General Question

anartist's avatar

Anyone here know enough Chinese to tell me what it says on this medallion I have?

Asked by anartist (14813points) October 3rd, 2012

See the picture here.

Observing members: 0 Composing members: 0

5 Answers

_Whitetigress's avatar

Well it definitely reads “One Yen” so there’s a start.

lifeflame's avatar

Front = 1 yen
On the back it reads, Japanese Meji (era) eighth year.
A coin of some sort?

anartist's avatar

It is a large thing, about 4 inches across and ¼ inch thick. It has remnants of a gold wash on it. Seemed like it was commemorative of something.

So now at least I know it is Japanese, not Chinese, although it came from a Chinese gentleman.

anartist's avatar

Very interesting. The eighth year of the Meiji era was 1876, the year Japan used “Gunboat diplomacy” to force Korea into an unequal treaty and also pre-empt westerners from establishing a dominant relationship with Korea.

Thanks all, for pointing me in the right direction. I still do not understand the imagery on the piece. It looks like a lot of crustaceans and other marine life.

CarterChen's avatar

It reads ten thousand Yen. On the back it reads Great Japan Meiji era eight year

Answer this question

Login

or

Join

to answer.

This question is in the General Section. Responses must be helpful and on-topic.

Your answer will be saved while you login or join.

Have a question? Ask Fluther!

What do you know more about?
or
Knowledge Networking @ Fluther