Japan | 1967 | 50 Yen | Coat of Arms

 

 Japan


 


The Imperial Crest of Japan, commonly known as the chrysanthemum crest (kikumon), is the mon used by the Emperor and the Imperial Family and functions as a national emblem, appearing for example on Japanese passports. Centered on a 16-petalled chrysanthemum, a flower long associated with nobility, it symbolizes imperial authority. Japanese mon differ from Western heraldry and are variously described as crests, emblems, or badges. Historically, use of the imperial chrysanthemum was strictly restricted: during the Meiji period only the Emperor could use the full 16-petalled design, while other imperial family members used modified versions. Variants also appeared in earlier periods, such as Emperor Go-Daigo’s 17-petalled chrysanthemum in the 14th century.


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