Manchukuo KT5 (1938) 10 fen
This specimen was lot 54665 in Stack's Bowers Hong Kong auction (Hong Kong, April 2021), where it sold for $600. The catalog description[1] noted, "CHINA. Manchukuo. Chiao (10 Fen), Kangde 5 (1938). PCGS MS-65 Gold Shield. A lustrous Gem with sharp design detail and great eye appeal." 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 was regent 1932-34 (Ta T'ung era) and emperor 1934-45 (K'ang Te era). 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 KT 1, 2, 5, 6. This example realized 21 times the catalog value.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: copper-nickel.
Catalog reference: KM-Y8.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th 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.
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