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Certain numismatic creations are devoted to commemoration: they thoroughly perpetuate the given event and make it more noticeable throughout the years. The US Mint, as the main (and only) monetary authority in the country, could not miss an opportunity to pay tribute to the anniversary of the Korean War and the veterans whose service was invaluable.
Only one million pieces were authorized, and owning one would mean possessing a rare artifact of historical appreciation. So, what does the United States Korean War Memorial coin look like? Which features identify rare coins as genuinely rare, and what is their cost in general?
Why the US Korean War Memorial Coin Was Created
The answer is rather simple: in 1991, there was released the Korean War coin, originally meant to honor the 38th anniversary of the Korean War, which is quite obvious. This crisis lasted from 1950 to 1953 and is often called “the forgotten war”, for it was quietly overshadowed by more global and "media-promoted" conflicts like World War II and the Vietnam War. But why was it so special for Americans?
So as to act as a supportive force within a United Nations coalition, the US sent hundreds of thousands of troops and air units there, which logically (and unfortunately) resulted in the loss of about 36,000 American service members and millions of Korean civilians affected by the conflict.
Hence, the Korean War commemorative coin was launched as a part of the commemorative program to praise those who served, suffered, and sacrificed during the conflict – their legacy should never fade away.
Design & Specifications
The Main Features | |
Denomination | 1 dollar (U.S.) |
Composition | 90% silver, 10% copper |
Weight | 26.73 grams |
Diameter | 38.10 mm |
Thickness | ~2.58 mm |
Edge | Reeded |
Years of Minting | 1991 only |
Mint Marks | “D” for Denver “P” for Philadelphia |
Obverse: Features a soldier, wearing combat gear, climbing up a hill, with naval ships and F-86 Sabre jet fighters in the background, as well as the inscriptions “THIRTY EIGHTH ANNIVERSARY COMMEMORATIVE”, “KOREA”, “IN GOD WE TRUST”, “LIBERTY”, and the dates “1953” and “1991”.
Reverse: Displays a map of the Korean Peninsula, divided into two (in broader, less metaphoric terms), along with the eagle's head and the inscriptions “ONE DOLLAR”, “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA”, “E PLURIBUS UNUM”, the designer’s initials (TJF), and a mint mark.
Types by Mint and Their Costs
1991-D $1 Korea
Produced by: Denver Mint
Mintage: 213,049
Auction Record: $530 for MS70
The United States Korean War Memorial coin value was not the same all the time. At first, it was sold at a pre-issue price of $23.00 and a regular issue price of $26.00. This, however, gradually changed.
1991-P $1 Korea (Proof)
Produced by: Philadelphia Mint
Mintage: 618,488
Auction Record: $920 for PR69
As for the 1991 Korean War Memorial coin proof silver dollar value, it is a bit more immense, for this Philadelphia-minted issue features the same design yet with improved detail and clarity (with brilliant proof finish and frosted details) solely intended for collectors.
“In 2008, or 17 years after these coins were struck, someone was fortunate enough to find one of these coins with a 90-degree rotated die error…
However, the 1991-P Korean Dollar is a proof version, and proof coins are very unusual with rotated dies. Several experts and dealers in errors were estimating that the coin would bring anywhere from $500 and up…”
— Jaime Hernandez, respected numismatist, price guide editor at PCGS
PCGS CoinFacts
FAQs
How much is the Korean War memorial coin worth?
It depends. According to APMEX, typical market listings for either strike are about $50. Certain exceptional instances may be worth more (up to hundreds of dollars per piece in MS grades).
Are Memorial coins worth anything?
Yes, since they represent the legacy and those involved in the events. Nonetheless, not all of them can be worth millions (but modesty in this perspective is also appreciated).
How much did the Korean War memorial cost at first?
At the very beginning, the US Mint sold the proof version for $31 and the uncirculated (Denver) version for $26. To learn more about the current price, please refer to reputable resources like Coin ID Scanner and the rest.
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