Moneta's Temple and Gallery

Kazakhstan - Tangun - 500 Tenge

Moneta — Fri, 01 Sep 2017 15:19:03 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: The certificate that came with this claims that this coin is part of a series called "Tales of the People of Kazakhstan." The series may have a wider cast than that because this coin celebrates the Creation Myth of Korea - that of Tangun. The stated mintage is 2000 NCLT coins. The dating system used on the coins of South Korea up to about 1960 was based upon the Tangun date of 2333 BCE. Here's a brief description of the Tangun (or Dangun) story from the Wiki: Dangun (단군; 檀君; [tan.ɡun]) or Dangun Wanggeom (단군왕검; 檀君王儉; [tan.ɡun waŋ.ɡʌm]) was the legendary founder of Gojoseon, the first ever Korean kingdom, around present-day Liaoning, Manchuria, and the northern part of the Korean Peninsula. He is said to be the "grandson of heaven" and "son of a bear", and to have founded the kingdom in 2333 BC. The earliest recorded version of the Dangun legend appears in the 13th-century Samguk Yusa, which cites China's Book of Wei and Korea's lost historical record Gogi (고기, 古記). Dangun's ancestry legend begins with his grandfather Hwanin (환인/桓因), the "Lord of Heaven". Hwanin had a son, Hwanung (환웅/桓雄), who yearned to live on the earth among the valleys and the mountains. Hwanin permitted Hwanung and 3,000 followers to descend onto Baekdu Mountain, where Hwanung founded the Sinsi (신시/神市, "City of God"). Along with his ministers of clouds, rain and wind, he instituted laws and moral codes and taught humans various arts, medicine, and agriculture. Legend attributes the development of acupuncture and moxibustion to Dangun. A tiger and a bear prayed to Hwanung that they might become human. Upon hearing their prayers, Hwanung gave them 20 cloves of garlic and a bundle of mugwort, ordering them to eat only this sacred food and remain out of the sunlight for 100 days. The tiger gave up after about twenty days and left the cave. However, the bear persevered and was transformed into a woman. The bear and the tiger are said to represent two tribes that sought the favor of the heavenly prince. The bear-woman (Ungnyeo; 웅녀/熊女) was grateful and made offerings to Hwanung. However, she lacked a husband, and soon became sad and prayed beneath a "divine birch" tree (Hangul: 신단수; Hanja: 神檀樹; RR: shindansu) to be blessed with a child. Hwanung, moved by her prayers, took her for his wife and soon she gave birth to a son named Dangun Wanggeom. Dangun ascended to the throne, built the walled city of Asadal situated near Pyongyang (the location is disputed) and called the kingdom Joseon—referred to today as Gojoseon "Old/Ancient Joseon" so as not to be confused with the Joseon that was established much later. He then moved his capital to Asadal on Mount Paegak or Mount Gunghol.

S Korea - 100 Hwan - Syngman Rhee

Moneta — Sun, 09 Aug 2015 18:28:37 -0700

by: Moneta

Description: Syngman Rhee (April 18, 1875 – July 19, 1965) was a South Korean statesman, the first president of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea, and the first president of South Korea. Dated KE 4292 (Korean era = 1959), it was the largest denomination and was withdrawn from circulation 10 June 1962 and melted. Top examples are difficult to find but this one is not too bad with a better than average strike. From 1945 until 1961 in South Korea, Gregorian calendar years were counted from the foundation of Gojoseon in 2333 BC (regarded as year one), the date of the legendary founding of Korea by Dangun, hence these Dangi (단기 / 檀紀) years were 4278 to 4294. This numbering was informally used with the Korean lunar calendar before 1945 but has only been occasionally used since 1961, and mostly in North Korea prior to 1997. VIEW or DOWNLOAD these Korean Coin articles: A "Survey of Korean Coins" article, and others, are available in the Moneta Library: German Coin Techinques in Korea - Won Yu-Han: /library/German%20Coin%20Techinques%20in%20Korea%20-%20Won%20Yu-Han.pdf Korea - A Numismatic Survey - Boling: /library/Korea%20-%20A%20Numismatic%20Survey%20-%20Boling.pdf Rulers of Korea: /library/Rulers%20of%20Korea.pdf

