Medal Highlights
Brand-new issue in the South Korean Phoenix series
Limited mintage of only 30,000 silver medals worldwide
Struck from 1 troy ounce of .999 fine silver
Brilliant Uncirculated condition
Obverse features an intricate Phoenix in flight
Reverse displays a stylized rendition of the South Korean Presidential seal
Enhanced with advanced latent security features
 
Obverse
The obverse of the 2021 1 oz South Korean Silver Phoenix Medal showcases a majestic Phoenix soaring in flight. The design emphasizes the creature’s expansive wingspan and elegantly detailed tail feathers flowing beneath it. Integrated directly into the field is a latent security element: when viewed from different angles, vertical lines reveal the Korean characters for Bonghwang. Also included on the obverse is the inscription Korean Phoenix 2021.
 
Reverse
The reverse presents a refined interpretation of the South Korean Presidential seal. At its center is a Yin-Yang symbol, flanked by two Phoenixes facing one another, symbolizing harmony and authority. Surrounding inscriptions include REPUBLIC OF KOREA, 1 OZ FINE SILVER .999, and KOMSCO, identifying the issuing authority and silver purity.
 
History
The origins of the Phoenix span multiple ancient civilizations, with early references often linked to Egyptian mythology. Greek historian Herodotus helped introduce the legend to the Western world through his accounts of Egypt’s mythical creatures. Renowned for its regenerative power and vivid crimson plumage, the Phoenix is described in various traditions as combining features of several animals, including a fish-like tail, a swallow’s face, and a serpent’s neck.
 
In Korean culture, the Phoenix is known as the Bonghwang and has long been associated with virtue, prosperity, and royal authority. Historically connected to Korea’s rulers, the Bonghwang remains a national symbol today and can still be seen represented at the Presidential Blue House, where a prominent Phoenix statue stands as a symbol of leadership and renewal.