Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
April 2016 Hong Kong Auction - Sess. A-C 5-6 April 2016
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CHINA. Pattern Dollar, Year 18 (1929). PCGS SP-63 Secure Holder.
L&M-92; K-614; KM-Pn97; WS-0136b; Wenchao-pg. 564#907 (rarity two stars); Shanghai Museum-Mr. Shi Jiagan's collection-pg. 129#601. Italian design from the mint in Rome. In 1929, the Chinese Ministry of Finance ordered a new design for the then proposed Dr. Sun Yat-sen Dollar. Patterns were submitted from five of the world's leading mints: Italy, Japan, England, United States and Austria. This represents the second of the two Italian proposals, with this type being identical to the first save for the omission of the Rome mintmark (R) and engraver's name (A. MOTTI. INC.). Attilio Motti was Chief-engraver of the Rome mint. Although Motti's initial design was rejected, the obverse design was later modified by John Sinnock, the chief engraver of Philadelphia Mint. This portrait served as the basic model for what was later used to produce the first Dr. Sun Yat-sen circulation struck Junk Dollars in 1932. It is interesting to note that some aspects of the various patterns left room for interpretation on the part of the designer, most notably the portrait, while other elements such as the denticles must have been a specific design requirement as they are nearly identical on all patterns regardless of origin. This particular piece displays all of the quality attributes a collector would associate with the Rome mint at the time. Well struck, with just enough variation in the surface treatment between portrait and fields to give the design great contrast when viewed. The reverse junk is equally compelling, with the lines in the sails conveying a stiff wind propelling the vessel forward. The obverse is loaded with luster and flash, while the reverse exhibits a more mottled tea color tone that lends an exotic look to the coin. Highly desirable as are all of these patterns, and sure to see spirited bidding. PCGS SP-63 Secure Holder.
Estimate: $12000.00- $16000.00
L&M-92; K-614; KM-Pn97; WS-0136b; Wenchao-pg. 564#907 (rarity two stars); Shanghai Museum-Mr. Shi Jiagan's collection-pg. 129#601. Italian design from the mint in Rome. In 1929, the Chinese Ministry of Finance ordered a new design for the then proposed Dr. Sun Yat-sen Dollar. Patterns were submitted from five of the world's leading mints: Italy, Japan, England, United States and Austria. This represents the second of the two Italian proposals, with this type being identical to the first save for the omission of the Rome mintmark (R) and engraver's name (A. MOTTI. INC.). Attilio Motti was Chief-engraver of the Rome mint. Although Motti's initial design was rejected, the obverse design was later modified by John Sinnock, the chief engraver of Philadelphia Mint. This portrait served as the basic model for what was later used to produce the first Dr. Sun Yat-sen circulation struck Junk Dollars in 1932. It is interesting to note that some aspects of the various patterns left room for interpretation on the part of the designer, most notably the portrait, while other elements such as the denticles must have been a specific design requirement as they are nearly identical on all patterns regardless of origin. This particular piece displays all of the quality attributes a collector would associate with the Rome mint at the time. Well struck, with just enough variation in the surface treatment between portrait and fields to give the design great contrast when viewed. The reverse junk is equally compelling, with the lines in the sails conveying a stiff wind propelling the vessel forward. The obverse is loaded with luster and flash, while the reverse exhibits a more mottled tea color tone that lends an exotic look to the coin. Highly desirable as are all of these patterns, and sure to see spirited bidding. PCGS SP-63 Secure Holder.
Estimate: $12000.00- $16000.00