Japan / Constitutional Monarchy ND (1873) 2 Yen Great Imperial Japanese Circulating Note

The Ministry of Finance introduced notes in denominations between 10 sen and 100 yen in 1872. In 1873 “Imperial Japanese Paper Currency” followed in denominations of 1 yen up to 20 yen. “Imperial Japanese Paper Money” was again issued between 1881 and 1883 in denominations between 20 sen and 10 yen.

This “Paper Currency” issue was printed by the Continental Bank Note Company of New York which may explain why it looks so much like US currency. It features black printing of a warrior in armor on the left and right of the front of the note and a vignette of a castle gateway in green and black on the back. The number of the issuing bank can be found on the face of the note, at the lower center.

Image courtesy of Heritage Auctions.