Yunnan (1911) 50 cents Y-257
Yunnan Province lies in the south of China, bordering Burma (Myanmar), Laos, and Vietnam. Various mints were active in imperial times, with one modern mint operating in Kunming starting in 1905, striking the first copper coins in 1906 and silver in 1908.
The first specimen shown was lot 60689 in Ponterio sale 162 (Hong Kong, August 2011), where it sold for US$ 538. The catalog description[1] noted, "Yunnan. 3 Mace 6 Candareens, ND (1911-15). 雲南省造光緒元寶三錢六分銀幣。Beautifully toned. 漂亮包漿。NGC MS-63.” The second specimen was lot 53533 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $1,440. The catalog description[2] noted, "CHINA. Yunnan. 3 Mace 6 Candareens (50 Cents), ND (1911). PCGS MS-64 Gold Shield. Variety with two circles under fiery pearl, each with a dot. A pleasing example of this enticing minor, offering a good strike, radiant luster, and a dusting of almond toning on both sides."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.20 g, 0.80 silver, 0.3395 oz ASW.
Catalog reference: L&M-422; K-170; Y-257; Hsu-294.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th 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]Ponterio, Richard, Ponterio sale 162: The August 2011 Hong Kong Auction, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2011.
- [2]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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