrooves on the surface that reflect light in different directions, giving it that multicolor shine.
The price is ¥2,819 plus whatever shipping is to your country. That is roughly $19, to give you some idea. 4.3g of silver is about $3.19 at the current price, so you aren't exactly getting a good deal if you are buying it only for silver stacking, but there could be some collectable value here.
The cherry blossom theme is nice enough. Evidently the photos and theme are from the Osaka cherry blossom event that opened in 1883. I've never been to Osaka during cherry blossom season so I have no experience here.
The silver metal in this set is similar to the first one. The same 4.3 g of pure silver. This time it has a nice rabbit and cherry blossom design.
This one is a little cheaper than the former, at ¥2,364 (about $16)
The same six common coins as the above sets, but in proof condition, and again with the cherry blossom theme.
The silver here is this coin:
It's a nice design. I'm not too crazy about the obverse, but the reverse where they limit the color to just the cherry blossom petals, that is really nice.
The coin is 92.5% silver and weighs around 20g. That's 18.5 g of silver in there, which is about $13.72 in value.
This third set is much more expensive than the other two, coming in at ¥14,091 (around $94). Pretty pricy!
If you want to order any of these, here are the order pages for orders coming from outside Japan:
I'm thinking about ordering the first set. The silver metal is nice and I like the rabbit theme of the set. If I order it then I'll show it off here when it arrives.
Looks like all three sets are limited, so if you want one, hurry!
| David LaSpina is an American photographer and translator lost in Japan, trying to capture the beauty of this country one photo at a time and searching for the perfect haiku. |
