Hello everyone, I found three somewhat unusual “North Korean commemorative coins” on Numista. [1] [2] [3]
The obverse inscription reads “조선공화국 기념품”, which literally translates as “Korean Republic souvenir” (or “commemorative item of the Korean Republic”). This differs from the standard inscriptions seen on official North Korean issues, since the country's formal name is Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK).
I contacted DW Coin, the official North Korean commemorative coin dealer in China, and they told me these are fantasy pieces manufactured outside North Korea.
Would it therefore be possible to reclassify these types as medals or fantasy coins rather than official coin issues? Thanks!