Hong Kong 1873-H 20 cents
This specimen was lot 2525 in Sincona sale 87 (Zürich, October 2023), where it sold for 1,500 CHF (about US$2,020 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"HONG KONG, Victoria, 1842-1901. 20 Cents 1873 H, Heaton Mint. Fast FDC, Feine Patina, About uncirculated. Nicely toned."
The British set up a mint in Hong Kong in 1866 which struck mils through dollars. It does not seem to have been a success as the mint was closed in 1868. In 1872, Hong Kong began receiving twenty cent coins from the Heaton mint and in 1873 from the Royal mint. This type was minted steadily until 1898 tho it is scarce in nice condition, suggesting hard use.
Recorded mintage: 64,000, a better date.
Specification: 5.43 g, 0.800 fine silver, this specimen 5.42 g.
Catalog reference: KM 7.
- Illustrated Catalog of Hong Kong Currency, Hong Kong: Mars Numismatic Co., 2012.
- [1]Richter, Jürg, SINCONA Auction 87, World Coins and Medals, Zürich: SINCONA AG, 2023.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
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