Watch List notes:

(t) CHINA. Kwangtung. Brass Cash Pattern, ND (ca. 1890-1908). PCGS SPECIMEN-62 Gold Shield.
CCC-779; Duan-2235. An interesting and perplexing issue certain to grab the attention of the specialist looking to advance their collection. The obverse features the standard design with the formula for the Emperor's name while the reverse is what really sets it apart from other issues. The Manchu script on the reverse is somewhat barbarous done by an inexperienced and unfamiliar hand who succeeded in engraving a nonsensical version of "Guwang". Two dots are also noticed on the reverse, a feature not normally associated with square hole cash. The surfaces are quite lovely displaying lovely golden brown tone amongst the devices while the rest of the fields exhibit a bright and flashy brassy tone. A neat and seldom encountered issue destined for an advanced collection of Chinese numismatics.

An interesting pattern who's exact origin is unknown. Certainly not manufactured in China, but most likely produced in Europe. The fact that this elusive issue is not listed in many of the reference material is suggestive of limited production. Though stylistically a much different product than the Paris mint patterns (CCC-777) where the characters are larger and more bubbly, this issue also differs from the patterns produced by the Heaton mint in Birmingham (first Kwangtung dragon issues). Due to the lack of contemporary documentation there is no solid evidence as to the place of manufacture.

Estimate: $6000.00- $8000.00