1985 International Youth Year 500 Won
South Korea
1985
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$67.63
Based on Silver spot price ($78.96/oz) · 92.5% purity · 28.8g
Updated 10:08 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | South Korea |
| Years Minted | 1985 |
| Composition | 92.5% silver |
| Weight | 28.8 g |
| Diameter | 38 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Features the Rose of Sharon, the national flower of South Korea, along with inscriptions including the year and issuer.
Reverse
Depicts stylized figures symbolizing youth and international themes, with the denomination prominently displayed.
History & Notable Facts
This 500 Won coin from South Korea was minted in silver to commemorate the 1985 International Youth Year, a UN initiative that somehow managed to inspire coinage across continents.
Its obverse shows a stylized torch held by a youthful figure, symbolizing enlightenment and global solidarity, while the reverse features the denomination and the year in Hangul script. The coin was struck at the Korea Mint, using a .925 silver alloy that gives it a weight of 28.4 grams and a diameter of 37 millimeters—practical details that collectors often overlook in favor of flowery tales.
As for mintage, records suggest around 200,000 pieces were produced, but I've handled enough Korean commemoratives to know that exact figures can be as elusive as a flawless proof in a dealer's box. No one really knows how many survive today.
That said, if you're expecting this coin to channel the spirit of eternal youth, well. It won't.
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