Watch List notes:

CHINA. Pattern 10 Cents, ND (1912). Nanking Mint. PCGS SP-63 Secure Holder.
18.5 mm; ~2.3 gms. Li&M-62; K-602; WS-0087; Wenchao-pg. 559#902 (rarity three stars); Shanghai Museum-Mr. Shi Jiagan's Collection-pg. 125#588; Sun-III-1-09. Struck in silver with a reeded edge.

Sun Yat-sen's arduous life began when he was born in 1866 to a poor peasant family in the south of China, near Macau. His elder brother left China seeking work in Hawaii, and Sun Yat-sen followed him at the age of twelve. Honolulu offered Sun Yat-sen an opportunity to learn English at an Anglican Church School, as well as a religious education. Upon returning to China, he studied in Hong Kong, officially converted to Christianity and married. By the time he attained his doctorate in medicine, revolutionary ideas had begun to form in him. An early initial attempt at fomenting rebellion in Canton failed as Sun Yat-sen and his associates were discovered, though with great difficulty the group escaped capture and avoided execution. From this point Dr. Sun Yat-sen became a refugee, studying medicine in London and travelling throughout Europe, America and the Far East. While on his travels, he spread his revolutionary ideas to overseas Chinese students and expatriates, many of whom donated funds towards the downfall of the Manchu Imperial dynasty. Sun Yat-sen settled in Japan, which proved a fertile staging ground for his revolutionary group.

October 10th, 1911, revolution breaks out in China. Just months later, the Manchu emperor abdicates and his government collapses. Dr. Sun Yat-sen then lead the country as the President of the Provisional Republican government in Nanking. An election was held some time later, and Yuan Shih-kai became President, while accepting the Provisional Constitution provided by the National Council at Nanking. Despite this near-constant struggle and the frequent exile Dr. Sun Yat-sen faced in his life, he is still widely renowned for his role as a founding father of the Republic of China. He continued to lead revolutionary governments throughout the Warlord Era. Despite these setbacks, Sun's legacy is positive due to his lifelong sacrifice in service of his people, as well as his political philosophy of nationalism, democracy and the people's livelihood.

Ho Tze-liang at the Nanking Mint engraved the dies used for this issue. A lack of experience coupled with a rushed production schedule led to a somewhat artistically lacking bust. Nevertheless, the design features a left facing bust of Dr. Sun Yat-sen in civilian attire, surrounded by linear and pearled rings. The upper inscription states "The Republic of China". Branches of peach blossoms adorn either side of the bust, with a lower inscription that states "Opening of the Country, Memorial Coin". The reverse design shows Chinese characters within a central wreath, with the legend stating "10 pieces equal to 1 Dollar". A similar dual border of linear and pearled lines separates the inner design from the outer legend, "MEMENTO" with "BIRTH OF REPUBLIC OF CHINA" below. A lustrous central portion provides an excellent visual focal point, drawing the eye in to the handsome portrait of the Chinese patriot, Dr. Sun Yat-sen. Deep steely toning graces the periphery of the obverse, with close examination and lighting revealing subtle electric blue and yellow-orange hues. The reverse is evenly toned, with gorgeous sea-foam green and azure blues present. The only example at this numeric grade, with just two examples certified finer.

PCGS SP-63 Secure Holder.

Estimate: $45000.00- $60000.00