By Aris Maragoudakis – Currency Specialist, Stack’s Bowers ……
The Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio Hong Kong Paper Money Sale was once again a success! As one of the more diverse Hong Kong Auctions in recent memory, collectors and dealers from all over Asia and the rest of the world were poised to bid on these desirable pieces (all prices mentioned below include the standard buyer’s premium unless stated otherwise).
Starting with a bang from the very beginning of the auction, the opening lot, a Ming Dynasty 1 Kuan hammered for above the mid-range estimate, garnering a superb price despite the low grade condition of the note. The following five lots all realized above their high estimates. This included a coveted 1910 Ta Ching Government Denomination set that brought $59,750.00 USD! These specimen proofs ranging from $1 to $100 brought double the high estimate. Offered for the first time at Stack’s Bowers, the set was just one grouping of notes that exceeded expectations.
A strong showing for Mixed Lots was also seen. Stack’s excels at grouping together raw or graded notes to create great starter sets or great groupings for dealers to purchase and break up. Realized prices reflect that, and lot 50172, a group of PRC banknotes, sold for $4,063.00. The grouping was estimated $500-$1,000.
An incredible Provincial Bank presentation booklet with 83 pieces, offered in Lot 50239, hammered at $10,456 for over 50% of the high estimate. The booklet was without question a highlight of the sale and is an interesting piece the winning bidder will enjoy.
Another highlight of the sale was the South Viet Nam P-4Ap 1000 Dong “Old Man at the Temple” note offered in lot 50424. This note brought a record price of $38,240, a price not yet seen at public auction. That lot reinforced that those Proofs and Specimens are extremely attractive in high grade.
The show floor was packed with dealers and collectors, a very promising indicator of bourse floor growth in the future. For those considering consignment to a future Stack’s Bowers sale, the firm is currently accepting consignments for the January 2017 New York International Numismatic Convention (NYINC) sale and the April Hong Kong 2017 Sale. Consignment specialists can be reached at (949) 253-0916 or via email at [email protected].
