This week’s highlight coin for our upcoming April Hong Kong Showcase
Auction is a stunning pattern Half Dollar from the final months of the Imperial
Chinese Government. The Central Mint in Tientsin – operated by the Board of
Revenue in Peking – minted a multitude of coinage types in the later portion of
the Empire, in an attempt to unify the currency system of China. Unfortunately,
China’s administrative disorganization (as well as insufficient funds) kept the
reforms from gaining traction. Certainly the revolution overthrowing the
monarchy later that year also prohibited their widespread use.
One of the coinage types produced at the twilight of the Chinese Empire
and the Qing (Ch’ing) Dynasty includes this rare Half Dollar. The distinctive
Asian serpentine dragon in this case has the Dragon’s body winding
counter-clockwise from about nine o’clock and ending with its whiskered and
horned head at twelve o’clock. The fiery pearl commonly found in the center of
the design rests in the upper left hand quadrant for this type. Thus the Dragon
and pearl form a nice frame for the two Chinese characters found in the center,
denoting the denomination of 50 Cents. This particular design is particularly
evocative as this powerful mythical beast twists and winds its way through
tufts of clouds. The reverse design conveys the necessary information for this
coinage issue, and it more closely resembles previous designs. The central
Chinese inscription states: “Ta Ch’ing Yin Pi” meaning: Great Ch’ing (Dynasty)
Silver Coin. A pearled border separates these central characters from the outer
inscription. The upper four character inscription states the date: “Hsuen Tung,
3rd Year” (1911). Ornate floral sprays at three and nine o’clock
separate the upper and lower inscription, the latter stating: “2 pieces equal 1
Dollar.” Light somewhat mottled toning graces
the fields, particularly on the obverse, and lends additional character. This
impressive example has received a grade of PCGS Specimen-62 and is sure to be
highly prized by its new owner. Be sure to place your bid before it exits the
market!
While we are no longer accepting consignments for our April Hong Kong
Showcase Auction, we are accepting consignments of Chinese and other Asian
coins and currency for our August 2017 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. In addition
to this, we are currently taking consignments of world and ancient coins as
well as world paper money for our May 2017 Collector’s Choice Online Auction
and August 2017 ANA Auction. Time is running short, so if you are interested in
consigning your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a
single rarity) be sure to contact one of our consignment directors.
