North Korea Coins
The official currency of North Korea is the North Korean won, introduced in 1947 after the division of the Korean peninsula. The North Korean monetary system has undergone several changes throughout its history, reflecting the country's economic policies and situation.
Current currency and circulation
The current North Korean won is divided into 100 chon and exists in banknote and coin denominations. Banknotes in circulation range from 5 won to 5000 won, while coins include values of 1, 5, 10 and 50 chon. However, due to the country's closed economy, the North Korean won is not traded internationally and its actual value is difficult to determine.
Monetary history and relevant facts
Prior to the introduction of the won, North Korea used the Korean yen during the Japanese occupation. In 1959, a major currency reform was carried out that revalued the won. Another significant milestone occurred in 2009 when the government implemented a controversial redenomination of the won, which severely limited the amount of money citizens could exchange, causing economic and social turmoil in the country.
| Country | North Korea |
| Flag | |
| Coin | Won (KPW) |
| 1€ | 997,62₩ |
| Continent | Asia |
| Capital city | Pyongyang |
| ISO2 | KP |
| ISO3 | PRK |
| Catalogued coins | 54 |
If you are a passionate collector, this catalog offers the possibility to create your own personal collection. You can add your coins and generate a free PDF catalog from a complete database and our management tools. In addition, once registered, you will have the opportunity to exchange coins with other collectors around the world easily and free of charge.
The most valuable coins
The most valuable North Korea coins and sought after by collectors according to Foronum statistics are the following:
The valuation of these coins has been achieved through a meticulous algorithm that considers the current market, taking into account aspects such as material, weight, diameter, edge, year of mintage, mint of manufacture and the number of coins produced. Coins with limited mintages and in good condition are usually among the most valuable.
Coin Catalog
20 won (70th anniversary of DPRK-China relations)
10 won (Paramilitary)
10 won (Korean forest tiger)
20 won (Denuclearization in Korea)
10 won (Paramilitary)
10 won (March 1st Movement)
10 won (Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula)
10 chon (With lettering on the back)
10 won (Monument to the Workers' Party of Korea)
10 won (Workers' Party of Korea Museum Foundation)
1 chon (No stars on the reverse side)
5 chon (No stars on the reverse side)
10 chon (No stars on the reverse side)
50 chon (No stars on the reverse side)
1 chon (With 2 stars on the back)
5 chon (With 2 stars on the back)
10 chon (With 2 stars on the back)
50 chon (With 2 stars on the back)
1 chon (With 1 star on the back)
5 chon (With 1 star on the back)
Other resources to find coins and banknotes of North Korea
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