1997 South Korean 50 Won Cupro-Nickel Coin
Coin/Bullion · Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO), the government-owned corporation responsible for minting South Korean currency.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Series, Rice Stalk Design; 1997 mintage
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO), the government-owned corporation responsible for minting South Korean currency.
Material
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains no silver content despite its silvery appearance.
Dimensions
Diameter: 21.6 mm. Weight: 4.16 grams. Thickness: 1.52 mm.
Description
A standard circulating 50 Won coin from the Republic of Korea. It features the iconic rice stalk motif, deeply rooted in Korean cultural identity, and represents a transitional period in Korean economic history. While silvery in color due to high nickel content, it is a base-metal coin intended for daily commerce rather than a precious metal collectible.
Key Features
Denomination 50; Date 1997; Rice stalk motif; Cupro-nickel composition; 21.6mm diameter.
Material & Composition
Cupro-Nickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). This item contains no silver content despite its silvery appearance.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a reeded edge. The obverse features a stalk of rice (Oryza sativa), symbolizing the agricultural heritage and importance of rice as a staple in Korea.
Hallmarks & Stamps
The coin is stamped with the denomination '50' and the year '1997'. On the reverse (not visible but standard for type), the Bank of Korea title '한국은행' is inscribed.
Construction Details
Industrial die-struck minting process; circulation strike. This is a machine-manufactured product of the national mint.
Functional Features
General circulation currency. The reeded edge is a functional design feature intended to prevent clipping or shaving of the coin edges.
Handle & Grip Details
Not applicable (coinage).
Craftsmanship Details
High-quality industrial coinage. The detail in the rice grains shows sharp die execution typical of modern South Korean minting technology.
Authentication Indicators
Alignment of the '1997' numerals, specific font of the Bank of Korea characters, and the exact dimensions/weight match official KOMSCO specifications.
Origin & Manufacturing
South Korea; minted in the city of Daejeon at the KOMSCO facility.
Era & Period
Modern South Korea (The Sixth Republic); minted during the lead-up to the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.
Age Estimate
Dated 1997; exactly 27 years old as of 2024.
Cultural Significance
Rice is the 'lifeblood' of Korean culture; its inclusion on the currency represents prosperity, stability, and the country's rapid agricultural and industrial development.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition with moderate surface wear, light scratches, and environmental toning. There is a distinct 'rim ding' visible at the bottom edge. Overall grade: Fine to Very Fine (Circulated).
Value Estimate
Face value is 50 KRW (approx. $0.04 USD). Numismatic value for a circulated 1997 specimen is approximately $0.10 to $0.50 USD.
Care & Maintenance
No specific care required as a base-metal coin. To preserve existing grade, avoid cleaning with abrasives; store in a PVC-free coin flip to prevent 'green slime' or chemical corrosion.
Similar Pieces
50 Won 1972 (First year of issue), 100 Won (Features Admiral Yi Sun-sin), 500 Won (Features a Red-crowned Crane). These are often mistaken for silver by tourists due to the nickel luster.
Interesting Facts
The 1997 mintage was somewhat lower than years like 1995 or 2002, but it remains a very common coin in the secondary market. The rice stalk has been the face of the 50 Won coin since 1972.