Japan to issue coins commemorating Emperor Akihito's 30-year reign

Japan will issue commemorative gold and copper coins next year to celebrate Emperor Akihito's 30th year on the throne, the Finance Ministry said Tuesday.The coins, legal tender worth 10,000 yen ($90) and 500 yen, will be available from around February in the run-up to the 84-year-old emperor's abdication scheduled at the end of April.Intended as a collector's item, the 10,000 yen coin will be made of 20 grams of solid gold and priced at 138,000 yen, reflecting the over 10,000 yen in manufacturing cost.The ministry will issue 50,000 of the gold coins, which will depict a phoenix on one side …READ FULL ARTICLE