South Korean 100 Won Circulation Coin (Yi Sun-sin)
Coin/Bullion · Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO), the official government-owned mint for South Korea founded in 1951.
Pattern: Standard Circulation Series, 1983-Present Design
Type
Coin/Bullion
Maker
Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO), the official government-owned mint for South Korea founded in 1951.
Material
Cupronickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is an base-metal alloy and contains no actual silver.
Dimensions
Diameter: 24.0 mm; Thickness: 1.5 mm; Weight: 5.42 grams.
Description
A standard 100 Won circulation coin from South Korea. The obverse depicts the legendary Admiral Yi Sun-sin (1545–1598), a national hero famous for his victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin War. The coin has a distinct silvery-white hue due to its high nickel content, which often leads to it being mistaken for silver by novice collectors.
Key Features
Portrait of Admiral Yi Sun-sin wearing a traditional gat (horsehair hat), reeded edge, and cupronickel composition.
Material & Composition
Cupronickel (75% Copper, 25% Nickel). Note: This is an base-metal alloy and contains no actual silver.
Finish & Decoration
Business strike with a matte/satin circulation finish. Features the profile of Admiral Yi Sun-sin in high relief with Korean Hangul script ("배가ᄱ") on the obverse.
Hallmarks & Stamps
No silver hallmarks. Obverse shows denomination and portrait. Reverse typically features the numerical value "100" and the bank title "The Bank of Korea".
Construction Details
Machine die-struck on a cupronickel planchet at the KOMSCO minting facility in Gyeongsan.
Functional Features
Milled edge (reeded) to prevent debasement and assist the visually impaired; legal tender in the Republic of Korea.
Handle & Grip Details
None; handheld currency object.
Craftsmanship Details
Mass-produced industrial coinage; high-quality die-striking with consistent relief and edge reeding.
Authentication Indicators
Correct diameter and portrait details consistent with KOMSCO minting standards; magnetic properties of cupronickel (usually non-magnetic) and lack of silver fineness stamps.
Origin & Manufacturing
South Korea, primarily manufactured in Daejeon or Gyeongsan by KOMSCO.
Era & Period
Fifth Republic to Sixth Republic (Modern South Korea), specifically post-1983 redesign.
Age Estimate
Circa 1983 to the present (Exact year is on the reverse side).
Cultural Significance
A fundamental unit of South Korean commerce and a symbol of national pride through the depiction of Admiral Yi.
Condition Notes
Circulated condition; showing surface scratches, bag marks, and moderate tarnish/oxidation common for cupronickel coins in trade. Grade: Fine to Very Fine.
Value Estimate
Face value (≈ $0.07 USD). Collector value for common circulated dates is negligible; Uncirculated/Proof versions may command $1-$5.
Care & Maintenance
No specialized silver polish required. Do not clean with abrasives as it ruins numismatic value; store in a cool, dry place to prevent 'nickel rot' or heavy oxidation.
Similar Pieces
Often confused with the 500 Won coin (larger) or older silver 100 Won commemoratives, which would have '925' or '999' stamps.
Interesting Facts
Admiral Yi Sun-sin is one of the few historical figures featured on South Korean currency; he is celebrated for the invention of the 'Turtle Ship' (Geobukseon).