The 500 yen-coins are the highest valued current coins in the world. Because of their high face value they have been counterfeited to such an extent that in 2000 a new series of 500 yen-coins was issued with various security features. They bear a Paulownia flower on the obverse, together with the state title and the value. The reverse shows date of issue and the value again, as well as blossoms of bamboo and a mandarin tree. Naturally, in spite of these changes, counterfeiting continues.