KOMSCO Mint

Korea Minting and Security Printing Corporation (KOMSCO) Metals at JM Bullion

When it comes to the purchase of gold and silver from mints or refiners, investors and collectors have a wealth of options in front of them. Private refineries around the globe strike precious metal rounds and bars, while mints (sovereign and private alike) strike bullion and commemorative coinage alongside other production duties. KOMSCO a government-owned corporation in the Republic of Korea (South Korea) that is responsible for both the production of silver and gold bullion, as well as other national printing and coining duties.

Currently, KOMSCO is ramping up its production of gold and silver for the global precious metal market. In 2016, it debuted a new series known as the Chiwoo Cheonwang. More recently, a 12-coin selection known as the Zi:Sin Series debuted that will include 12 different designs over the course of the release schedule. You can learn all about KOMSCO and its products below!

History of KOMSCO

KOMSCO was founded through full investment from the National Treasure of South Korea under a special law enacted in 1951. Today, the mint is the sole currency manufacturer for the Republic of Korea, and it operates under the direct control of the government in Seoul. The primary function of KOMSCO is to manufacture banknotes, coins, national bonds, and various other securities issued by the government of South Korea. Additional services included the manufacture of currency safety bonds issued by the Bank of Korea, postage stamps, special government certificates, and any other special printed items for the government.

The mint operates a highly sophisticated facility in Daejeon, South Korea, where it places high priority on research and development, as well as innovation and evolution in security technology. The Silver Clay Chiwoo Cheonwang medal is just one of the many brilliant products manufactured by KOMSCO on an annual basis.

Association with the Bank of Korea

KOMSCO is closely associated with the Bank of Korea due to its operations as the sole currency manufacturer for South Korea. The Bank of Korea is the nation’s central bank and was established with the Bank of Korea Act, which passed on June 12, 1950. The bank was established in the wake of Korea’s liberation and subsequent split along the 38^th parallel on August 15, 1945 following World War II. AS it was then, the primary purpose of the Bank of Korea is price stability for the nation.

KOMSCO Performance Today

As of 2017, KOMSCO is growing its international profile as a national mint with global aspirations. Already the sole currency producer for South Korea, the mint is both rolling out new South Korean gold and silver bullion for investors and offering its services to other nations. KOMSCO is increasing the export of banknotes, security papers, and electronics passports with its anti-forgery technology to nations across Central and East Asia, as well as Europe and Africa. Currently, KOMSCO produces 600 different types of products for other South Korea and other nations that include commemorative banknotes, medals, welfare cards, and even civil servant ID cards. Examples of its expansion include banknotes exported to Indonesia, printing inks to Canada and Switzerland, and even 3 million electronic ID cards to Kyrgyzstan.

The Chiwoo Cheonwang Series

KOMSCO launched the South Korean Chiwoo Cheonwang Medals in 2016 with just a 1 Troy oz weight offered. The design features of that original release depict the fearsome God of War standing on the ground bearing his traditional shield, wearing his feared mask, and brandishing a long spear in his right arm. On the face of his shield you’ll notice a depiction of the mask that traditionally covers his face.

Flip the medal over and you’ll find a close-up, detailed depiction of Chiwoo Cheonwang’s shield. The image is surrounded by identifying engravings that include the year of issue, metal type, purity, nation of issue (Republic of Korea), and the phrase “1 Clay.”

The initial release of the Chiwoo Cheonwang medals in .999 pure silver was so successful that KOMSCO expanded the collection in 2017. There were just 30,000 medals struck in silver in 2016, but that was expanded for the silver collection a total of 50,000 medals in 2017. Beyond that, KOMSCO introduced a small run of 1/10 oz Gold Chiwoo Cheonwang gold medals with a limited mintage of 25,000 medals.

The Zi:Sin Series

The latest addition to the collection of South Korean silver and gold coins from KOMSCO is the Zi:Sin Series. The collection has two different designs ready for release as of late 2017, and this include the images of Gallus and Canis. The planned 12-coin series features depictions of the Twelve Guardians from Korean cultural lore. Each silver release will feature the following highlights:

• Products arrive in individual protective plastic, mint tubes of 25, or sealed mint boxes of 250!
• 12-planned designs representing each of the Twelve Guardians!
• Limited mintage of only 33,000 silver medals per release!
• Contains 1 Troy oz of .999 pure silver in BU condition.
• Common obverse features the revered shield of Chiwoo Cheonwang, the God of War.

As for the gold coins released in the Zi:Sin Series, you’ll find the following highlights:

• Coins arrive in individual protective capsules or sealed rolls of 20!
• Limited mintages of 1,200 medals!
• Contains 1 Troy oz of .999 pure gold in BU condition.

The Twelve Guardians are the battlefield generals of god in Korean culture. These are the individuals who lead the line when god’s army must march out to protect the world against evil forces. Each of the 12 individual guardians are responsible for watching a different direction, offering protection to the world from all directions at all times. The 2017 South Korean Zi:Sin Gallus is the first design release in the Zi:Sin Series.

Gallus is known as the messenger of light and he can send off a bright burst of light that blinds and terrifies god’s foes on the field of battle. Found on the reverse of the design, Gallus is dressed in his full battle regalia. His powerful roar also had the ability to instill fear in the most fearsome of evil demons, while it is said the point on his helmet enables him to see into the future to forecast what is going to happen.

Among the upcoming releases in the Zi:Sin Series you’ll find the Canis design. Canis is known as the spearhead of god’s army, standing at the front of the battle line to lead the troops in battle against the forces of evil. Canis is a guider known for loyalty and reliability who faithfully protects god while staying alert to danger at all times.

All of the coins initial released in these KOMSCO bullion collections were in BU condition. Coins in this condition exhibit no signs of wear and tear, but may include minor flaws from the coining process. You might notice breaks in the luster, spotted surfaces, and contact marks.

Purchase KOMSCO Bullion Products from JM Bullion

JM Bullion proudly accepts a variety of payment methods for the KOMSCO bullion coins you purchase. We accept most major credit/debit cards, with an average one-business-day processing time. Bank wire and PayPal transactions are processed immediately, releasing your coins into our shipping queue the fastest. Paper check payments are accepted, but take an average of four to six business days to process. Both paper check and bank wire transactions quality for a 4% discount.

All JM Bullion shipments over $199 qualify for free shipping and insurance. We package all products in discreet boxes to protect the identity of your shipment. All packages are sent out via UPS or the US Postal Service, with expedited shipping available from both carriers with an additional fee. If your shipment is lost or stolen, we’ll work to provide you with a replacement product (if possible) or a refund of your purchase price.

If you have any questions about KOMSCO products, don’t hesitate to reach out to JM Bullion. Our associates are available on the phone at 800-276-6508, online using our live web chat feature, or via email.