East Hopei 26 (1937) 2 chiao
This specimen was lot 52550 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $4,440. The catalog description[1] noted, "CHINA. East Hopei. 2 Chiao, Year 26 (1937). PCGS MS-67 Gold Shield. The finest in the PCGS census, this tremendous Gem presents steely gray surfaces and incredible brilliance, along with an absolutely delightful golden nature accentuating it throughout." East Hopei was the location of a Japanese puppet state before and during World War Two. The central bank therein issued a series of base metal coins in 1937, ranging from five li to the two chiao shown here. They do not have high catalog values but are seldom seen. Many coins containing the strategic metal nickel were recalled and melted by the combatants during the war.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper-nickel.
Catalog reference: KM-Y520.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [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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