Microprinting on the Japanese 500 yen coin

[Fulvio]

so NIPPON is a mintmark

Nope. Its a security feature, not a mintmark. And on both sides of the coin too.

I'm trying to picture something like this on our coins, but somehow I just can't imagine it fitting in with our 'high standards' of Quality Control! LOL!

[robbiegal]

oh ta
so it's a modern thing then?

a bit like the watermark on a paper bank note

I can't tell with those Japanese coins, they all look antique to me, even the modern ones

[Fulvio]

a bit like the watermark on a paper bank note

Precisely, yes. Its because these are effectively $5 coins (current exchange rate is $5.41) with almost identical coins circulating nearby at a tenth of that value. Look at how much NZ currency circulates here, then imagine those coins were worth a couple of cents each to get a feel for the problem they're trying to solve.

[Nevol]

Other countries getting in on the act. Read about it here:  http://www.mas.gov.sg/newcoins/coin-details/dollar.aspx

Singapore 2013 $1 Laser mark micro-engraving

[dreamcatcher]

That's very interesting Nevol. I wonder how long it takes them to engrave that design on each coin. It must be slower than a single press. Pretty good security feature.

[Australian coin]

o wow I love the idea that a coin can have tiny detail on it
and that website format is really good, I like that you can flip the coin to see the rim reeding and the other side 10/10