Heritage World Coin Auctions
Hong Kong Signature Sale 3058 7-8 Dec 2017
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China
Republic Yuan Shih-kai silver Specimen Pattern "L. Giorgi" Dollar Year 3 (1914) SP64 PCGS, Central mint in Tientsin, KM-Pn31, L&M-67, Kann-645. "L. Giorgi" Above Shoulder variety. A famous pattern issue of this iconic Yuan Shih-kai motif, differentiated from the circulating design only by the addition of the "L. Giorgi" signature of the Tiensin Mint's Chief Engraver Luigi Giorgi behind the President's shoulder. Very rare, only a small handful of this type exist, this example being among the finest known. Struck from polished dies, this coin possesses enchanting reflectivity in the fields and tone that is indicative of long-time cabinet placement, with a veil of mauve and golden tone in the centers and instances of more vivid blue and purple color at the rims. Magnified inspection confirms the exceptional quality, with light pebbling from die rust appearing on Yuan Shih-kai's bust, but very few instances of handling for the assigned grade. Some softness at the top of the "one yuan" character is also worthy of note, but this characteristic appears on almost all surviving examples. Fit for the finest of Chinese collections, this coin exists as perhaps the most fitting summation piece for all coins struck during this illustrious Republic of China period.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 120000-180000 USD
Republic Yuan Shih-kai silver Specimen Pattern "L. Giorgi" Dollar Year 3 (1914) SP64 PCGS, Central mint in Tientsin, KM-Pn31, L&M-67, Kann-645. "L. Giorgi" Above Shoulder variety. A famous pattern issue of this iconic Yuan Shih-kai motif, differentiated from the circulating design only by the addition of the "L. Giorgi" signature of the Tiensin Mint's Chief Engraver Luigi Giorgi behind the President's shoulder. Very rare, only a small handful of this type exist, this example being among the finest known. Struck from polished dies, this coin possesses enchanting reflectivity in the fields and tone that is indicative of long-time cabinet placement, with a veil of mauve and golden tone in the centers and instances of more vivid blue and purple color at the rims. Magnified inspection confirms the exceptional quality, with light pebbling from die rust appearing on Yuan Shih-kai's bust, but very few instances of handling for the assigned grade. Some softness at the top of the "one yuan" character is also worthy of note, but this characteristic appears on almost all surviving examples. Fit for the finest of Chinese collections, this coin exists as perhaps the most fitting summation piece for all coins struck during this illustrious Republic of China period.
HID02901242017
Estimate: 120000-180000 USD