100 Won

The 100 Won coin from South Korea's 1970-1975 series was the first in the country to use aluminum-bronze for everyday circulation, a practical choice that helped reduce production costs amid post-war recovery.

This material switch meant the coin weighed in at about 7.5 grams, with a diameter of 26.5 millimeters, making it sturdy enough for pocket use but light on resources. The obverse featured the Rose of Sharon, South Korea's national flower, while the reverse showed the denomination in a simple, functional design. Struck at the Korea Mint in Seoul, these coins entered circulation during a period of economic expansion, though exact mintage figures remain unclear due to incomplete records from that era.

Variations exist; for instance, some 1970 issues had a slightly different edge reeding, but that's as exciting as it gets for most. As for myths about hidden treasures, let's just say I've seen enough to know they're usually just pocket change.