North Korea 100 Won 1978 Pick 22 UNC Banknote
The North Korea 100 Won 1978 banknote (Pick 22) is one of the most iconic issues of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). Issued by the Central Bank of the DPRK, it was the highest denomination of the 1978 banknote series and the first regular North Korean circulation note to prominently feature Kim Il-sung, the country’s founder.
Printed in shades of brown, lilac and multicolour underprint, this banknote reflects the political symbolism and artistic style of North Korea during the late 1970s. In UNC (Uncirculated) condition, it is a highly collectible piece of Cold War-era paper money.
Historical Background
In 1978, North Korea introduced a completely redesigned banknote series for the Second Won (1959–2009). Unlike previous issues, the new designs focused heavily on revolutionary symbolism and the personality cult surrounding Kim Il-sung.
The 100 Won became the flagship denomination of the series and remained in circulation until it was replaced during the 1992 redesign. It was officially demonetized in 1992.
Technical Specifications
- Country: North Korea (DPRK)
- Denomination: 100 Won
- Year: 1978
- Pick Number: P-22
- Condition: Uncirculated (UNC)
- Issuer: Central Bank of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
- Currency: Second Won (1959–2009)
- Material: Paper
- Dimensions: 170 × 85 mm
- Status: Demonetized (1992)
Obverse
The obverse features:
- Portrait of Kim Il-sung (1912–1994)
- Magnolia flower wreath surrounding the portrait
- State title in Hangul
- Denomination inscriptions
- Decorative guilloche security patterns
The portrait emphasizes Kim Il-sung’s central role in North Korean political ideology and marks one of his earliest appearances on circulating currency.
Reverse
The reverse depicts:
- Mangyongdae, the birthplace of Kim Il-sung
- Traditional Korean house surrounded by trees
- Revolutionary inscription referring to the site as the “Cradle of the Revolution”
- Denomination numerals
- Ornamental background patterns
Mangyongdae remains one of North Korea’s most important national monuments and a key symbol in state propaganda.
Security Features
- Watermark
- Fine guilloche engraving
- Intaglio printing
- Multicolour underprint
- Red and black serial numbers
- Advanced security printing for the period
Why Add This Banknote to Your Collection?
The North Korea 100 Won 1978 Pick 22 UNC is one of the best-known North Korean banknotes and an essential piece for collectors of Asian and Cold War currency.
Perfect for:
- North Korea banknote collections
- Asian currency collections
- Cold War memorabilia
- Political history collections
- Kim Il-sung themed collections
- UNC world paper money collections
Collector’s Note
The 1978 Pick 22 is particularly significant because it introduced Kim Il-sung’s portrait onto North Korea’s highest circulating denomination. Together with its depiction of Mangyongdae, the note illustrates the personality cult that became a defining feature of North Korean currency during the late twentieth century. Well-preserved UNC examples remain among the most desirable DPRK banknotes.
