Korea (1908) 20 chon
This specimen was lot 3427 in Stephen Album sale 39 (Santa Rosa, CA, January 2021), where it sold for $180. The catalog description[1] noted, "KOREA: Yung Hi, 1907-1910, AR 20 chon, year 2 (1908), light surface hairlines, AU, ex D. R. Bain Collection." 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 struck years 2-4 and was the last of the denomination. Despite the large mintage, it is scarce but not rare.
Recorded Mintage: 3,000,000.
Specification: 4.05 g, 0.800 fine silver, 20 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-1140.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Album, Stephen, Joseph Lang, Paul Montz, Michael Barry and Norman Douglas Nicol, Auction 39, featuring the John Sylvester, Jr., Collection of Annamese Medals and Orders, Santa Rosa, CA: Stephen Album Rare Coins, Inc., 2020.
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