Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Corporation Launches '200th Anniversary Commemorative Medal of Father Kim Dae-geon'

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] A medal commemorating the 200th anniversary of the birth of Saint Father Kim Dae-geon in 2021 and his designation as a UNESCO World Commemorative Figure has been released. Father Kim Dae-geon was the first Korean priest martyr and was canonized as a saint.

The Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation (KOMSCO) announced on the 30th that it unveiled the commemorative medal at the "200th Anniversary Jubilee Opening Ceremony of Saint Father Kim Dae-geon Andrea" held at Myeongdong Cathedral, the cathedral of the Archdiocese of Seoul, on the 29th.

The 200th anniversary commemorative medal of Father Kim Dae-geon was planned to promote and inherit the meaning of his birth, life, and martyrdom, which realized universal human values. It was produced with permission to use the portrait image of Father Kim Dae-geon by the late artist Moon Hak-jin, managed by the Korean Catholic Central Council.

The front of the commemorative medal features Father Kim Dae-geon's portrait and handwritten signature against the background of the stained glass of Myeongdong Cathedral, along with the inscription "200th Anniversary of Father Kim Dae-geon's Birth" and the years "1821?2021." The back side is engraved with the symbol of Father Kim Dae-geon, the wild rose, a Korean translation of a letter written in French and Latin, the inscription "2021 UNESCO World Commemorative Figure," and marks indicating manufacture by KOMSCO and the hallmark.

A total of 10,200 medals will be produced in limited quantities: 200 gold medals (weight 31.1g), 2,000 silver medals (31.1g), and 8,000 cupronickel medals (26g). The selling prices (including VAT) are 3,520,000 KRW for gold, 187,000 KRW for silver, and 49,500 KRW for cupronickel.

From today until the 11th of next month, advance reservations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis at NH Nonghyup Bank branches nationwide, KOMSCO’s online shopping mall, Hyundai H Mall, The Hyundai.com, Lotte ON, and Poongsan Hwadoyanghaeng.

A portion of the sales proceeds will be donated to the 200th anniversary commemorative projects of Father Kim Dae-geon under sponsorship agreements with the Catholic Diocese of Daejeon and Dangjin City Hall. The sponsorship funds will be used for the 2021 COVID-19 vaccine distribution sharing campaign for vulnerable groups.

Jo Yong-man, president of KOMSCO, said, "I hope the commemorative medal will contribute to inheriting the noble spirit of Father Kim Dae-geon."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.