NGC-certified Vintage Chinese Coin Realizes $288,000 in Heritage Sale

A pattern from the final years of China's Imperial era and a gold rarity from its modern age were among the coins graded by Numismatic Guaranty Corporation® (NGC®) that excelled in Heritage Auctions’ HKINF World Coins and Ancient Coins sale that was held December 17-19, 2020. Each of the coins realized over $200,000 USD.

The auction's top lot was a China 1906 Pattern Tael (K-934) graded NGC MS 64 that realized $288,000, far surpassing its pre-auction estimate of $100,000 to $150,000. A pattern is a proposed design for a coin — in the case, the tael. It was meant to replace the standard Mace-Candareens, but its introduction into widespread circulation ultimately failed due to political turmoil.

China 1906 Pattern Tael (K-934) graded NGC MS 64. Realized: $288,000 USD. Click images to enlarge.

A gold coin from a far different era also drew enthusiastic bidding. A rare China 1993 Two Peacocks 20-ounce Gold 1,500 Yuan graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo realized $216,000. The coin, one of just 66 examples struck, is the key to the Peacock series.

China 1993 Two Peacocks 20-ounce Gold 1,500 Yuan graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo. Realized: $216,000. Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights include:

• a China 1914 Silver Dollar (L&M-72) graded NGC MS 63 that realized $168,000 USD
• a China 1914 L. Giorgi Silver Dollar (L&M-73) graded NGC MS 61 that realized $126,000 USD
• a China 1910 Silver Dollar (K-219) graded NGC MS 64 that realized $108,000 USD
• a Vietnam (1841-47) Annam 5 Tien (SCH-279, KM-341) graded NGC AU 58 that realized $69,600 USD
• a China YR22(1896) Chihli Silver Dollar (L&M-439) graded NGC UNC Details that realized $66,000 USD
• a China 1904 Hupeh Small Characters Tael (L&M-180) graded NGC AU 58 that realized $60,000 USD
• a China 1923 Tsao Kun Medal (L&M-960) graded NGC MS 64+ that realized $58,800 USD

Prices realized include buyer's premium and are expressed in US Dollars.