Watch List notes:

CHINA. Silver "Mausoleum" Dollar Pattern, Year 16 (1927). PCGS SPECIMEN-63+.
L&M-85; K-609; Wenchao-pg. 555 #898 (rarity three stars); Sun-III-4-01; WS-0130. Mintage: 480. Exceptionally brilliant and lustrous, this alluring specimen features some deeper iridescent toning in a peripheral ring on the reverse, while Sun's portrait on the obverse is bracketed rather dramatically by a very deep, burnished tone.

Always standing as a VERY RARE and heavily sought after coin on account of its rather paltry mintage, this pattern issue was designed by Richard Placht, an Austrian medalist and engraver at the mint in Vienna. Although attractive and elegant in its design and manufacture, the pattern was destined to be met with disapproval. While it was stylistically correct, the mausoleum (construction for which was still under way at the time of the pattern's design) for the revolutionary was lacking several design elements. Since the engraver never actually saw the site and was only supplied with drawings and concepts, elements were omitted, including the mausoleum steps leading to its face. It is also noted that the engraving of Dr. Sun Yat-sen himself was met with disapproval from authorities in China, as it bore only a partial resemblance to his actual likeness.

From the Stephen K. Scher Collection. Ex: Irving Goodman Collection (Superior - 6/1991) Lot # 876 @ $2,750.

Estimate: $50000 - $75000