101007 | JAPAN. Birth of Crown Prince Akihito silver Medal.

101007 | JAPAN. Akihito silver Medal. Issued Shōwa 8 (1933). Commemorating the birth of the crown prince (60mm, 87.51 g, 12). Japan mint.

 

"Birth of the Crown Prince Commemorative" in seal script, koinobori (carp windsock) billowing with stone bridge and Imperial Palace in the background / "Congratulations" above "Showa 8 [1933] December 23rd" on fan; all set over branches and flowers; "Made by Japan Mint" below; all in seal script. Edge: 950.

 

Cf. zeno.ru #204636 (for bronze issue). Choice Mint State. Light steel gray surfaces and attractively toned. An interesting and artistic type, and rare in silver. Compare to a similar example in Künker 228 (12 March 2013), lot 3543 (which realized a hammer of €410 [plus buyer's fee]).

 

Akihito (明仁) is the eldest male child (though fifth overall) born to Emperor Shōwa on 23 December 1933 at the Tokyo Imperial Palace. Reigning as the crown prince until his mid-50's, he succeeded his father upon the latter's death in 1989. After a reign of his own as emperor for just over 30 years, he decided to abdicate in favor of his son owing to declining health in April 2019.

 

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