Owner Comments:
SERIES/TITLE: UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE – JONGMYO SHRINE
FACE VALUE: 30,000 WON
METAL: Ag .999
WEIGHT IN FINENESS (g): 19.0
TOTAL WEIGHT (g): 19.0
DIAMETER (mm): 33.0
ALIGNMENT: MEDAL
STRIKE: PROOF
EDGE: REEDED
DECORATIVE ELEMENT: N/A
MINTAGE: 51,000
YEAR/DATE OF ISSUE: 2010
DESIGNERS: N/A
ENGRAVERS: N/A
FROM THE BANK OF KOREA: This coin was issued with the motif of ‘Jongmyo Shrine’, in the shape of a round, as the first of a series of UNESCO World Heritage Coins. Jongmyo Shrine is the sanctuary of the Joseon Dynasty where the spirit tablets of the late kings and queens are enshrined. In acknowledgment of the importance of preserving its value as one of world’s monumental buildings with a unique style of architecture, Jongmyo Shrine was registered on UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995.
OBVERSE: Center, is depicted Jeongjeon (Korea National Treasure No, 227) the main hall of the Jongmyo Shrine. Above in a semicircle is inscribed 유네스코 세계 유산 / 종묘(UNESCO World Heritage / Jonhmyo Shrine). Below in a semicircle is inscribed 2010 / 한국은행 / 삼만원(2010 / Bank Of Korea / 30,000 Won)
REVERSE: Center, a scene from the Royal Ancestral Ritual in the Jongmyo Shrine with the inscription ‘Jongmyo Shrine’ above. At the top of the rim in a semicircle is inscribed UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE, below at the bottom of the rim in a semicircle is inscribed 2010 / THE BANK OF KOREA / 30000 WON
NOTES: Jongmyo is the oldest and most authentic of the Confucian royal shrines to have been preserved. Dedicated to the forefathers of the Joseon dynasty (1392–1910), the shrine has existed in its present form since the 16th century and houses tablets bearing the teachings of members of the former royal family. Ritual ceremonies linking music, song and dance still take place there, perpetuating a tradition that goes back to the 14th century.
The size and weight of the planchet was reduced, this is the second different size planchet used for the 30000 won coins. The 2008 planchet was 35mm x 23g, the 2010 is 33mm x 19g. The planchets will continue to reduce in size later in the series.