Reverse At the top, a chrysanthemum flower. In the center, the denomination '20 Sen' written vertically in Japanese: "二十錢". Along the rim are two branches tied at the bottom with a bow: paulownia on the left and chrysanthemum on the right. The edge is decorated with raised denticles.
Obverse In the center, a depiction of a dragon. Below it, the denomination in English: '20 SEN'. The edge is decorated with raised denticles. Along the rim are inscriptions in Japanese: on the left, "日本大" - 'GREAT JAPAN'; on the right and top, the year of minting: "明治三年" - 'THE 3RD YEAR OF MEIJI' or 1870 in the Gregorian calendar.