Half a million Maboroshi (phantom) ceramic coins, produced during World War II due to metal shortages, have been found in a Kyoto warehouse.
These long-lost relics were circulated briefly and were thought to have been destroyed after the war. The coins are all one sen (1 cent), measure approximately 15 mm in diameter and are adorned with Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms.
The coins were discovered in August 2023, stashed in 15 wooden boxes at Shofu Inc.’s Kyoto site, the former Shofu Industry Corporation, which had crafted them during the war. Shofu’s representative expressed shock at the find, remarking, “There are unexpected things in unexpected places.” Shofu Industries Corp. were specialist ceramicists and manufactured high-quality porcelain teeth at the time. They were one of three companies designated as offices of the Mint to produce ceramic coinage.
The Mint owned the coins, which were passed back to them recently. In return, the Mint gifted 100 ceramic coins, mounted in a display frame with a letter of appreciation to Matsukaze Co., Ltd.
The Japan Mint plans to showcase this remarkable cache at its museum, offering a rare glimpse into an unusual chapter of wartime coinage. “This discovery holds great historical value,” a Mint official said. “It sheds light on a little-known period of Japan’s coin-making history.”
More information about the ceramic coins can be found in the booklet ‘Maboroshi – Japanese Ceramic Coinage’ by Gregory Hale. This world-leading booklet documents the design and production and showcases 15 sets. The book was made with the assistance of Japan Mint staff and experts in ceramics. It is the most extensive resource ever produced.