Korea 5 Won - 1966

Moneta — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 13:27:18 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Turtle ship of Admiral Yi on this first year of issue. 4.5 M struck VIEW or DOWNLOAD these Korean Coin articles: A "Survey of Korean Coins" article, and others, are available in the Moneta Library: German Coin Techinques in Korea - Won Yu-Han: /library/German%20Coin%20Techinques%20in%20Korea%20-%20Won%20Yu-Han.pdf Korea - A Numismatic Survey - Boling: /library/Korea%20-%20A%20Numismatic%20Survey%20-%20Boling.pdf Rulers of Korea: /library/Rulers%20of%20Korea.pdf

S. Korea 10 Won - 1966

Moneta — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 13:21:22 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Bulguksa Stone Temple Dabotap (Pagoda) (751 A.D.), Kyongju, South Korea is depicted. First year of issue, 10.6 M minted. Western dating system is adopted. The previous issues were based upon the Korean foundation date of Dangi (2333 B.C.)

Korea 100 Won - 1975

Moneta — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 12:05:41 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Struck from 1970 - 1982, the issues of 1974 & 1975 have die varieties (KM), but my Korean book does not indicate these. King Sejong is depicted. King Sejong (r. 1418 - 1450) delighted in science and technology, and supported a number of inventions or refinements of previous technologies. For example, he encouraged the improvement of movable metal type for printing (first used in Korea by 1234, at least 215 years before Gutenberg), as well as the development of sturdier mulberry-fiber paper. These measures made better-quality books much more widely available among educated Koreans. Among the books Sejong sponsored were a history of the Goryeo Kingdom, a compilation of filial deeds (model actions for followers of Confucius to emulate), and farming guides meant to help farmers improve production. Other scientific devices sponsored by King Sejong included the first rain gauge, sundials, unusually accurate water clocks, and maps of the stars and celestial globes. He also took an interest in music, devising an elegant notation system for representing Korean and Chinese music, and encouraging instrument-makers to improve the designs of various musical instruments. In 1420, King Sejong established an academy of twenty top Confucian scholars to advise him, called the Hall of Worthies. The scholars studied the ancient laws and rites of China and previous Korean dynasties, compiled historical texts, and lectured the king and crown prince on Confucian classics. In addition, Sejong ordered one top scholar to comb the country for intellectually talented young men, who would be given a stipend to retreat for one year from their work. The young scholars were sent to a mountain temple where they were allowed to read books on a vast array of subjects including astronomy, medicine, geography, history, the art of war, and religion. Many of the Worthies objected to this expansive menu of options, believing that a study of Confucian thought was sufficient, but Sejong preferred to have a scholar class with a wide range of knowledge. To aid the common people, Sejong established a grain surplus of approximately 5 million bushels of rice. In times of drought or flood, this grain was available to feed and support poor farming families, preventing famine.

Korea 10 Hwan - 1959

Moneta — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 11:45:44 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: First issue of a divided Korea established in 1948. Date expressed in a format based on a mythical foundation in prehistoric times KE 4292 = 1959; these issues were based upon the Korean foundation date of Dangi (2333 B.C.), see below for more information. Reverse depicts the National flower the Rose of Sharon. A species of Rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum) is actually the South Korean national flower, where the Korean name for it means 'Immortal Flower'. "I am the Rose of Sharon, the Lily of the Valleys." Song of Solomon 2:1 From 1945 until 1961 in South Korea, Gregorian calendar years were counted from the foundation of Gojoseon in 2333 BC (regarded as year one), the date of the legendary founding of Korea by Dangun, hence these Dangi (단기 / 檀紀) years were 4278 to 4294. This numbering was informally used with the Korean lunar calendar before 1945 but has only been occasionally used since 1961, and mostly in North Korea prior to 1997. [Wikipedia]

