December China Hong Kong Heritage Auction Features NGC-graded Rarities
Posted on 11/16/2017
Heritage Auctions' last World Coin Signature event of 2017 is scheduled for December 7-8 in Hong Kong, China. This auction, as always, is highlighted by a wide array of exceptional rarities from across Asia, with many coins offered in unparalleled quality. Heritage has picked out just a few of their favorites below.
Two classic Chinese rarities share the spotlight in this auction. From Kwangtung province, Heritage is excited to offer an exceptionally rare pattern "Dragon" 50 cent piece with the legends reversed from the customary design. While appearing from time to time in the initial 3 Mace and 6-1/2 Candareens weight, this rarer second version reflects a weight correction to 3 Mace and 6 Candareens. Graded NGC MS 63, this is the first of its type that we have seen.
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| 1889 Kwangtung "Dragon" 50 cent piece, graded NGC MS 63 (Images courtesy of Heritage Auctions) Click images to enlarge. |
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Equally prominent is a proof dollar from Kiangnan, struck in 1897 at the Heaton Mint in Birmingham, England, with a plain edge. Graded by NGC PF 65, this Gem is absolutely sublime in its presentation, with refined gleam in the fields and attractive overlying toning.
Other exceptional classic Chinese coins include both the 1897 and 1898 Anhwei dollars in remarkable NGC MS 66 condition, undoubtedly the finest "reversed legends" Kwangtung pattern 1889 50 cent in the 3 Mace and 6-1/2 Candareens weight in NGC SP 67 grade, as well as a boldly struck Szechuan-Shensi Soviet Communist dollar in extremely elusive Mint State (NGC MS 62).
Many modern Chinese rarities are also featured in this auction. Most notable among them is an NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo pattern "Dragon and Phoenix" 200 yuan of the issued design but dated 1989, one year prior to the standard issue, and one of only three known to Heritage. Heritage had the pleasure of offering another example in 2011 as part of a gold and silver set that brought $253,000. A complete set of the gold 5 ounce Unicorn issues (1994-1996), such as this one, each with a mintage of around 100 coins, also compliments the modern selection. Finally, a gold and silver bi-metallic 500 yuan from the Panda series, dated 1995, rounds out what is perhaps our most expansive offering ever from this cherished series.
Other highlights include a 1929 British Trade dollar, the finest circulation-strike example of its type that we've ever seen regardless of date, should also attract significant attention. Graded NGC MS 66+(star), NGC and vibrantly toned, this coin will certainly appeal to date and type collectors alike.
For the modern specialist, we will end the Floor Session with the sale of a "Year of the Child" silver Proof Piefort set that includes rarities from China, Nepal, Thailand, and the Philippines. With reported mintages for these issues being as low as 39, they are often regarded as modern keys for their respective countries.
This auction will open for bidding soon at HA.com/3058
This is a guest article. The thoughts and opinions in the piece are those of their author and are not necessarily the thoughts of the Certified Collectibles Group.
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