JAPAN. Copper Sen Pattern, Year 5 (1916). Osaka Mint. Yoshihito (Taisho). NGC MS-66 Brown.

KM-Pn41; JNDA-Unlisted; JC-Unlisted; Jacobs/Vermeule-Unlisted; Bank of Japan Collection-Unlisted. Though bearing a passing resemblance to the circulation strikes that would later be adopted, this pattern issue differs substantially, lacking any floral garlanding on the reverse and transposing to the reverse those letters normally seen on the obverse. Some fiery mint red can be seen underneath the brown, with some reflectivity remaining as well. With almost no evidence of contact and essentially perfect strike quality, this Gem is certainly amongst the most desirable Japanese patterns. Essentially unrivaled in stature, just one other of this type certified, a PCGS example in SPECIMEN-64.

Ex: Dr. Norman Jacobs Collection.

Estimate: USD 8000-12000