Manchukuo KT6 (1939) 10 fen
This specimen was lot 52553 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $1,800. The catalog description[1] noted, "CHINA. Manchukuo. Chiao (10 Fen), Year 6 (1939). NGC PROOF-65. Japanese Puppet State issue. A lovely Gem example of the type exhibiting hard flashy surfaces with frosted devices that are complemented by a thin layer of champagne tone adding to its pleasing appearance and desirability. The date, year 6, is in the K'ang-Te era, that being the regnal name of the puppet Pu-Yi, known to many as the central character in the Bertolucci movie The Last Emperor." Manchukuo was the puppet state set up by the Japanese in Northeast China to govern the provinces they conquered in 1931. They persuaded K'ang Te, the last emperor of the Manchu dynasty, to be its ruler. He quickly discovered that his rule was merely nominal but he was not allowed to escape. In August 1945, the Russians invaded and occupied the region. After thoroughly looting the factories and banks, they turned it over to the Communist Chinese, who used it as a base to conquer the rest of China from the Nationalists. This type was struck years 1, 2, 5, 6.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper-nickel.
Catalog reference: KM-Y8; JNDA-20.1.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- The Catalog of Japanese Coins and Banknotes, Tokyo: JNDA (Japanese Numismatic Dealers Assn.), 2014.
- [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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