With an intention to replace the foreign coins circulating in commerce, a new mint in Kwangtung was established with five denominations introduced. As the weight standard for this new series was slightly heavier than that which had been in use, the first series was withdrawn and melted, while a second series--now at a reduced weight--was produced in its place. This pattern series did not meet the approval of officials in Peking, and it too was quickly withdrawn. A third attempt proved much more successful, with this tertiary series finally serving as the basis for the coinage moving forward. It is this second series, from which the present piece emanates, that stands as one of the most desirable and rare from the whole of Chinese numismatics.
Ex: W&B Capital Collection.
Ex: Singapore Auction (1996) Lot # 355 (purportedly per Michael Chou's 2011 publication Top Chinese Coins -- Silver Coinage).
Estimate: $125000.00- $175000.00