Japan Mint Issues Latest In "47 Prefectures" Silver Coin Series

The Japan Mint has issued the 4th in it's captivating and popular silver coin series dedicated to the 47 prefectures of Japan. This release, the first for 2009, honors the Nagano prefecture. As with previous silver proof coins in this series there is a standard issue coin as well as a "deluxe" version that includes a commemorative stamp set.


Japan 2009 1000¥ Nagano Silver Proof

Originally known as the province of Shinano, Nagano prefecture is best known internationally as being the host of the 1998 Winter Olympic Games. It is situated amongst the Japan Alps in the Chūbu region of the island of Honshū, and is the 4th largest prefecture in Japan. It can also claim to being surrounded by more prefectures than any other in Japan, as well as being home to 9 out of the 12 highest mountain peaks in Japan. Within the mountainous highland of Nagano is Kamikochi, a small town that is popular point for tourists looking to visit the alps.

The reverse design of this latest prefecture coin features a beautifully designed full-colour depiction of the area near Kamikochi with the Japan Alps in the background. The scene is taken from early spring and as such the snow-capped mountains are visible together with the bright green foliage of the foothills. In the foreground, stretching from one side of the coin to the other is the Kappa-bashi bridge, which takes people across the Azusa-river. The bridge is a symbol of the Kamikochi region and a popular spot for viewing the landscape, and the name Kappa-bashi roughly translates to "Water Goblin Bridge". The obverse, common to all silver proof coins in this series, features traditional Japanese images such as cherry blossoms, snow flakes and a crescent moon, together with the nominal face value.

Japan 2009 1000¥ Nagano Silver Proof With Stamps

Each coin is struck from 31.10 grams (1 ounce) of 92.5% silver on a 40.00mm flan in glorious proof quality. There are two issues of this beautiful prefecture coin available. The standard issue features the coin encapsulated and housed in an official Japan Mint display case and information pack which doubles as the Certificate of Authenticity. The Deluxe edition has the coin housed in a special presentation coin pack together with a special commemorative set of 5 80 Yen stamps, each depicting an different area of Nagano prefecture, with the main stamp showing a replica of the coin design. A Certificate of Authenticity is also included with this edition.

Euro Collections International currently has stock available of both the Japan 2009 1000¥ Nagano Silver Proof and the Japan 2009 1000¥ Nagano Silver Proof With Stamps. Previous issues in this highly popular series have sold out at speed so we recommend an early order to avoid disappointment.

Japan 2009 1000¥ Nagano Silver Proof