PURPOSE: To obtain an inner latent image-type direct positive silver halide emulsion having high sensitivity and hard tone in a low density region of the reverse characteristic curve by forming particles in a dispersion medium containing a specified metal complex.

CONSTITUTION: Particles are formed in a dispersion medium containing at least one metal complex expressed by formula [M(CN)6]n-. In formula, M is Cr, Mn, Co, Ir, Ru, Rh, Re or Os, and n is 3 or 4. This inner latent image-type direct positive silver halide emulsion contains planer silver halide particles having ≥0.3μm average particle size and ≥2 ratio of average particle diameter/ average particle thickness, by ≥50% of the whole silver halide particles. The inner latent image-type direct positive silver halide emulsion is such a silver halide emulsion that can form latent images principally in the silver halide particles when exposed to light. As for the compsn. of silver halide in the particles, silver bromide, silver iodide/bromide, silver iodide/chloride/bromide and silver chloride may be used, and preferably silver bromide and silver iodide/ bromide are used.