Two thousand sixteen saw the Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp’s (KOMSCO) entrance into silver bullion with the Chiwoo Cheonwang Medal. That same year marked the kickoff of their Tiger Bullion series. It was initially available only in gold. This year, KOMSCO added a silver version of this beautiful medal. It celebrates one of the country’s most dearly held symbols: the tiger.

The Guardian of Korea

The tiger was first a tie to Korea in approximately 38 B.C. This was the Dangun legend. It tells the story of the founder of the first Korean kingdom. From there, historical records about tigers existed in the Joseon Dynasty. The dynasty was from 1392-1897.

Additionally, various images of tigers show it as a guardian and protector of Korea and its people. One of the most famous portraits is the 19th-century painting Sansindo. Sansindo which shows the guardian spirit of a mountain leaning against a tiger and riding on its back.

Royal Korean tombs have stone tiger sculptures standing in front of the burial mounds. Koreans believe tigers act as a safeguard for the dead. Prayers and rituals for rain include tigers. Tigers are also thought to bring good luck to those near them. Today, the tiger is the national animal of South Korea and has been used as their Olympic mascot to represent its people.

A Mintage Limit of the Tiger

Both the gold and silver editions of this series will carry a fantastic design and high detail. Of course, the image of a prowling tiger growling into the bamboo is on their obverse. You’ll also see the weight, year of mintage, and “KOREAN TIGER.” The reverse showcases a stylish representation of Korea in Hangul. (Korean script). Tiger stripes brush the outer edge. You will read an inscription of “REPUBLIC OF KOREA” and the purity.

The silver edition will have a mintage limit of only 30,000. Secondly, the gold will limit to 10,090 across the three available sizes. These are 1 oz, ½ oz, and ¼ oz. Each one with a mintage of 2018, 4036, and 4036, respectively.

2018 Silver Chiwoo Cheonwang

As the first South Korean Silver bullion series, the Chiwoo medal series has quickly become one of the most popular series on the bullion market. Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) releases this mint. Furthermore, they introduce it with a very low mintage. The 2016 releases at the small numbers of 30,000 for the 1 oz. silver medal. Then down to a mintage of only 2016 for the 1 oz. gold medal. For the 2017 release, only 50% of the mintage is available outside of Korea.

This series celebrates the life and influence of Chiwoo Cheonwang. The latest release is truly exquisite.

Who was Chiwoo Cheonwang?

Chiwoo Cheonwang was a tribal leader in approximately 2600 BC. He is a significant figure in both Chinese and Korean history. His accomplishments were powerful. Many have seen the test of time and are now stories of legendary magic and power. As the leader of the Nine Li tribe in China, he was like the God of War. This is because of his countless victories on the battlefield. Many consider him to be one of three founding fathers of the country. Some of the tales today include that he had four eyes, six arms, and horns. Furthermore, takes say he was able to win any battle by breathing fog to disorient the enemy army. Weather could also bend to his will.

One Korean history book names Chiwoo as one of the earliest ancestors of modern-day Koreans. All told, he won 9 major and 80 minor battles with his tribe and army. It took two emperors and their combined forces to defeat him finally. Today, he is popularly known as the symbol of the Red Devils, a South Korean national soccer team. When they played in the 2002 World Cup, fans used the image of Chiwoo from his shield as their mascot.

Purchase Today!

Because of their starting mintage limit and continuing growth in popularity, many recommend purchasing these medals as they come out. As KOMSCO limits their sale outside the country, they have become more difficult to come by for global collectors.

A Stunning New Design

The obverse of this incredible new medal displays an image of a roof tile from the Silla Dynasty which shows the face of Dobi, a mythical creature entrusted with the protection of humans from evil spirits. This side also reads “CLAY.” This is a new concept of the representation of the weight and quantity. Here, 1 Clay means one piece that weighs one troy ounce. This stems from the materials of earth and dirt. They create the roof tile, called “Gwi-myeon-wa. (Yong-myeon-wa)”.

The reverse carries incredible detail. It is an image of Chiwoo holding his sword while riding his massive warhorse across a battlefield. It was designed to depict the last picture that his enemies would see before he defeated them in battle.

Order Today!

Bullion Exchanges is one of the largest, most reliable precious metals retailers in the New York City Diamond District. We ensure a fast, pleasant, and secure retail and online shopping experience. You can purchase the latest addition to this popular series today by phone. Call us at 800.852.6884. Furthermore, you can go online at BullionExchanges.com. We offer free US shipping on all orders over $75. Alternately, complete your purchase of this beautiful medal at our retail store in the heart of Manhattan. We are at 30 West 47th Street, Store 1, New York, NY 10036. The store is open Monday-Friday from 9am-5pm EST.

Previous Release

2018 Silver Australian Koala from the Perth Mint