Why are there holes in the middle of Japanese Yen?

Question

I've always wanted to know why there are big holes in the middle of Japanese coins.

Answer 1

BOJ (Bank Of Japan) person said on TV that the difference of the size, edge, and the existence (or nonexistence) of hole makes people distinguish coins easier. The "people" of course includes handicapped persons (blinds).



And the jaggy at the edg is added to the most valuable coin. Now 500 yen is the highest and the coins which are cast now has jaggy.



Bank notes also have the "twists". There are small circle (concave) at the corner of the notes. This is Japanese braille and each note has different concaves.

Answer 2

The ones with holes are supposedly lucky.



Probably the main reason is that it takes less metal to make a "bigger" coin.



It also makes the different coins a little more distinct from each other. You're not going to mistake a 5 yen coin for a 10 yen coin.



You can also string them together for whatever reasons.

Answer 3

Back in the old days when coins were worth something, people used to carry them on a string tied around their waist. Sentimental and historic value.

Answer 4

The only thing i could find was because men used to carrie them around there necks on strings. heres the link if you want to check it out your self.

Answer 5

That's a silly question. My answer would be. Why not? They can make them however they want. Other countries have coins with holes too, not just Japan, I doubt theres a reason for it.

Answer 6

back in medieval age. Japanese Ninja used to throw coin with hole to hus enemy. refer to zenigata heiji