Heritage Auctions is the official auctioneer for the upcoming June 28-29 Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair (HKINF). So in preparation for the auction of World Coins, Ancient Coins and World Currency, Heritage numismatic specialists picked some of their favorite lot items as seen below.
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China: Chekiang. Kuang-hsü Dragon Dollar ND (1898-99) MS66 NGC
We are humbled and honored to be able to offer one of the rarest of all the “Dragon Dollar” issues, the Chekiang Kuang-hsü Dragon Dollar ND (1898-99), seldom available to collectors of the series, graded “MS66 NGC”. It is from the W&B Capital Collection. The strike is essentially flawless, with untoned bright silver color over satin obverse fields, with prooflike reverse fields. No notable flaws detract from the overall appearance of this one-of-a-kind example. Truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the collector who wants to acquire the finest known example of a supremely rare dragon dollar!
Estimate: $500,000 – $600,000 USD
China: Kiangnan. Kuang-hsü 50 Cents CD 1899 MS62 Prooflike NGC
Usually considered the rarest of all Kiangnan coins, this amazing Kuang-hsü 50 Cents CD 1899, graded “MS62 Prooflike NGC,” is another great rarity from the W&B Capital Collection. This striking example is fully brilliant, with bright silvery color over surfaces displaying only a few light hairlines. Of only four examples certified by NGC and PCGS combined, this is by far, the finest known of this great rarity.
Estimate: $250,000 – $300,000
China: Republic. Sun Yat-sen brass Pattern “Birds Under Junk” Dollar 1929/1932 MS64 NGC
Check out this Sun Yat-sen brass Pattern “Birds Under Junk” Dollar 1929/1932, graded “MS64 NGC”: obverse of Kann-614 with date Year 18 (1929) and reverse of Kann-628 reading “Gold Standard Currency One Yuan”. Sharply struck with scattered russet toning over lustrous surfaces, only a few minor marks are noted. This extremely rare mule of these two pattern issues is the only example we have ever seen.
Estimate: $20,000 – $25,000
China: Szechuan. Kuang-hsü 50 Cents ND (1901-08) MS63 PCGS
The finest we have seen and extremely rare in this condition, this Kuang-hsü 50 Cents ND (1901-08), Szechuan mint, dragon with smaller face, graded “MS63 PCGS” is an absolutely stunning example of this rare issue. The strike is superb and no significant marks are noted. The reverse has a soft silvery appearance, while the obverse displays mottled gray patina over lustrous surfaces. A true classic coin that can easily be yours.
Estimate: $25,000 – $30,000
Korea: Russian Domination. Kuang Mu copper-nickel 5 Chon Year 6 (1902) AU58 NGC
An extremely rare issue with none certified finer, check out this Russian Domination Copper-nickel 5 Chon 1902, graded “AU58 NGC”. The strike is bold, with light gray toning over surfaces showing some remaining luster and a few reverse contact marks. This coin represents a tumultuous time in history when Korea faced successive threats by China, Russia and Japan. Increased Russian influence in Korea, from 1896-1904, resulted in three types of coins (1 Chon, 5 Chon, and 1/2 Won), being struck with a Russian eagle in place of the Japanese style dragon. All are very rare, with only 4-5 pieces have been offered at auction in the last 10 years.
Estimate: $35,000 – $45,000
China: Historical Yuan Dynasty 2 Kuan
An excellent opportunity to obtain one of the earliest examples of paper money from the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368): 2 Kuan 1335-40. These early notes were printed on mulberry paper and charcoal dye was used for both the script and design. The 2 Kuan denomination depicted in the center box is represented by the two strings of cash coins, each comprised of 10 cash stacks. The grading company mentions restorations and repairs, edge tears, and minor damage on the holder; the note is graded “PCGS Fine 15.”
Estimate: $40,000 – $50,000
China: Famous Gem 1936 Central Bank of China 1 Yuan
Wow, check out the condition: “PMG Gem Uncirculated 65 EPQ”! This is the famous orange-tinted design of the Central Bank of China 1 Yuan 1936 issue. This variety was issued in only very small amounts as the Chung Hwa Book Company Limited, De La Rue and Waterlow all printed notes for China at this time.
Estimate: $8,000 – $12,000
Japan: Wonderful 1866 $25 Japan Central Bank of Western India Yokuhama
What a wonderful and appealing 1866 $25 Japan Central Bank of Western India Yokuhama note! Consider the history:
Japan at this time was just reluctantly opening itself after centuries of self-imposed, isolationist foreign policy. The date of issue, 1866, is the next to the last year of the Tokugawa Shogunate, only a few years after Commodore Perry’s visit. This cancelled example (all examples extant are cancelled) is the finest we have ever seen. The red stamp remains sharp, with the manuscript dates and signatures still deeply colored. All fine details of the steel plate printing are excellent, with no missing parts of the design on either the face or the back. Graded “PCGS Very Fine 25, pen cancelled, small edge splits, missing upper left corner tip,” this example remains exhilarating and appealing from an important time in both Japanese and Asian history.
Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000
Hong Kong: Near Perfect 1948 Hong Kong $100
This nearly perfect, issued Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation $100 note dated 1st April 1948 surprises and delights with its high grade (“PMG Superb Gem Uncirculated 68 EPQ”), pristine appearance, spot-on centering and vibrant colors. From The Ma Tak Wo Collection, this “E” prefix note is an affordable and most popular piece for collectors of all levels.
Estimate: $8,000 – $12,000
NGC-Certified Chinese Dollar Coins Currently Available on eBay
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