Fengtien (1899) 50 cents Y-86
This specimen was lot 53076 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $144,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"The Finest Graded of this Very Rare Fengtien 50 Cents Mule. CHINA. Fengtien. 3 Mace 6 Candareens (50 Cents), Year 25 (1899). PCGS AU-55 Gold Shield. Year 25/24 mule. An interesting and VERY RARE variety with the regnal year 25 in Chinese on the dragon side and year 24 in Manchu on the characters side. A deeply toned minor with a minimum degree of marks, along with strong hues of cobalt and burgundy, although we note a bit of die clashing on the center of the dragon side. Some shimmering hints of brilliance emanate from the protected areas, adding even more charm and appeal. Compare to a similar specimen, a PCGS AU-53 in our May 2020 Hong Kong auction (lot 42097), that realized a total of $48,000. Surmounting that example, this resounding piece stands as the single finest graded specimen in the PCGS census."
This denomination was struck in Fengtien for years 23-25.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.1 g, silver.
Catalog reference: L&M-479; K-249a; KM-Y86; WS-0593.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th 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.
Link to: