Watch List notes:

(t) CHINA. Gold K'uping Tael Pattern, CD (1906). Tientsin Mint. PCGS Genuine--Rim Damage, Unc Details Gold Shield.
Fr-1; L&M-1023; K-1540; KM-Pn301; Wenchao-pg. 46#8 (rarity four stars); Chang Foundation-pg. 22#5. Plain edge. This gold issue, struck in several iterations, is one of the iconic Chinese rarities of the early 20th Century. The elegant obverse design features the imperial dragon surrounded by clouds, while the reverse exhibits finely engraved calligraphy. The smooth surfaces show gentle signs of handling while the rims remain mostly intact, save for an edge bump on the reverse in the upper left quadrant accounting for the details designation. Pervasive pale gold color with hints of orange patina near the edges offers a pleasing appearance to this seldom encountered type. Despite its shortcomings, this wholesome survivor is sure to stand as a great representative of the type.

This large gold issue was created in 1906 by the Ministry of Revenue at the Tientsin mint during the 32nd year of the reign of Guang Xu. Struck in 98% pure gold on an experimental basis, these pattern-only issues made it into full production. Never released into circulation, the plans to issue gold coinage in units of one Tael for circulation never materialized due to China's lack of gold reserves along with their defacto adoption of the silver standard.

From the Pinnacle Collection.

Estimate: $40000.00- $60000.00