500 Won

This 500 Won coin from South Korea was among the first in Asia to employ a bimetallic design, pairing a brass center with a nickel outer ring to thwart counterfeiting attempts.

That combination wasn't just for show; it reflected the country's push for secure currency amid its 1980s economic boom. Struck at the Korea Mint, these coins entered circulation starting in 1982, intended for everyday transactions rather than hoarding. We know production ran through 1988, but exact mintage figures for each year are murky—records from that era can be inconsistent.

As for the coin itself, it's unadorned by the myths some collectors spin; it's a practical piece, 26.5 millimeters across and weighing about 11.6 grams. No one knows precisely how many ended up in pockets versus souvenir drawers, but plenty circulated widely before newer designs took over. If you ask me, handling one still feels like a nod to solid engineering, not some legendary artifact.