China (1907) tael KM-Pn302

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Stack's Bowers April 2021 Hong Kong sale, lot 52136
SB421-52136r.jpg

This specimen was lot 52136 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $324,000. The catalog description[1] noted,

"Finest Certified 1907 Pattern Gold K'uping Tael. CHINA. Gold K'uping Tael Pattern, CD (1907). Tientsin Mint. NGC MS-64. The single finest certified of the type on either the NGC or PCGS population reports, none finer. A fantastic representative of this seldom encountered and VERY RARE type, this lovely large size gold coin exhibits a bold strike with good definition of the fine details and crisp legends. The smooth surfaces offer much brilliance, but are slightly subdued and very original looking. Close inspection of the fields and devices reveals a slight surface roughness indicative of a later die state of this issue. Clearly struck in limited quantities, these pattern only issues are highly coveted by collectors commanding strong prices whenever they appear on the market. This near-Gem example is sure to catch the attention of quality conscious collectors with fine cabinets. Struck on an experimental basis as patterns only and never released into circulation. The plans to issue gold coinage in units of one t[ae]l for circulation, unfortunately, never materialized. This was largely due to China's lack of gold reserve combined with the current currency being based on the silver standard. Hence a limited number of pattern Taels were struck in gold."

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 35 g, 0.900 fine silver.

Catalog reference: L&M-1024; Fr-2; K-1541; KM-Pn302; Wenchao-pg.49 #11 (rarity four stars); Chang Foundation-pg.26 #7; WS-0009.

Source:

  • Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
  • Kann, Eduard. Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Coins, Vol. 1 of 3. Bronx, NY: Ishi Press International, 2006.
  • Lin Gwo Ming, Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Gold & Silver Coins: Ching and Republican Issues, Seventh Edition, Hong Kong: Ma Tak Wo Numismatic Co., Ltd., 2012.
  • [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The April 2021 Hong Kong Auction, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.

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