Watch List notes:

CHINA. Silver Dollar Pattern, Year 18 (1929). PCGS SPECIMEN-62+ Gold Shield.
L&M-92; K-614; KM-Pn97; WS-0136b; Wenchao-pg. 564#907 (rarity two stars). Italian design from the mint in Rome. An attractive blast white example with intricate details, frosty devices and flashy fields certain to attract much attention.

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.

From the Mas Fera Collection.

With old collector's envelope.

Estimate: $12000.00- $16000.00