2018-06-15 Fri

Qing Dynasty of China and the Meiji of Japan fought with each other to gain control over Korea and East Asia during the Sino-Japanese War from 1894 to 1895. China lost the war which led to Xinhai Revolution of 1911. Even though Japan won the war and established a direct protectorate over Korea, the territory was under Russian influence during the Russo-Japanese War from 1904 to 1905. When King Kojong became Emperor Kuang Mu in 1897, he was unable to maintain Korea’s independence due to constant threats from China, Russia, and Japan.

Heritage Auctions would be offering a copper-nickel 5 chon coin on June 28th and 29th at Hong Kong Signature Auction. The coin was struck when Korea was under Russian Influence. 1 Chon, 5 Chon, and 1/2 Won coins were struck between 1896 and 1904. The ones issued during the Russian influence featured a Russian eagle instead of the Japanese style dragon. These rare coins were authorized by the Russo-Korean Bank and were valid only for 1 year.

The offered coin, graded NGC-AU58, is the finest of its type and features a bold strike with light grey toning. It still has some luster and Reverse contact marks. Just 4 to 5 coins like these have been auctioned in the last decade.

Image Courtesy: Heritage Auctions