For thirteen years Korea was an empire — and it struck gold. Korean Empire coins are the scarcest tier of Korean numismatics, headlining specialist Seoul auctions. This entry covers what is verified and flags what still needs research.
Key facts
- The Korean Empire (Daehan Jeguk) lasted 1897–1910, between the Joseon dynasty and Japanese annexation (Korea JoongAng Daily).
- Three types of imperial gold coins and eagle-pattern half-won coins are documented appearing at Poongsan Hwadong’s rare-currency auctions in Seoul (Korea JoongAng Daily, 2014).
- Prototype pattern coinage in bronze (Imun and Omun pieces from the 1884 Taegeukhwijang series, materials imported from Germany, ~30 sets minted) shows the experimental phase that preceded imperial coinage (Korea JoongAng Daily).