The rich tradition of artwork collectively known as manga and anime has deep roots in Japan, going back to at least the 13th century. Its most popular folktale, that of the young hero Momotaro who conquered a marauding band of monsters called Oni (“demons” or “ogres”) to free his home is likely just as old, although its first written form appeared in the early Edo Period in the 17th century. The Legends of Japan collection brings together the vibrant modern style of anime (animated cartoons produced in Japan) with the classic form of the Momotaro folktale for the 2020 Antique Samoa Silver Momotaro and Demon Subdued in Anime 1 oz Silver Coin.

Highlights:

• Arrives in a secure plastic capsule!
• Issued in 2020, part of the Momotaro coin series!
• Limited release of just 6,250 coins outside Japan!
• Contains 1 Troy oz of .999 pure silver.
• Face value of 5 tala, legal tender of Samoa.
• Obverse features the Samoan coat of arms.
• Reverse features Momotaro under his banner above a defeated Oni.

The 2020 Antique Samoa Silver Momotaro and Demon Subdued in Anime Silver Coin features high-relief engravings with an antique finish. It comes in a secure plastic capsule, fully insured by Provident Metals.

Obverse

The coin’s obverse side features Samoa’s coat of arms to verify it as legal tender, along with inscriptions confirming the coin’s weight, silver contents, and year and country of issue, surrounded by a decorative border.

Reverse

The reverse side features Momotaro standing atop a defeated Oni and waving his signature war banner. The scene slightly overlaps a decorative border that matches the obverse.

History

The popular folktale of Momotaro first appeared in print in the early 17th century and has taken many forms in different eras and regions of Japan. Its best-known form was standardized for teaching to schoolchildren during the Meiji Period (from 1868 to 1912): a version that saw him born from a giant peach by the will of the Gods, with energetic bravery and optimistic nature that made him a role model for multiple generations. This version of Momotaro cut down a tree using an old knife when just a child, and grew quickly into the conquering hero who overcome a band of Oni who threatened his home. He brought peace to the land when he wrestled the Chief of the Oni into submission and demanded the return of centuries’ worth of stolen wealth, and we see him on the reverse of this coin just in the wake of this triumph.

Ordering

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