Watch List notes:

(t) CHINA. Silver Dollar Pattern, Year 3 (1914). Tientsin Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-62.
L&M-73; K-643a; KM-Pn33; WS-0167; Wenchao-pg. 535#859 (rarity four stars); Shanghai Museum-Mr. Shi Jiagan's collection-pg. 138#634; Sun-III-2-14. Signed "L. GIORGI". A VERY RARE and immensely desirable type, the present pattern issue is tied with just two others at this level, and exceeded in the PCGS population report merely by another two. Offering the exquisite artistry rendered by Luigi Giorgi, this type exhibits great detail in the features of Yuan Shih-kai, especially within his hair, eyes, and moustache. Lightly toned, with a subtle golden-champagne hue as one approaches the edges and with tremendous dazzling brilliance radiating throughout.

This type is the proposed pattern for the Yuan Shih-kai Dollar of Year 3 (1914). Vastly different from the adopted design, as this piece features a three-quarters facing portrait of general-turned-president, rather than the left facing portrait in profile found on the circulation issues. Two major varieties exist of this pattern, designed by chief engraver Luigi Giorgi. This is an example of the second type, which bears his signature just to the right of the bust along the interior of the rim--a substantially rarer emission than that which is unsigned.

Estimate: $150000 - $200000