2019 Japan 7-Piece Annual Proof Set – Emperor Akihito

2019 Japan Proof Set–The End of an Era

In April of 2019, His Highness Emperor Akihito of Japan abdicated his throne. Since the Emperor is referenced on Japanese coinage, that makes this 2019 Proof set the last of its kind. In fact, an entirely separate 2019 Proof Set referencing the new Emperor will be issued before the year is out! Now we have a limited number of 2019 Japan Proof Sets in stock, but there's no telling for how long.

Much like the U.S. Mint, the Japan Mint also issues spectacular Proof Sets each year. The set includes proof versions of each circulating coin issued by Japan – the 500-Yen, 100-Yen, 50-Yen, 10-Yen, 5-Yen and 1-Yen coins. These legal-tender coins were expertly crafted by the mint from hand-selected planchets, polished dies and multiple strikes to produce beautifully frosted details rising over mirror-like fields. Each set will also come in an official mint box and presentation case.

The seventh piece of the set is a rectangular copper medal set into the center of the packaging depicting the year date along with a paulownia flower. The paulownia tree is significant in Japanese culture – it was once customary to plant one upon the birth of a daughter, and then use the resulting tree's wood to carve her a present for her wedding day.

As the first emperor to abdicate in more than 200 years, Akihito has captured the attention of not just Japan and its Asian neighbors but the entire world itself. His life, reign and decision to retire is a massive history-making event. Demand is already incredibly high for this annual release – and there's no telling how hot it'll become with this important cultural change. That's why these coins are sure to become one of 2019's biggest international issues. Hurry and secure yours now!

• THE EMPEROR STEPS DOWN – Emperor Akihito, who has been ruling Emperor of Japan for 30 years, has announced that he would abdicate from his position in April of 2019. He is passing the title on to his son, Naruhito. It's the first time in more than 200 years that the Emperor of Japan has abdicated.

• SPECIAL COPPER MEDAL – Each Proof Set comes with a special, one-year-only copper medal depicting the year date along with a paulownia flower. The paulownia tree is significant in Japanese culture.

• FULL SET – The coins in this set come in proof versions of the circulating coins issued in Japan for 2019.

• LAST YEAR OF ISSUE – As the current Emperor, Emperor Akihito, is stepping down, a second Proof Set will be struck sometime later in 2019 dedicated to the new Emperor.

Since these coins reference the Emperor, 2019 will see a second Proof set that references the new Emperor. Don't miss out on this "last-year-of-issue" variety!