Straits Settlements 1896 20 cents

Stack's Bowers April 2021 Hong Kong sale, lot 51330

This specimen was lot 51330 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $1,440. The catalog description^[1] noted, "STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. 20 Cents, 1896. London Mint. Victoria. PCGS MS-63 Gold Shield. A tough and RARE type to discover in elevated states of preservation as here, this minor presents a steely gray and alluringly toned obverse along with a mostly dazzling, argent reverse." The type was struck in 1871-1901 after the Straits Settlements were made a separate crown colony and is scarce in nice condition despite the large mintage.

Recorded mintage: 600,000, a common date.

Specification: 5.43 g, 0.800 fine silver.

Catalog reference: KM-12.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th 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.

Link to:

• 1894 20 cents
• 1896 5 cents
• 1896 10 cents
• 1896 50 cents
• 1897 cent
• 1897-H 5 cents
• 1897 20 cents
• 1897-H 20 cents
• Coins and currency dated 1896