Japan 1 Yen 1889 P-26 VG

📸 Please Note: The photos show a representative example. If we have more than one in stock, your note may have a different serial number, but it will be in the same condition as described.

Hold a piece of the historic Meiji era in your hands with this incredible 1889 Japan 1 Yen note! Known as a convertible silver note, this late 19th-century currency is a profound artifact of Japan's rapid modernization and a must-have for serious Asian numismatic collectors.

⚡ Extreme Index: 7.1 / 10
Why it’s extreme: Meiji-era 1 yen from 1889, redeemable in silver — over 130 years old.

• History & drama (30%): 7.5/10
• Scarcity (25%): 7/10 (Numista rarity index 63/100)
• Wow factor (20%): 7/10
• Age (15%): 9/10
• Condition (10%): 3.5/10

The Extreme Index is Extreme Banknotes’ own collector score based on history, scarcity, curiosity, age and condition — it is not a valuation or investment rating.

Included Banknote(s):

ND (1889) Japan 1 Yen (P-26)

• History and Significance:
  Issued by the Bank of Japan (Nippon Ginko) during the Meiji Restoration, this note was originally backed by and convertible into silver coin. It represents a pivotal era when Japan was rapidly industrializing and establishing a modern, Western-style banking system while retaining its deep cultural roots.

• Design Details:
  The obverse features a highly detailed, classic portrait of the legendary Japanese hero and statesman Takeuchi Sukune, surrounded by intricate borders and Japanese text. The reverse displays a beautiful, ornate orange guilloche pattern with the English text "Nippon Ginko Promises to Pay the Bearer on Demand One Yen in Silver."

• Numismatic Features:

  • Size: 145 x 85 mm

  • Material: Paper

  • Type: Standard Circulation Banknote

  • Currency: Yen (1871-date)

  • Country: Japan

  • Issuing Authority: Bank of Japan (Nippon Ginko)

• Condition Guide:
  VG (Very Good) / Heavily Circulated. A Very Good note shows significant signs of heavy circulation, including deep folds, overall creasing, rounded corners, edge wear, and paper toning or foxing. Please note: If we have more than one in stock, your note may have a different serial number from the one photographed. This condition guide represents our overall quality standard rather than the specific flaws of the photographed note.

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