The ZI:SIN medal series are gold and silver medals produced and issued by the South Korean Mint, the Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corporation (KOMSCO). KOMSCO is responsible for circulating currency in South Kora, as well as South Korean bullion. The ZI:SIN series are captivating embodiments of Korean folklore and culture that feature intricate designs and low mintages.
ZI:SIN and Korean Folklore
In Korean culture, there are Four Guardians, one for each cardinal direction. Also known as Auspicious Beasts, each guardian signifies a different season and element and is associated with unique characteristics.
- Bai Seol, a white tiger who guards the west and is associated with autumn. Bai Seol represents courage, protection, and strength.
- Jujak, a red phoenix, guards the south and is associated with summer. Jujak represents prosperity, harmony, and re-birth.
- Cheongung is a blue dragon guarding the east and is associated with spring. Cheongung represents nobility, wisdom, and power.
- Hyonmu, a black tortoise, is the guardian of the north associated with winter. Hyonmu is said to represent wisdom, longevity, and protection.
The Guardians can be broken down into subdivisions that also represent intercardinal direction inspired by the lunar calendar. The ZI:SIN series is comprised of 12 designs, with one design for 12 Guardians and 12 issues planned for release by 2028. While the cardinal directions are represented by animals, the Twelve Guardians are represented as twelve humans with special powers or characteristics of an animal.
Although these are considered medals or rounds, as one ounce silver and one ounce gold products, they carry a face value of one clay and have one troy ounce of .999 fine silver or one ounce of .999 fine gold. They were also issued as one-tenth ounce As 10 ounce medals, the ZI:SIN series has a 10 clay face value. All of the ZI:SIN issues have the same obverse, which depicts the Gwi-myeon-wa, the shield carried by Chiwoo Cheonwang, as well as latent security features, the face value, and the year of issue. In legends, Chiwoo Cheonwang was one of three founding fathers of China and the 14th head of the first Korean state, Shinshi. The reverse of the ZI:SIN designs features the 12 Guardians.
Who are the Twelve Guardians on the ZI:SIN Medals?
2017 ZI:SIN Gallus
The first release in the ZI:SIN series was the 2017 issue depicting Gallus. Gallus wields a spear and wears an elaborate helmet. His helmet provides the gift of foresight and is reminiscent of a rooster’s high plumage with flourishment coming from the crest of his helm. Gallus is capable of calling a light brighter than the sun that blinds enemies and keeps evil away.
Gallus represents the year of the rooster. The 2017 Gallus ZI:SIN release had a mintage of 33,300 medals.
2018 ZI:SIN – Canis
The second issue of the SI:SIN series, issued in 2018, depicted Canis. Like dogs, Canis is loyal and reliable. His job is protecting god, and he stays alert at all times. Canis is shown as a fearsome warrior in dog-like armor that includes battle-ready paws that appear as claws. He is the first soldier to march into battle, and Canis always leads the line of the 12 Guardians.
Canis represents the year of the dog. The 2018 Cannis release of the ZI:SIN series had a mintage of 40,000 medals.
2019 ZI:SIN – Scofra
Scofra was the third release in the ZI:SIN medal series. Scofra, also known as Justice Haechi, protects the Salt-Lake, a creation of the gods of the sun, moon, and stars. The lake is a divine passage that connects the worlds between mortals and immortals. She appears in full battle dress on the shores of the Salt-Lake, wielding a sword that she is prepared to use in battle.
Scrofa employs five senses to detect evil forces from a distance. When demons target Salt-Lake, Scrofa duplicates herself in “the Art of the Doppelganger.” Innovative issues like the Scrofa Ghost and Scrofa Eclipse visualize this doubling, which she uses to crush her enemies.
Scrofa represents the year of the pig. The 2019 Scrofa ZI:SIN release had a mintage of 40,000 medals.
2020 ZI:SIN – Rattus
The fourth ZI:SIN issue featured the Guardian Rattus. She is shown in a traditional gown with a dagger in her left hand, seated on a rooftop. She holds a small moon in her right hand. Rattus is the Queen of the Underworld and uses her ability to foresee danger to warn Chiwoo Cheonwang before evil has a chance to rise. As Queen of the Underworld, she guards the cave underneath the Chiwoo empire.
Rattus represents the year of the rat. The 2020 Rattus ZI:SIN medal had a mintage of 22,000 medals.
2021 ZI:SIN – Taurus
The fifth ZI:SIN issue depicted Taurus with flowing hair and horned bull armor. He is shown standing in front of an anvil as he examines the blade of a sword he is forging. Taurus is the defender of peace among the Twelve Guardians, as well as the god of war. He embodies the essence of a powerful bull, charging at enemies and cannot be stopped easily. He crafts weapons and practices the art of wielding them.
Taurus represents the year of the ox. The Taurus issue of the ZI:SIN series had a mintage of 20,000 medals.
2022 ZI:SIN – Tigris
The sixth issue of the ZI:SIN medals featured an imposing Tigris carrying a sacred halberd. He prowls the cliffs above a battle like a tiger and has tiger stripe on his arms. A jungle lies behind Tigris. He keeps watch over the fight until the right moment, when he pounces and catches evil off guard.
Tigris represents the year of the tiger. The Tigris issue of the ZI:SIN series had a mintage of 30,000 medals.
2023 ZI:SIN – Lepus
The seventh issue of the ZI:SIN medal series depicts Lepus in full military dress and a headpiece, guiding the way to battle in front of a floating map. The moon and branches of a tree can be seen behind her. Lepus embodies cleverness and dexterity and serves as an advisor of strategy to Emperor Chiwoo. She explores the terrain demons have appeared on.
Lepus represents the year of the hare. The ZI:SIN Lepus issue had a mintage of 30,000 medals.
2024 ZI:SIN – Draco
The eighth ZI:SIN issue featured a representation of Draco riding on the back of a fearsome dragon in flight. His helmet appears as a dragon’s head and he has dragons on his shoulder armor. Draco is a master archer who has notched an arrow in his bow and is aiming before he fires. Draco is the Guardian of nobility, authority, and power, as well as good luck. He wields power over water, including rainfall, typhoons, and floods.
Draco represents the year of the dragon. The Draco issue of the ZI:SIN series had a mintage of 30,000 medals.
Future ZI:SIN Issues
Future issues of the ZI:SIN series will depict the remaining years of the lunar calendar as
- 2025 ZI:SIN – Ophida
- 2026 ZI:SIN – Equus
- 2027 ZI:SIN – Ovis
- 2028 ZI:SIN – Pithecus
