China 1994 50 yuan KM-679
This specimen was lot 33495 in Heritage sale 3082 (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $1,560. The catalog description[1] noted, "China: People's Republic Proof Unicorn 50 Yuan (5 oz) 1994 PR69★ Ultra Cameo NGC, Shenyang mint. A remarkably elusive unicorn issue which rarely becomes available, struck to approximate half of the original planned mintage figure. Technically flawless, and awarded the star designation for its appealing obverse tones." This type was accompanied by a gold 25 yuan (KM 678), silver 100 yuan (KM 681), gold 100 yuan (KM 682), silver 150 yuan (KM 683) and gold 500 yuan (KM 684). This NCLT inaugurated another long-running series of commemoratives in addition to the panda and Chinese zodiac programs already in process.
Recorded mintage: 754 (1,100 per the SCWC).
Specification: 155.5 g, 0.999 fine silver, 5 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: KM 679, CC-600.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3081, featuring the Caranett Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2019.
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- Coins and currency dated 1994