500 yen coin (commemorative)

In addition to being used as circulating currency, this denomination has also been used to make commemorative coins struck by the Japan Mint.

These coins are intended for collectors only and were never issued for circulation.

Throughout the coin's history, the Japan Mint has issued 500 yen coins commemorating the various subjects of Japan's history.

Early commemorative coins minted under the Shōwa era have their dates of reign written in Kanji script.

This practice was later replaced by adding Arabic numerals to reflect the current Emperor's year of reign.