KOREAN COINS
RARE
EARLY KOREAN COIN OF SEJONG THE GREAT

Sejong
is considered one of the greatest rulers in Korean history.
He invented Hangul, the Korean alphabet. The shape of the
letters reflects the shape of the speech organs used to pronounce them,
making it easy for Koreans with limited education to learn to read and
write. This invention faced great opposition from the elite
who did not like the idea of the lower classes being able to
read. He encouraged scientific research, published a book on
improved farming practices and allowed government slaves to have
extended maternity and paternity leave. In 1423 he introduced
Korea's first coins in 300 years: a copper 1 Mun called. "chosun tong
bo" or "morning fresh precious currency" Koreans had been
using a barter system. It was modeled after the Chinese cash coins.
It was valued at 150 coins to 1 kun of silver (600 grams).
The coin was minted only three years
until 1425, when it was discontinued due to a shortage of copper and
limited acceptance by the public. Korea then returned to a barter
system for the next 200 years.
Item
KOR-SEJONG KOREA 1 MUN 1423-25 SEJONG THE
GREAT H10.2 VG-Fine
$49.50
SCARCE, OLD KOREAN COINS BY MINT

In
1633 Korea introduced their first coins in over 200 years.
The front of the coins all had the same legend "Sang Pyong Tong Bo" or
"Always even currency". The back had the name of the office
or mint that issued the coins at the top. A series of
numbers, characters and symbols would often occupy the other three
positions on the back to indicate when and at which furnace the coin
was cast. Apparently, this was not effective in ensuring good
workmanship, as the coins tend to be poorly cast. It is
estimated that there are over 5000 varieties of the Sang Pyong Tong Bo
coins. Due to inflation this "Always even currency" was
discontinued by the late 19th century. We are pleased to
offer some of these rarely seen Korean 1 and 2 Mun coins by
mint. The 1 Mun are approximately 23mm, the 2 Mun
approximately 30mm. The coins are struck in brass or bronze
alloys. The furnace and series on the back of the coin will vary,
Item
KOR-1M13 KOREA TREASURY DEPT. 1 MUN
1678-1852 G-VG
$4.00
Item
KOR-2M13 KOREA TREASURY DEPT. 2 MUN
1679-1852 VG-F
$5.00
Item
KOR-2M17 KOREA SEOUL CHARITY OFFICE 2 MUN
1679-1695 KM160, M17.0 VG-F
$5.00
Item
KOR-1M24 KOREA GENERAL MILITARY OFFICE 1 MUN
1757 G-VG
$4.00
Item
KOR-1M25 KOREA SPECIAL ARMY UNIT 1 MUN 1752
G-F
$4.00
Item
KOR-1M28 KOREA MILITARY TRAINING COMMAND 1 MUN
1732-57 G-VG
$4.00
Item
KOR-1M34 KOREA KAESONG MILITARY OFFICE 1 MUN
1816-32 G-F
$4.00
Item
KOR-SET7 ALL 7 OF THE ABOVE KOREAN COINS
$28.00
Item
KOR-BULK25 25 MOSTLY DIFFERENT KOREAN 1 MUN COINS G-F
$69.50
SOUTH KOREA COIN
SET
This four coin set includes the South Korean 10, 50 100 and 500
Won, dated 2016, in Uncirculated condition. The designs reflect Korea’s
natural and cultural heritage. The copper-clad aluminum 10 Won shows
the beautiful and historic Dabotap Pagoda. The cupro-nickel 50 Won
features a rice stalk. Admiral Yi Sun-sin is on the cupro-nickel 100
Won. During the late 16th Century he repeatedly defeated Japanese
invasion fleets with the use of iron-clad turtle boats and innovative
tactics. A crane in flight is on the cupro-nickel 500 Won. The reverse
of each coin features the denomination.
Item
S-KR-SET4 SOUTH KOREA 4 COIN SET 10 - 500 WON
2016 UNC. $4.50