Watch List notes:

(t) CHINA. Kwangtung. 7.2 Candareens (10 Cents), ND (1890-1908). PCGS MS-62 Gold Shield.
L&M-131; K-24; KM-Y-195.1; WS-0939. The only example of the type graded in the PCGS census, this shimmering, nearly-choice minor presents tremendous radiance and shimmering brilliance, along with an exquisite strike. An ultimate, crowning achievement for the most advanced collections of early-modern Chinese issues.

Upon the realization that the first Kwangtung issues were being gathered from circulation and melted for their extra silver content, authorities quickly ordered a modification to the new coinage design. New patterns were produced at the Kwangtung Mint using hubs supplied by the Birmingham Mint. Essentially these were identical to Allan Wyon's original design, with a few modifications. The weight was changed from 7 Mace 3 Candareens on the Dollar to 7 Mace 2 Candareens and correspondingly smaller per denomination. Another subtle change that was made, but only on some denominations, was the addition of small rosettes at either side of the dragon.

Upon further inspection of the dollar from this series one notices the stylized "2" used in the metal content. This suggests this series being prepared by a Chinese die engraver as it is consistent in style to the latter dollars of this series. The strike quality of this type is slightly inferior to that of the "Seven Three" set. This would be consistent with the fact that although the Kwangtung Mint had received the proper machinery and dies, it did not receive proof presses or the proper machinery to produce special planchets.

Like the "Seven Three" coinage, this new modified design was destined for failure. The overall design failed to meet with the approval of the Peking authorities due to the placement of the Chinese and English legends. The mint was then instructed to shift the English and Chinese text to the opposite sides of the coins. For this reason this type has come to be known as the "Reversed Pattern" series.

Much more RARE than the first type as it was struck in a much smaller quantity and apparently never released for circulation. Very elusive and missing from most major collections. Highly important as this type represents a landmark in Chinese minting as it is the first Specimen silver coinage produced in China with modern minting machinery.

Ex: Edgar Mandel Collection (Stack's Bowers & Ponterio 174 - 4/2013) Lot # 21431.

Estimate: $40000.00- $60000.00