1989 UNESCO 500 Won
South Korea
1989
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$66.69
Based on Silver spot price ($78.96/oz) · 92.5% purity · 28.4g
Updated 10:08 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | South Korea |
| Years Minted | 1989 |
| Composition | 92.5% silver |
| Weight | 28.4 g |
| Diameter | 38 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Edge | Reeded |
Design
Obverse
Features the national emblem of South Korea and inscriptions.
Reverse
Depicts the UNESCO theme, including elements related to education and culture.
History & Notable Facts
This 500 Won coin from South Korea in 1989 commemorates the 40th anniversary of UNESCO, highlighting the organization's focus on education and cultural exchange through its design elements like a stylized book and globe.
The obverse features the inscription "Republic of Korea" alongside the year, while the reverse depicts UNESCO's emblem with Korean script. It's struck in copper-nickel, a practical choice for circulation that kept production costs down. I've handled dozens of these; they're unassuming but well-made.
Exact mintage figures are murky—official records from that era aren't always precise. What I can say is that it wasn't a limited run, as these turned up in everyday change for a while.
Collectors sometimes overstate its rarity, which gets old after thirty years in the trade. It's just a solid commemorative, not a myth.
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