Security features of the 500-Yen Coin
Bicolor clad coin combining different kinds of metal
Complex two-color, three-layer structure
Bicolor clad coins are made by using a combination of bicolor and clad technologies: first, the central disc of the coin is made by sandwiching a metal layer between two plates of a different kind of metal and then fitting the disc into a ring made of another kind of metal.
Combining different kinds of metal helps distinguish more accurately between genuine and counterfeit coins.
Bicolor clad coins are made by using a combination of bicolor and clad technologies: first, the central disc of the coin is made by sandwiching a metal layer between two plates of a different kind of metal and then fitting the disc into a ring made of another kind of metal.
Combining different kinds of metal helps distinguish more accurately between genuine and counterfeit coins.
Micro lettering inscribed on the rim of the coin
The latest technology is used to make micro letters clearly visible to the naked eye. Micro lettering is highly effective in preventing counterfeiting.
The world’s first helical ridges with two different pitches
This innovation is a more sophisticated version of the helical ridges that are designed to deter counterfeiting by milling the coin’s edge helically. By providing some parts of the coin’s edge with helical ridges shaped differently from those applied to the other parts, anti-counterfeiting is enhanced greatly, both technically and visually.
The 500 yen bicolor clad coin is the world’s first mass-produced coin with helical ridges with two different pitches.
Latent images hidden in the numbers increase security.
The letters become visible only when seen from certain angles.The images seem to appear and disappear depending on the angle of viewing, which is caused by the difference in brightness of the reflected light.
Outstanding craftsmanship behind the micro dots on the paulownia leaves
Micro dots are microscopic holes made in the central part of the coin’s pattern (paulownia) to prevent the pattern from being copied and deter counterfeiting.
The latest microfabrication technology is used to create these micro dots, which are highly effective at preventing counterfeiting.
Micro stripe finer than a human hair: the wonders of the micro world
Micro stripes form a fan shape around the letters “日本国 (Japan)” and “五百円 (500 yen)” at the top and bottom of the coin.
The latest technology in metalworking has made it possible to engrave a stripe finer than a human hair. The micro stripes are highly effective in preventing counterfeiting.