Watch List notes:

CHINA. Silver Tael Pattern, CD (1906). Tientsin Mint. PCGS SP-58 Gold Shield.
L&M-16; K-934; KM-Pn300; ANS-0000.999.26527; Chang Foundation-pg.72 #30; Wenchao-85 (Four Stars); Shanghai Museum - Mr. Shi Jiagan's Collection-43. Restrike from original dies. Well struck with good definition of the fine details with light signs of handling displaying a soft golden grey to light grey patina. An attractive example with lovely companions for this same set also in this sale.

As outlined in Chang Foundation and Wenchao, these are easily identifiable as restrikes from original dies due to the apparent light die rust. A short lived issue that never made its way into full production, but would influence the eventual standard design of the 1908 Imperial issues with only slight modifications to the reverse design of the Tael. By order of Imperial decree of the 9th Moon of the 34th Year of Kuang Hsu states that the Tael coin and its subsidiaries were to prevail over the 7 Mace 2 Candareens (Dollar). Due to dissenting provinces and the Emperor dying a month after the Imperial order, this new Tael series failed to take a foothold and the limited pieces that made their way into circulation had to be withdrawn.

Each piece from this series shares a similar design of a coiled Imperial dragon within beaded boarder, above "Guāngxù nián zào" (光緒年造[Kuang Hsu era]), "TAI-CHING-TI-KUO" below; Reverse: "Zhōng" (中[Central]) incuse on raised disc denoting the central mint at Tientsin at center surrounded by "Dà qīng Yínbì" (大清銀幣[Ta-Ching Silver coin]) all within beaded boarder, at top four Manchu characters flanked by cyclical date 1906 "Bǐng wǔ" (丙午), "Hù Bù" (户部[Board of Revenue]) at sides with each displaying their individual denominations at 6 o'clock "Yī liǎng"(壹两[One Tael]), "Wǔ qián"(伍錢[5 Mace]), "èr qián" (貳錢[2 Mace]) or "Yī qián" (壹錢[1 Mace]). The Tael displays an intricate wave design at the outer boarder while the minors do not. All have matched inventory numbers "773" in red ink on the left side of both the obverse and reverse; very reminiscent of an old time collection or institution.

Estimate: $12000.00- $16000.00