JNDA# 07-13
| Material | Silver |
| Composition | Pure Silver |
| Weight | 31.1grams=1.09oz |
| Diameter | 40mm=1.57in |
| Year of Production | 2010(Heisei 22 year) |
These silver coins were issued to commemorate the enforcement of Japan’s Local Autonomy Law.
Each of the 47 prefectures has its own unique design.
The coins of Saga Prefecture feature Okuma Shigenobu and Imari and Arita porcelain.
Okuma Shigenobu (1838-1922) was born in Saga Prefecture. He was active during the late Edo period and the Meiji and Taisho eras, serving as Minister of Finance, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Prime Minister.
He is also famous as the founder of Tokyo Senmon Gakko (later Waseda University). He is also said to have recommended the adoption of the “yen” as the currency unit of Japan. In 2011, it was the 140th anniversary of the New Currency Ordinance (proclaimed in 1871) that established the “yen.”
Imari and Arita ware
These are traditional industries representative of Saga Prefecture and have been designated as traditional crafts of Japan.
They began in the early 17th century, and when the first Sakai Kakiemon introduced the technique of red painting (overglaze decoration), a series of colorful products were created.
The design of this coin features Kakiemon-style patterns (colored floral and crane patterns on a wheel-shaped plate). Additionally, Okuma Shigenobu played a significant role in promoting Imari and Arita ware, including supporting its exhibition at the Vienna World Exposition (1873) and facilitating its subsequent overseas exports.
