On 10th May, the Japanese Ministry of Finance announced that it’s going to release a circulating commemorative ringed-bimetallic 500-yen coin and a 10,000-yen gold coin to honour their new emperor, Naruhito. The obverse side of the 500-yen coin features the imperial throne, while that of the gold coin depicts a phoenix and clouds. The reverse side of both coins show the chrysanthemum crest of the Imperial House, decorated by Japanese cherry birch and Japanese rose.

The 7.1 grams 500-yen coin has a diameter of 26.5 millimetres and a mintage limit of 5 million pieces, out of which, 30,000 will be offered in a special version. The 20 grams Proof .999 fine gold coin has a diameter of 28 millimetres and a mintage limit of 50,000 pieces. The 500-yen coin will be released in October, but the release date for the gold coin has not yet been announced.

Naruhito ascended to the Chrysanthemum Throne on 1st May in place of his father, Akihito, who abdicated on 30th April.

Image Courtesy: The Japanese Ministry of Finance