Korea 1906 Copper And Silver Coinage Is Finally Complete...

This has been a relatively difficult area to collect and is one of the most significant years struck by the Japanese mint in Osaka.

Most coins that I'm going to show are either one or two year type and are struck in millions which make them seem easy to find. In reality, it took me a while hunting them.

1905 is the first year where 1 chon, 5 chon (nickel-copper), 20 chon and half won were introduced.
1906 follows by introducing half chon, 10 chon, 10 won (gold) and 20 won (gold) (Now Korean gold coins are a complete different story - it's nearly impossible to find them)

1907 comes to a stage where coin sizes were reduced (other than the nickel-copper) or the metal content were reduced. This is to reflect the budget deficit incurred during the Russo-Japan war back in 1904-1905. What this means is that 1906 would be the last year where Korean coins would be struck on large planchet and some are just one year type.

Nevertheless, I guess everyone wants pictures:

Enjoy!

1/2 chon (one year type)



1 chon (two year type)



10 chon (one year type)



20 chon (two year type)



1/2 won (two year type)



Yes I know the 1/2 won is sadly damaged.

Something to wonder - if the Japanese Mint struck all denominations for Korea, why isn't there any 1 won silver coin? Pretty odd considering there were gold won coins...

I am just missing the 1905 20 chon to make the 1905 set complete. I wouldn't be looking for the gold coins any time soon. :)