2021 South Korea ZI:SIN – Taurus 1oz Silver BU Medal

Zi: Sin! The battle! This battle is real, and it is relentless. Twelve Guardians have been established to serve as god’s commanders to protect mankind. Each stand to defend from demonic attacks and ambushes that come from the twelve directions represented on the lunar calendar wheel. The individual commanders are empowered to stand against the specific evil forces that come from the direction they defend. To the Twelve Guardians, the earth is a battlefield and there is no rest.

The obverse of this 2021 1 oz Silver Zi: Sin ‑ Taurus BU, though it is common to the 12-medallion series, is anything but common! Displayed in exquisite detail is “Do gage bi,” which should always be pronounced with an exclamation point! Do galbi (!) is a mythical figure from Korean lore that had the power to protect from evil spirits. The actual design used is from a roof tile dating from the Silla Dynasty. This kingdom ruled over south-eastern Korea during the very important Three Kingdoms period, extending from the 1st century BC to the 7th century AD.

Inscriptions include “The REPUBLIC OF KOREA” encircling the top rim, and “2021 FINE SILVER 999” at the left rim, with “1 CLAY” at the right. Below the image is a unique, latent image engraving, that very faintly displays, “999” in a small circle. “KOMSCO” is inscribed at the bottom rim.

Interestingly, the “1 Clay” is a new measurement developed by KOMSCO. It references 1 unit of 1 troy oz of the metal. The word clay is considered to be of the soil, out of which the metal was derived.

The reverse depicts the guardian Taurus forging a sword that he will no doubt use to fight evil and preserve peace. His confident countenance gives assurance to all good people that they are safe with him as their protector. Taurus is shown examing the blade that he has forged, staring intently and proud.