North Korea 1 Won 1978 Pick 18c UNC Banknote
The North Korea 1 Won 1978 banknote (Pick 18c) was issued by the Central Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) as part of a special series of Foreign Exchange Certificates intended for use by visitors from non-socialist (Western) countries. Rather than circulating alongside ordinary North Korean currency, these certificates could only be used in designated foreign-currency shops.
Preserved in UNC (Uncirculated) condition, this note is a fascinating collectible from the Cold War period and an excellent example of North Korea’s unique dual-currency system.
Historical Background
During the Cold War, North Korea issued several series of Foreign Exchange Certificates for foreign visitors. Different colours of seals identified the type of currency accepted:
- Red seal – Convertible (Western) currencies (Pick 18c)
- Green seal – Socialist-country currencies
- Regular issues – Domestic circulation only
These certificates helped the government control foreign exchange while separating visitors from the domestic monetary system. The Pick 18c is the red-seal variety issued for visitors from Western countries.
Technical Specifications
- Country: North Korea (DPRK)
- Denomination: 1 Won
- Year: 1978
- Pick Number: P-18c
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Central Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
- Currency: Second Won (Foreign Exchange Certificate)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 130 × 65 mm
- Status: Demonetized (1992)
Obverse
The obverse features:
- A student blowing a bugle
- A woman and two children
- Modern buildings symbolising the country’s “bright future”
- DPRK state title
- Denomination numerals
- Red serial numbers
The optimistic design reflects North Korean socialist ideals, emphasising education, family and national development.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Male and female soldiers
- Yang Hae Ryong, a character from the revolutionary opera Sea of Blood
- Red official seal identifying the note as a convertible-currency certificate
- Decorative security patterns
Sea of Blood is one of North Korea’s best-known revolutionary operas and remains an important element of the country’s political and cultural imagery.
Security Features
- Chollima Statue watermark
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Red serial numbers
- Official red reverse seal
- High-quality security printing
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The North Korea 1 Won 1978 Pick 18c UNC banknote is one of the most unusual North Korean issues because it was never intended for ordinary citizens. As a Foreign Exchange Certificate, it represents an important chapter in Cold War monetary history.
Perfect for:
- North Korea banknote collections
- Cold War collections
- Foreign Exchange Certificates
- Asian currency collections
- Political history collections
- UNC world paper money collections
Collector’s Note
The Pick 18c is the red-seal variety produced for visitors using convertible (Western) currencies. Together with the green-seal socialist version and the regular circulation issue, it forms one of the most interesting collectible sets in modern North Korean numismatics.
