About the 500,000 Maboroshi (Phantom) Ceramic Coins
In a fascinating discovery, over 500,000 ceramic coins, known as “Maboroshi” or “phantom” coins, were recently uncovered at a former ceramic factory in Kyoto, Japan. These coins were produced during World War II to address a severe metal shortage, as most metals were diverted to the war effort for munitions production.
The History Behind the Ceramic Coins
Manufactured by Shofu Industry Corporation, the coins were crafted from ceramic instead of metal and were in denominations of a single “sen,” with a diameter of 15 millimeters. One side of each coin is decorated with Mount Fuji, while the other features cherry blossoms. The value of one “sen” is approximately 1/100th of a yen, or about 0.7 cents.
Shofu, a company known for its high-quality porcelain, was one of only three companies authorized by the Japan Mint to produce these ceramic substitutes. However, despite their brief circulation, the coins were mostly destroyed after the war, earning them the nickname “phantom coins.”
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A Rare and Significant Discovery
The discovery of such a large quantity of these coins is extremely rare. They were found packed into 15 wooden boxes, alongside ceramic tea sets and plates that had been made for export. The coins were recently returned to the Japan Mint, which now plans to display them at its museum and branches in Saitama and Hiroshima.
This unprecedented find sheds light on a little-known chapter of Japan’s wartime history, offering both historical and cultural insights. According to the Japan Mint, the coins’ discovery holds great historical value, and their exhibition will offer visitors a unique look at wartime coinage and the innovative solutions used during metal shortages.
The Legacy of Phantom Coins
This rare discovery not only highlights Japan’s resourcefulness during the war but also serves as a reminder of the extraordinary historical events that shaped everyday life during World War II.
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