The Japanese government is honoring one of the world’s most iconic manga series with an exclusive release. The Japan Mint announced that it will issue two limited-edition commemorative coin sets to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Akira Toriyama’s legendary series, Dragon Ball.
Each coin set features unique materials and designs that celebrate different versions of the protagonist, Son Goku. Per the official announcement, the premium proof coin set features six proof coins (coins that have a glossy surface), from the 500 yen to the 1 yen denominations, all dated for Reiwa 7 (2025). The centerpiece of this collection is a 35 mm sterling silver medal weighing approximately 20 grams, which features a design of Son Goku in his child form. The reverse side of the medal showcases the Dragon Ball 40th-anniversary logo in shining rainbow colors. The entire collection will come housed in a special leather case. The other coin set is a standard one, and includes six uncirculated standard coins from the same denominations and year. Instead of a silver medal, this set comes with a 27 mm red copper (tombac) medal, weighing 7.5 grams, featuring a design of Goku in his adult form on the front and the iconic Four-Star Dragon Ball on the back.
Dragon Ball Gets Official Coin Set Collectibles for 40th Anniversary Starring Goku
Goku makes an excited expression for the viewer.
Image via CBR
Dragon Ball 40th anniversary proof coin set featuring young Goku Image via Japan Mint
Dragon Ball 40th anniversary complete proof coin setImage via Japan Mint
Dragon Ball 40th anniversary standard coin set featuring adult GokuImage via Japan Mint
Both sets serve as a unique tribute from the Japanese government to the enduring legacy of the franchise. The proof coin set is priced at 16,500 yen (approx. US$110) and is limited to just 25,000 units. Conversely, the standard coin set is more affordably priced at 3,100 yen (approx. US$21), with a much larger run of 60,000 units available. Fans can apply to purchase the sets via post or the official Japan Mint Online Shop until Sept. 25. A lottery will be held if applications exceed the available stock.
The coin release is the latest in a long celebration for the beloved manga, which first began its serialization in Shueisha’s Weekly Shonen Jump in November 1984. Since its debut, Dragon Ball has become one of the best-selling manga series of all time, with over 260 million copies in circulation worldwide. The 40th anniversary has been marked by numerous projects and announcements that have kept fans engaged.
The most notable anniversary project has indeed been the Super Gallery, where renowned manga artists including Masashi Kishimoto, Eiichiro Oda and Yoshihiro Togashi have redrawn one of Dragon Ball’s 42 original volume covers each month. Shueisha also announced a complete box set of the original manga featuring these new celebratory covers. Furthermore, fans are eagerly awaiting the opening of the first-ever permanent physical Dragon Ball store in Tokyo in Fall 2025, which promises to sell exclusive and limited-edition merchandise.
The release of Dragon Ball Daima was a major headline for the fans too. While not explicitly created as an anniversary project, its release was a central part of what has been a milestone year for the franchise. Combined with the frequent release of rare artworks and illustrations for the Toriyama Archives, the 40th anniversary has proven to be a monumental event.
AloJapan.com