Representing 45% of the overall collection, Japanese coinage is the clear focus of this magnum opus. The issues aren’t restricted to the Meiji period, as an overwhelming number of large gold Obans and Kobans from the late-16th century through the mid-19th century—the heart of the storied samurai period in Japanese history—are present as well. Among these highlights are an uncirculated Hishi Oban from the Tensho Era (ca. 1588) and a later Oban from the Genroku Era (ca. 1695-1704) which offers nearly choice quality and seldom encountered iridescent toning. Moving to the Meiji period, attention will be focused on the iconic Year 3 (1870) Pattern Set, issued at the British Royal mint in London and one of just two known (the other held in a public institution), and on the legendary Year 10 (1877) 20 Yen—Japan’s rarest modern-era circulating coin with a  mintage of just 29 specimens.

Moving west across the Sea of Japan, issues from the final stages of the Qing Dynasty and the fledgling years of the Republic of China will also generate excitement. The ‘Long Whisker’ Pattern Dollar​ is always immensely popular and this example is one of the finest known. An equally impressive ‘Mukden Tiger’ Pattern Dollar is seldom seen and the offered example, with its attractive cabinet toning, is sure to delight. An exceptionally important year 15 Pattern Dollar from Chihli​ is perhaps the true sleeper of the entire sale. Its origins are largely a mystery, but its prohibitive rarity and its date, which places it at the very beginning of modern-style coinage in China, are sure to fascinate collectors. From Victorian-era Hong Kong, a Pattern-only 2 Mace offers another extremely rare opportunity, as only three examples have been traced and none have traded publicly in at least two decades.

Among the vintage offerings from other parts of the world, focus will turn to tsarist Russia, where a fabled Pattern Ruble of Constantine is sure to captivate the collecting community. This example, featuring a would-be emperor save for his almost immediate abdication, is one of just eight produced, and one of only three with a plain edge. The Pinnacle Collection coin represents the first example to be offered in a generation, and is one of just five that are not held in museum collections. Also offering a fabulous story, and rather apocryphal at that, the so-called ‘Pugachev’ Pattern Ruble presents great beauty and charm, and is one of just a few examples to cross the auction block in the past few decades. Blending the ‘old world’ with the ‘new,’ a countermarked Filipino issue will generate a buzz, as the host coin for the Isabel II countermark is a dazzling 8 Escudos from the brief Mexican Empire of Augustin Iturbide. Considered unique on that host, it is quite likely to become the most valuable coin from the Philippines.

Rounding out this fantastic numismatic tour of the world are modern issues in gold, many of which were struck in extremely small numbers. The 100000 Rupiah of Indonesia​, featuring a hissing Komodo Dragon, is always a popular type, but there are other intriguing designs as well, presenting a range of indigenous fauna as well as numerous lesser-seen leaders from Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

For more information on the Stack’s Bowers & Ponterio April 2021 Hong Kong Auction or the Pinnacle Collection, visit the firm’s website at www.StacksBowers.com, call 800-458-4646, or email info@stacksbowers.com.