The Japanese government has officially announced a unique tribute to Dragon Ball as part of its 40th-anniversary celebrations. The Japan Mint confirmed that it will issue two special commemorative coin sets, each designed to capture the spirit of Akira Toriyama’s legendary manga.
These limited-edition collectables not only honour Goku’s journey but also highlight the massive cultural impact the series continues to hold after four decades.
Two Exclusive Coin Sets Featuring Goku
The premium proof coin set is the highlight of the release, featuring six glossy proof coins ranging from the 500 yen to the 1 yen denomination. All are dated for Reiwa 7 (2025). Its centrepiece is a 35 mm sterling silver medal weighing 20 grams, beautifully engraved with Kid Goku. The reverse displays the official 40th-anniversary logo in rainbow colours, housed inside an elegant leather case.
The standard coin set offers a more affordable alternative. It includes six uncirculated coins alongside a 27 mm red copper (tombac) medal. This version features Adult Goku on the front, while the iconic Four-Star Dragon Ball is etched on the reverse side.
Pricing, Availability, and Collector Value
The proof coin set is priced at 16,500 yen (about US$110) and will be limited to only 25,000 units. Meanwhile, the standard edition is priced at 3,100 yen (around US$21), with a much larger production of 60,000 units.
Fans can apply to purchase either set through post applications or the official Japan Mint Online Shop until September 25, 2025. In the event of overwhelming demand, a lottery will determine successful buyers. For longtime collectors and Dragon Ball fans alike, these coins are expected to become highly sought-after memorabilia.
Celebrating Dragon Ball’s 40-Year Legacy
The coin release is just one of many projects marking Dragon Ball’s anniversary. Since its serialisation in Weekly Shonen Jump in 1984, the manga has sold over 260 million copies worldwide, becoming one of the best-selling series in history.
To commemorate the milestone, Shueisha launched the Super Gallery Project, where renowned manga artists like Eiichiro Oda, Masashi Kishimoto, and Yoshihiro Togashi have redrawn classic Dragon Ball covers. A full box set featuring these reimagined artworks has also been announced.
Anniversary Projects and What Comes Next
Beyond publishing, fans can also look forward to the first-ever permanent Dragon Ball store opening in Tokyo in Fall 2025, offering exclusive merchandise tied to the anniversary.
Anime fans are also celebrating the highly anticipated Dragon Ball Daima, a new series that, while not directly an anniversary project, has been central to the year’s festivities. Additionally, the ongoing Toriyama Archives continue to release rare illustrations and special artworks that celebrate the creator’s enduring legacy.
With commemorative coins, exclusive merchandise, and new anime projects on the horizon, Dragon Ball’s 40th anniversary is shaping up to be one of the franchise’s most unforgettable years.
