YOKAI: LEGENDS OF JAPAN – KITSUNE – 1 AVDP OUNCE – 39MM
Kitsune – The Enigmatic Fox Spirit of Japanese Folklore
Intaglio Mint proudly presents Kitsune, part of the Yokai: Legends of Japan Series, an exploration of the mysterious spirits, supernatural beings, and legendary creatures that have inhabited Japanese folklore for centuries.
In Japanese, kitsune simply means fox, but within traditional folklore the kitsune is something far more extraordinary. Foxes came to be regarded as intelligent supernatural beings possessing abilities that increased with age and wisdom. Legends portray them as clever tricksters, shape-shifters, guardians, messengers, and at times dangerous spirits capable of deceiving or possessing humans. Japanese tradition also closely associates foxes with Inari, the kami connected with rice, harvests, prosperity, and later commercial success, whose sacred messengers are foxes.
Perhaps the kitsune’s most famous supernatural ability is transformation. Folklore tells of foxes assuming human form—sometimes to play elaborate tricks and sometimes to live among people for years without revealing their true identity. Tales of supernatural foxes could portray them as benevolent or malicious, reflecting the fascinating duality that makes the kitsune such an enduring figure in Japanese culture.
That dual nature makes Kitsune particularly fitting for the Yokai: Legends of Japan Series. Yokai occupy the mysterious territory between the ordinary and supernatural, encompassing strange creatures, spirits, monsters, and unexplained phenomena that have evolved throughout Japanese history, folklore, literature, and theater. Kitsune embodies that world perfectly—a creature that can be protector or deceiver, sacred messenger or mischievous spirit, familiar animal or supernatural being.
The obverse features an intricately rendered Kitsune, its piercing expression and flowing ornamental details capturing the intelligence and mystery traditionally associated with the legendary fox spirit. The reverse carries the common Yokai: Legends of Japan design, combining traditional Japanese imagery with the series identity and specifications.
Struck by Intaglio Mint in 1 AVDP Ounce of .999 Fine Copper, this 39mm round brings one of Japan’s most enduring supernatural legends to life in exceptional sculptural detail.
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Series: Yokai: Legends of Japan
Subject: Kitsune
Metal: .999 Fine Copper
Weight: 1 AVDP Ounce
Diameter: 39mm
Edge: Reeded
Mint: Intaglio Mint
Country of Manufacture: United States
