Do you think Japan will make a silver 1 yen coin for collectors when they decide to discontinue the 1 yen coin?
That would be cool. Reminds me of the "ultime franc" or the gold Deutsche mark when the euro took over from the old national currencies.
I don't believe it would happen. Japan mint have made commemorative medals for 1 yen and 500 yen coins. I believe they have made a small mint token that features the old Meiji silver 1 yen Coins as well.