East Hopei 26 (1937) 5 fen
This specimen was lot 52551 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $1,560. The catalog description[1] noted, "CHINA. East Hopei. 5 Fen, Year 26 (1937). PCGS MS-66+ Gold Shield. With this minor being exceeded in the PCGS population report by a sole specimen, it is easy to see how improving upon the quality presented here would be nearly impossible. Highly radiance and glistening." 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 two chiao. 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-Y518.
- 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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