Our last World Coin Signature event of 2017 is scheduled for December 7-8 in Hong Kong. This auction, as always, is highlighted by a wide array of exceptional rarities from across Asia, with many coins offered in unparalleled quality. We have picked out just a few of our favorites below.
Two classic Chinese rarities share the spotlight in this auction. From Kwangtung province, we’re excited to offer an exceptionally rare pattern “Dragon” 50 cent piece with the legends reversed from the customary design. While appearing from time to time in the initial 3 Mace and 6-1/2 Candareens weight, this rarer second version reflects a weight correction to 3 Mace and 6 Candareens. Graded MS63 by NGC, this is the first of its type that we have seen.
Equally prominent is a proof dollar from Kiangnan, struck in 1897 at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham, England, with a plain edge. Graded by NGC as a PR65, this Gem is absolutely sublime in its presentation, with refined gleam in the fields and attractive overlying toning.
Other exceptional classic Chinese coins include both the 1897 and 1898 Anhwei dollars in remarkable NGC-graded MS66 condition, undoubtedly the finest “reversed legends” Kwangtung pattern 1889 50 cent in the 3 Mace and 6-1/2 Candareens weight in NGC SP67 grade, a 1914 “L. Giorgi” pattern dollar graded SP64 by PCGS, as well as a boldly struck Szechuan-Shensi Soviet Communist dollar in extremely elusive Mint State.
Many modern Chinese rarities are also featured in this auction. Most notable among them is a PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC pattern “Dragon and Phoenix” 200 yuan of the issued design but dated 1989, one year prior to the standard issue, and one of only three known to us. We had the pleasure of offering another example in 2011 as part of a gold and silver set that brought $253,000.
A complete set of the gold 5 ounce Unicorn issues (1994-1996), each with a mintage of around 100 coins, also compliments the modern selection.
Finally, a gold and silver bi-metallic 500 yuan from the Panda series, dated 1995, rounds out what is perhaps our most expansive offering ever from this cherished series.
Other highlights from around Asia include an 1866 half dollar from Hong Kong graded MS63 by PCGS. While this date appears from time to time in lesser grades, Mint State examples are absolutely rare and highly coveted.
A 1929 British Trade dollar, the finest circulation-strike example of its type that we’ve ever seen regardless of date, should also attract significant attention. Graded MS66+ Star by NGC and vibrantly toned, this coin will certainly appeal to date and type collectors alike.
For the modern specialist, we will end the Floor Session with the sale of a “Year of the Child” silver Proof Piefort set that includes rarities from China, Nepal, Thailand, and the Philippines. With reported mintages for these issues being as low as 39, they are often regarded as modern keys for their respective countries.
This auction will open for bidding soon at coins.HA.com.
