Catalog
| Issuer | Joseon (1392-1897) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1836 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1 Mun (0.001) |
| Currency | Mun (1392-1892) |
| Composition | Bronze |
| Weight | 3.73 g |
| Diameter | 29 mm |
| Thickness | 1 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Cast |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#796 , Oseong#18.200 , Daegwangsa#8.6-6 , CK#라-304-8 |
| Obverse description | Chinese ideograms - Top to bottom: 常平 = Sang pyong, a Department of Korean Yi Dynasty - Right to left: 通寶 = Tong bo, means currency |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Obverse lettering | 常 寶 通 平 |
| Reverse description | Mint mark at top, character for `sky` (天, ch`on) at bottom, and serial number at right. *開 (Kae): Kaesong Township Military Office |
| Reverse script | Chinese (traditional, regular script) |
| Reverse lettering |
開 二 天 (Translation: Kaesong Township Military Office, series `sky`, serial number 2) |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
開 Kaesong Township Military Office(開城管理營 (Kaesong Kwalliyong)), modern-day Kaesong, North Korea(1678-1882) |
| Mintage |
ND (1836) - Series 1 (一) - ND (1836) - Series 10 (十) - ND (1836) - Series 2 (二) - ND (1836) - Series 3 (三) - ND (1836) - Series 4 (四) - ND (1836) - Series 5 (五) - ND (1836) - Series 6 (六) - ND (1836) - Series 7 (七) - ND (1836) - Series 8 (八) - ND (1836) - Series 9 (九) - |
| Numisquare ID | 4831743060 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: This 1 Mun coin was issued in 1836 during the reign of King Heonjong of the Joseon Dynasty. Heonjong's era was characterized by political factionalism and growing internal unrest, exacerbated by external pressures. Despite these challenges, the Joseon economy relied on a standardized coinage system. The 1 Mun served as the primary small denomination, crucial for daily transactions and reflecting efforts to maintain monetary stability amidst significant societal transformation.
Artistry: Specific engravers are not individually identified for this Joseon 1 Mun issue. The coin adheres to the traditional East Asian cash coin aesthetic, featuring Hanja characters around a central square hole. The obverse typically displays 'Sangpyeong Tongbo' (常平通寶), signifying 'Always Even Currency.' The reverse bears the specific identifier 'Kae, Ch`on' (開天), denoting a particular mint or series. The calligraphy, while robust and functional, exhibits a style characteristic of Joseon popular currency rather than imperial refinement.
Technical/Grading: This 1 Mun coin, weighing 3.73 grams and measuring 29 millimeters, was produced through casting. Key assessment areas include the clarity and completeness of the Hanja characters and rim sharpness. Common casting imperfections may include minor pitting, uneven surfaces, or weak character definition from incomplete mold fill. The central square hole’s alignment and presence of filing marks from flash removal are also important technical considerations. Examples with strong, well-defined characters and minimal casting flaws are highly prized.