Watch List notes:

CHINA. Silver Dollar Pattern, Year 18 (1929)-R. Rome Mint. NGC SATIN FINISH SPECIMEN-66.
cf.L&M-91; cf.K-614a; cf.KM-Pn98; cf.WS-0136a; cf.Wenchao-pg. 568#916 (rarity three stars); cf.Shanghai Museum-Mr. Shi Jiagan's collection-pg. 128#600; cf.Sun-III-4-04. Finely reeded edge, EXTREMELY RARE and possibly UNIQUE. The wide open spaces in the fields are completely free of even the most minuscule abrasion, with expansive flowing satin luster. Superb frosty white coloration complemented with a strike producing devices which are nearly photographic in their completeness. Taken together, these details raise this pattern to a pinnacle of near-perfection, one that should bring great bidding interest.

One of the most important patterns in the Junk Dollar series and purporting itself not be produced in China, but in Italy as the edges and finish are completely different than normally seen. 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 first of the two Italian proposals, the later being identical save for the omission of the Rome mintmark (R) and engraver's name (A. MOTTI. INC.). 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 eventually used to produce circulation struck Dr. Sun Yat-sen Junk Dollars in 1932. Dies signed "A. MOTTI. INC.", Attilio Motti was Chief-engraver of the Rome mint.

Ex: W&B Capital Collection.

Estimate: $90000.00- $120000.00