Korea 50 Won - 1959

Moneta — Sun, 23 Feb 2014 11:34:05 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Lustrous UNC example of Korean 50 Won piece of 1959, depicting for the first time, the iron-clad Turtle Ship that Admiral Yi employed to defeat a Japanese invasion. Republic decimal coinage issued in 1959 and 1961. Beware, these are very popular in S Korea and PCGS has articles concerning counterfeits (even though over 24M were struck). The easy tell is the design of the waves, especially around the oars.

S. Korea Turtle Ship 50K Gold

Moneta — Sun, 02 Dec 2012 15:56:54 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: 1988 Seoul Olmpics - an Olympics that changed a nation. This 50000 Won was struck in gold and features the famous Turtle ship, a fleet of which help stem an invasion from Japan. These famous battle ships were the first to utilize a protective metal deck to help prevent fire-arrow damage. Admiral Yi is a revered figure in Korea and world naval history. The reverse side includes a species of the Rose of Sharon (Hypericum calycinum) it's actually the South Korean national flower, where the Korean name for it means 'Immortal Flower'.

Korea - Hangul Commemorative

Moneta — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 16:08:06 -0800

by: Moneta

Description: Known as the only "scientifically" devised alphabet - Hangul is celebrated on this proof coin of S. Korea of 20,000 Won, 2006. The obverse was photographed in a capsule because I couldn't get it out. King Sejong had this alphabet created in order to simplify and expand learning. Previously used Chinese took years to learn to the proficiency of higher learning. King Sejong (r. 1418 - 1450) delighted in science and technology, and supported a number of inventions or refinements of previous technologies. For example, he encouraged the improvement of movable metal type for printing (first used in Korea by 1234, at least 215 years before Gutenberg), as well as the development of sturdier mulberry-fiber paper. These measures made better-quality books much more widely available among educated Koreans. Among the books Sejong sponsored were a history of the Goryeo Kingdom, a compilation of filial deeds (model actions for followers of Confucius to emulate), and farming guides meant to help farmers improve production. Other scientific devices sponsored by King Sejong included the first rain gauge, sundials, unusually accurate water clocks, and maps of the stars and celestial globes. He also took an interest in music, devising an elegant notation system for representing Korean and Chinese music, and encouraging instrument-makers to improve the designs of various musical instruments. In 1420, King Sejong established an academy of twenty top Confucian scholars to advise him, called the Hall of Worthies. The scholars studied the ancient laws and rites of China and previous Korean dynasties, compiled historical texts, and lectured the king and crown prince on Confucian classics. In addition, Sejong ordered one top scholar to comb the country for intellectually talented young men, who would be given a stipend to retreat for one year from their work. The young scholars were sent to a mountain temple where they were allowed to read books on a vast array of subjects including astronomy, medicine, geography, history, the art of war, and religion. Many of the Worthies objected to this expansive menu of options, believing that a study of Confucian thought was sufficient, but Sejong preferred to have a scholar class with a wide range of knowledge. To aid the common people, Sejong established a grain surplus of approximately 5 million bushels of rice. In times of drought or flood, this grain was available to feed and support poor farming families, preventing famine. A "Survey of Korean Coins" article, and others, are available in the Moneta Library: VIEW or DOWNLOAD these Korean Coin articles: A "Survey of Korean Coins" article, and others, are available in the Moneta Library: German Coin Techinques in Korea - Won Yu-Han: /library/German%20Coin%20Techinques%20in%20Korea%20-%20Won%20Yu-Han.pdf Korea - A Numismatic Survey - Boling: /library/Korea%20-%20A%20Numismatic%20Survey%20-%20Boling.pdf Rulers of Korea: /library/Rulers%20of%20Korea.pdf