Understanding the 500 yen coin worth in Japan

In Japan, the 500 yen coin is a widely used denomination, but its worth is more than just its face value. The coin is made of a nickel-brass alloy, which is a combination of 75% copper, 20% zinc, and 5% nickel.

This unique composition makes the 500 yen coin resistant to corrosion and wear, allowing it to maintain its value over time. As a result, the coin can be found in good condition even after years of circulation.

The 500 yen coin is also one of the most widely accepted denominations in Japan, making it a convenient choice for everyday transactions. You can use it to buy everything from snacks to souvenirs at shops and restaurants across the country.

The 500 yen coin has undergone a significant change in its composition over the years. Nickel-brass replaced cupronickel, giving the coins a slightly golden appearance.

This metallic change made it easier for vending machines to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit coins.

The weight of the 500 yen coin was lowered from 7.2g to 7g, and the thickness from 1.85 to 1.81 mm.

Cupronickel is a type of metal alloy used to make coins, and it's worth noting that the 500 yen coin is made of this material.

The cupronickel 500 yen coin features a paulownia crest on its obverse side, which is a symbol of good luck.

The diameter of the cupronickel 500 yen coin is set at 26.5 mm, and its thickness is measured at 1.85 mm.

The production of cupronickel 500 yen coins ended in 1999 due to incidents of counterfeit coins being used to rig vending machines.

The 500 yen coin was first minted with nickel-brass in 2000 as a replacement for cupronickel.

This change gave the coins a slightly golden appearance.

The 500 yen coin has a distinctive design that sets it apart from other Japanese coins. The coin features a gold-colored ring on the outside, with a silver center.

This design element is meant to represent the country's rich cultural heritage and its connection to the imperial family.

The bi-metallic yen coin is a remarkable example of modern currency design. It features a bi-metallic three-layer structure, similar to European coinage, with a silvery cupronickel center and a golden nickel-brass outer ring.

The coin's unique design allows for two different colors to be visible, earning it the name "bicolor clad". This distinctive look is a result of the contour edging with helical ridges that have varied shaping.

One of the interesting aspects of the bi-metallic yen is that its diameter remains the same as it has been since 1982, despite an increase in weight of 0.1g. This subtle change is a testament to the precision of modern currency design.

The cost of redesigning the 500 yen coin was estimated to be a staggering 490 billion yen, which included the refurbishment of cash handling equipment. The COVID-19 pandemic pushed back the initial circulation schedule, which was initially set for April to September 2021.

The new coins were finally released into circulation in early November 2021, but old coins are still considered legal tender, and their cupronickel and nickel-brass composition is still valid.

The Japanese 500 Yen coin has some fascinating features that make it a unique and interesting piece of currency. The coin was issued by Japan.

The Emperor who reigned during the Heisei era, from 1989 to 2019, is credited with overseeing the production of these coins. The Heisei era was a significant period in Japanese history.

Standard circulation coins are the type of coins that the Japanese 500 Yen coin belongs to. This means that they are widely available and accepted in everyday transactions.

The Japanese 500 Yen coin was produced from 2000 to 2019. This time period is a significant aspect of the coin's history.

The coin uses the Japanese calendar, specifically the Heisei era calendar, to denote the year of its production. This is a unique feature that sets it apart from other coins.

The value of the Japanese 500 Yen coin is 500 Yen, which is equivalent to approximately USD 3.30. This is a significant amount of money in Japanese currency.

Here are the specifications of the Japanese 500 Yen coin:

In Japan, some stores in business and shopping districts offer customers "one-coin" services for a single ¥500 piece. These services include lunch sets, parking, dry cleaning, and meeting room rentals.

You can even find 100-yen stores that provide one-coin shopping convenience, but be prepared to settle the tally after adding consumption tax.

A single ¥500 coin can go a long way in Japan, making it a convenient option for small purchases.