Artificial intelligence drives copper prices soaring, 10-yen coin metal value now exceeds its face value

Golden Ten Data, June 17 — The Japanese 10-yen coin is primarily made of copper, and as the artificial intelligence boom drives copper prices higher, its metal value has now exceeded its face value. According to the latest public data from JX Advanced Metals, Mitsui Kinzoku, and Mitsubishi Materials, the 10-yen coin is composed of approximately 95% copper, 4% zinc, and 1% tin. Based on the standard prices adopted by the Japan Exchange, the total value of its metal content is about 10.4 yen. Since Japan relies on imports for copper concentrate, the domestic industry is particularly sensitive to global market fluctuations. JX Metals' domestic benchmark copper price has risen by 56% in the year up to May. According to local Japanese media, there has been an unusual surge in water meter theft cases this year, believed to be targeting the copper alloy components in the devices. It is reported that thieves have broken into apartment buildings and stolen hundreds of water meters in cities across Japan.