Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
September 2021 Hong Kong Auction 27 Sep - 1 Oct 2021
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(t) CHINA. Gold K'uping Tael Pattern, CD (1907). Tientsin Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-61.
L&M-1024; Fr-2; K-1541; KM-Pn302; Wenchao-pg.49 #11 (rarity four stars); Chang Foundation-pg.26 #7; WS-0009. An enthralling, phenomenally rare specimen with dazzling frosty devices exalted by brilliant fields. Arguably the pinnacle of Qing Dynasty numismatics, one cannot overstate the significance of K'uping Taels due to their status as the first modern Chinese coins ever struck in gold. Two variations exist, those dated 1906 and 1907. Both were produced in extremely limited quantities, though 1907 pieces are definitively scarcer; Stack's Bowers has only offered three in the last fifteen years. Powerfully struck with a sharp wire rim, the present example brazenly displays every minute detail of its design. Attractively preserved, there is a distinct lack of contact marks or scratches. Some light handling can be seen, but nothing of real significance. Surfaces are a consistent, warm honey color with hints of localized copper toning, mostly on the character side. The present coin offers an historic opportunity for any collector determined to possess the greatest Chinese rarities.
L&M-1024; Fr-2; K-1541; KM-Pn302; Wenchao-pg.49 #11 (rarity four stars); Chang Foundation-pg.26 #7; WS-0009. An enthralling, phenomenally rare specimen with dazzling frosty devices exalted by brilliant fields. Arguably the pinnacle of Qing Dynasty numismatics, one cannot overstate the significance of K'uping Taels due to their status as the first modern Chinese coins ever struck in gold. Two variations exist, those dated 1906 and 1907. Both were produced in extremely limited quantities, though 1907 pieces are definitively scarcer; Stack's Bowers has only offered three in the last fifteen years. Powerfully struck with a sharp wire rim, the present example brazenly displays every minute detail of its design. Attractively preserved, there is a distinct lack of contact marks or scratches. Some light handling can be seen, but nothing of real significance. Surfaces are a consistent, warm honey color with hints of localized copper toning, mostly on the character side. The present coin offers an historic opportunity for any collector determined to possess the greatest Chinese rarities.
Struck on an experimental basis as patterns only and never released into circulation. The plans to issue gold coinage in units of one Tael for circulation, unfortunately, never materialized. This was largely due to China's lack of gold reserve combined with the current currency being based on the silver standard. Hence a limited number of pattern Taels were struck in 98% pure gold as patterns for the Ministry of Revenue.
Ex: Patrick Tan Collection.
Estimate: $300000 - $400000