Nagasaki is the latest coin in the Japan Mints epic 47 Prefectures series. Each coin celebrates one of the 47 regions of Japan with imagery that is most associated with it. Available in a single coin set or as a deluxe set with five stamps, just 10% of the admittedly quite hefty 100,000 mintage is available outside of Japan. There have been some really nice coins in this series and it was actually one of the first Coin Series Profiles we ever did, certainly one that was a lot of work to put together at the time. We’ve just revamped it slightly and added all the coins right up to Nagasaki, the 44th.

We’ve got images of the final three that we’ll add to the guide soon, and we’re just waiting for some better images of the beautiful wooden collectors box that holds the whole set. At 55,000 Yen however, it isn’t cheap. All in all, a fine set and a great look at this ancient and interesting country. Head on over to the guide for a good look at all the coins released to date, although released is perhaps not quite the word as Nagasaki doesn’t ship until January.

MINTS DESCRIPTION

44TH NAGASAKIImage of Nagasaki-logo

Oura Cathedral: This Western-style building, constructed in 1864, is the oldest extant church building in Japan, and has been designated as a National Treasure. It is also the historical site where the existence of hidden Christians (kirishitan), members of a community that had secretly practiced its faith throughout the approximately 250-year period from the 16th century to the mid-19th century when Christianity was strictly prohibited, was rediscovered when they confessed their faith, an event regarded as miraculous in the history of world religions. It is one of the sites comprising the Churches and Christian Sites in Nagasaki, which were proposed for inclusion on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 2015.

Camellias: The official flower of Nagasaki Prefecture, camellias are familiar to many as the prefectural symbol. Wild Japanese camellias (Camellia japonica) are widespread in the Goto Islands in particular, and they are one of the leading sources for camellia oil production in Japan.

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SPECIFICATION

DENOMINATION COMPOSITION WEIGHT DIAMETER FINISH MINTAGE BOX / COA
1,000 YEN 0.999 SILVER 31.1 g 40.00 mm PROOF 100,000 YES / YES