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The South Korea 5000 Won 1987 coin is a striking example of commemorative coinage issued by the Republic of Korea, marking a significant moment in the nation's history. This particular coin was struck to celebrate the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympics, with the 1987 issue specifically highlighting Tae Kwon Do, a martial art deeply rooted in Korean culture. The coin was designed as part of a broader series of Olympic commemoratives, and it holds a special place in both numismatic and Olympic history, particularly because Tae Kwon Do was included as an official Olympic sport for the first time at the 1988 Games. The coin itself is made from 92.5% sterling silver, with a diameter of 38mm and a weight of 31.1 grams, giving it a substantial feel and making it a prominent addition to any collection. The year 1987 marked the year leading up to the Olympic Games, and the issue of this coin was a symbol of national pride and a nod to the global sporting community’s growing appreciation of Korean culture and sportsmanship.
The history behind this coin is tied to South Korea’s preparations for hosting the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, which marked a turning point for both the country and the Olympic movement. Tae Kwon Do, a traditional Korean martial art, was one of the focal points of the South Korean delegation's efforts to promote their culture during the lead-up to the Games. The inclusion of Tae Kwon Do as an official Olympic sport for the first time in 1988 was a monumental achievement for South Korea, symbolizing both the sport’s global recognition and the country’s growing influence in the world of international sports. The coin was part of South Korea's larger effort to honor its cultural heritage while embracing its place on the global stage as host of the 1988 Games. The 5000 Won Tae Kwon Do coin was one of several commemorative pieces issued by the Korean government to honor the event and was intended to capture the spirit of the Games while showcasing one of the country’s most important cultural contributions.
The design of the 5000 Won Tae Kwon Do coin is a blend of artistic tribute and symbolic representation. On the reverse side, the coin features an image of a Tae Kwon Do practitioner in mid-action, demonstrating a high-kick. The design captures the dynamic and powerful nature of the martial art, with the figure’s movement elegantly rendered in relief. This representation not only highlights the physical prowess required to perform such a move but also symbolizes the discipline, strength, and tradition of Tae Kwon Do. Surrounding the central image of the athlete are the inscriptions “TAE KWON DO” and “1988 OLYMPIC GAMES,” linking the coin directly to the event and the sport. The design is both celebratory and respectful, embodying the cultural importance of Tae Kwon Do to the Korean people and the international recognition the sport earned when it was officially included in the Olympics.
On the obverse side of the coin, the image of the South Korean national emblem is prominently displayed, featuring the Taeguk, a symbol of balance and unity, which is central to the flag of South Korea. The Taeguk is flanked by the inscriptions “REPUBLIC OF KOREA” and the year of issue, “1987,” marking the coin’s place in history. The obverse also features the denomination, “5000 WON,” which indicates the coin's value as part of South Korea’s official currency system. This side of the coin serves as a reminder of the national pride and significance that the coin represents, as it was issued not only to commemorate the 1988 Seoul Olympics but also as a reflection of South Korea's cultural and economic progress during the late 20th century.
The 1987 South Korea 5000 Won coin is struck from 92.5% sterling silver, which is a standard for many of the country’s high-quality commemorative coins. The use of sterling silver gives the coin its brilliant luster and adds to its overall appeal for collectors and investors. The coin’s 31.1-gram weight provides a substantial feel, making it a noteworthy piece in any collection. The diameter of 38mm allows for the intricate details of the design to be fully appreciated. The coin was produced with a proof-like finish, ensuring that the details of the Tae Kwon Do practitioner, as well as the inscriptions and the national emblem, were clearly visible and sharply struck. The high-quality finish of the coin enhances its visual appeal, making it not only a historical artifact but also a work of art that reflects South Korea’s commitment to producing coins of exceptional quality.
The mintage of the 1987 5000 Won Tae Kwon Do coin was relatively limited, which adds to its rarity and desirability among collectors. The Royal Mint of Korea, which is responsible for producing South Korea’s coinage, issued only a small number of these coins as part of its commemorative series for the Seoul 1988 Olympics. The limited mintage ensures that the coin remains a scarce and valuable item in the world of numismatics, particularly for those who specialize in Olympic coins or coins related to martial arts and Korean culture. While specific mintage figures are not always disclosed, the limited nature of this coin contributes significantly to its collector’s value, as it is unlikely to be found in large quantities on the secondary market.
The condition of the 1987 South Korea 5000 Won coin is another critical aspect of its appeal. As a proof-like coin, it was produced with high attention to detail and care to ensure the quality of each piece. The coin is typically found in brilliant uncirculated (BU) condition, meaning it has not been circulated and retains its original beauty and luster. The coin is often found in pristine condition, making it a desirable addition to any collection of Olympic or silver coins. The original packaging, which includes a presentation box, further preserves the coin's condition and enhances its value. The box is designed not only to protect the coin but also to provide an elegant and fitting display for collectors who wish to showcase the coin as part of a collection.
The 1987 South Korea 5000 Won Silver coin commemorating the Olympic Tae Kwon Do event remains an important piece in both the history of South Korean coinage and the legacy of the 1988 Seoul Olympics. The inclusion of Tae Kwon Do as an official Olympic sport for the first time in 1988 was a significant milestone for the country, and this coin celebrates that achievement while also highlighting South Korea’s cultural heritage. With its beautiful design, limited mintage, and connection to one of the world’s most popular martial arts, the 5000 Won coin continues to be a highly sought-after item among collectors of Olympic memorabilia, silver coins, and Korean history. It remains a testament to the enduring legacy of the 1988 Seoul Olympics and the global impact of Tae Kwon Do as an Olympic sport.