Rarities from mainland China highlighted the results as our second Hong Kong numismatic auction event brought its consignors close to US$3.6 million. Held in conjunction with the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair on June 22-24, our rare coin auction, focusing on issues from eastern Asia, brought its consignors over $2.8 million, with world currency (also focusing on the same region) adding close to $800,000.
All prices include a 19.5% Buyer’s Premium.
The top lot in the auction was a highly coveted “Year of the Child” piefort proof set from 1979, including the gold 450 Yuan and the silver 35 Yuan. These coins boast low mintages of 2,000 pieces and 500 pieces, respectively, and the set remains in the original case. This ultra-rare set sold for $143,400.
Another People’s Republic rarity is the 500 Yuan five ounce gold proof from 1993. Only 99 examples of this large gold coin were struck, with this example being tied for the finest certified by NGC at Proof 69 Ultra Cameo. The final price for this coin was $45,410.
A year 10 (1921) Hsu Shih-Chang dollar, struck in gold and graded MS63 by NGC, from the Tientsin Mint, achieved the prime result among Chinese republic coinage in this auction. This breathtaking example was issued to commemorate General Hsu Shih-Chang’s succession to the office of President. This coin also achieved a result of $45,410.
The highest price for any coin in this auction came as a result of an after-auction purchase. The Kwangtung “Reverse Pattern” dragon dollar, struck in 1889 and so-called because the English-language lettering is on the reverse rather than around the dragon, was offered in this auction in an extremely rare copper striking. Graded Specimen-64+ by PCGS, this coin was notable both for its historical significance and its exceptional eye-appeal. It changed hands for $150,000.
Some of the other highlights of this auction included:
- United States gold High Relief “Flat Rim” 20 Dollars MCMVII (1907) MS66 NGC – Realized $59,750
- Hong Kong: British Colony – Victoria Proof Dollar 1866 PR62 PCGS, Hong Kong mint, Plain Edge, KM10 – Realized $43,020
- China: People’s Republic gold Proof “Marco Polo” 500 Yuan (5 oz) 1993 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC, KM81, Fr-86 – Realized $38,240
- China: People’s Republic Five-Piece gold “Small Date” and “Large Date” Panda Set 1995 – Realized $34,655
- China: People’s Republic Five-Piece gold “Small Date” Panda Set 1995 – Realized $33,460
- Hong Kong: British Colony. Victoria Proof 1/2 Dollar 1866 PR63 PCGS, Hong Kong mint, Plain Edge, KM8 – Realized $32,265
- Shantung. Republic gold Pattern 10 Dollars Year 15 (1926) MS61 NGC, Tientsin mint, KM-Pn7 Realized $31,070
- China: People’s Republic gold Proof “Chinese Grottoes Art” 2000 Yuan (5 oz) 2001 Gem Cameo Proof, KM1392 – Realized $31,070
The highest price in the world currency auction was claimed by a Kwangsi $5 Black Dragon note, graded by PCGS as Apparent Fine 12. This legendary note features a vignette of two black dragons surrounding a group of five Kwangsi dollars. This note sold for $71,700.
Our next auction of world coinage is our ANA World and Ancient Coins Platinum Night auction, scheduled for August 11 at the Anaheim ANA show. Additional auctions of both World & Ancient Coins and Rare World Currency are scheduled for September 7-13 in Long Beach. View lots as they are added to the auction at www.HA.com/coins and www.HA.com/currency.
