Korea (1907) 1/2 won
This specimen was lot 1330 in Jean Elsen sale 157 (Brussels, December 2023), where it sold for €220 (about US$284 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"KOREA, YI Yi Myông-bok (1864-1907), Kwangmu (1897-1907), AR 1/2 won, year 11 (1907), Osaka. Small knicks. Very Fine."
Korea, long a protectorate of the Chinese empire, was attempting to organize herself as a fully independent nation when she fell victim to the power struggle between Russia and Japan. Japanese influence, predominant after the Sino-Japanese war of 1895, was challenged by Russian expansionism in the late 1890's. This culminated in the Russo-Japanese war of 1905 and Russian defeat. Japan annexed Korea in 1910 and colonized her until 1945. This type was minted in Japan for Korea in 1907.
Recorded mintage: 1,000,000.
Specification: 10.13 g, 0.800 fine silver, 26.5 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Korea p.143; J.V. AD103; JNDA 18-16 (16); KM-1135.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 157, Collection J.-C. Martiny, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2023.
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