NGC-certified 'Birds Under Junk' Dollar Realizes $528,000 at Auction

A seldom-seen Chinese coin that realized over half a million dollars was among the rarities certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®) in a recent Stack’s Bowers Galleries sale. The April 2024 Hong Kong Auction - Session 1 - Rarities Night was held on April 15, 2024.

The top NGC-certified coin was a China 1932 Silver Dollar - Birds Under Junk graded NGC MS 62 (lot 40212), which realized $528,000. Envisioned as part of a series aimed at transitioning China to the gold standard, this prototype coin weighed more than 25% less than the contemporary "Birds Over Junk" Dollar. Notable adjustments were made to its reverse design, including relocating the geese beneath the boat and altering the inscription to "Gold Standard Currency, One Dollar."

Also finishing strong was a China 1906 Tael Restrike graded NGC MS 65 (lot 40120), which realized $312,000. Exquisitely crafted with meticulous attention to detail, this coin showcases intricate designs and inscriptions that echo the era in which it was produced. Representing a rare type, this high-grade example is a restrike of the original, preserving its historical significance and artistry.

Other NGC-certified coins in this auction include:

• a China YR3(1911) Silver Dollar - Long Whiskered Dragon graded NGC Specimen AU Details (lot 40133), which realized $84,000
• a China 1914 Silver Dollar - L.Giorgi graded NGC MS 63+ (lot 40164), which realized $55,200
• a China (1990) 15-ounce Gold Vault Protector - Tang Dynasty graded NGC PF 67 Ultra Cameo (lot 40248), which realized $43,200
• a China 1914 Silver Dollar graded NGC MS 64 (lot 40165), which realized $40,800
• a China YR17(1928) Kweichow Auto Dollar graded NGC XF 45 (lot 40088), which realized $39,600
• a China 1912 Gold Pattern 20 Cents graded NGC MS 62 (lot 40145), which realized $38,400
• a China 1916 Silver Dollar - Hung Hsien graded NGC MS 62 (lot 40173), which realized $38,400
• a China YR12(1923) Silver Dollar - Small Characters graded NGC AU 58 (lot 40194), which realized $36,000
• a China YR29-dated Hu-Poo Tael - Gold Modern Restrike graded NGC PF 62 (lot 40118), which realized $32,400
• a China 1992 12-ounce Gold 1,000 Yuan Panda graded NGC PF 68 Ultra Cameo (lot 40236), which realized $31,200

Prices realized include a buyer’s premium. The $ symbol indicates US Dollars.