Watch List notes:

(t) CHINA. Silver "Long Whisker Dragon" Dollar Pattern, Year 3 (1911). Tientsin Mint. Hsuan-t'ung (Xuantong [Puyi]). PCGS SPECIMEN-63+.
L&M-28; K-223; KM-Pn304; WS-0040; Chang-CH27; Wenchao-105 (rarity: ★★★). Unadopted reverse variety. This type is among the most famous and certainly the most demanded of patterns, and of Chinese machine struck pieces generally. Dating from the final year of the Qing Dynasty, this example distills down into a Dollar-sized flan all of the artistry and sublime majesty that one associates with China. Produced to fulfill the economic ambitions of a single, unified national currency within the flagging Empire, this design was left unfulfilled in the pattern stage, with the design never being adopted for general circulation. With the end of the Empire, and the fledgling Republic of China assuming the role of successor state, this late imperial emission remains near the zenith of Chinese issues for desirability and RARITY.

Many die varieties are known for this series, with the present specimen being distinguished on account of stylistic differences in the Manchu script and the leaves. Though all examples of this pattern are immensely desirable, this piece should separate itself from even these RARITIES on account of the unadopted nature of the reverse design. With less than 25 examples of this variant having been certified by PCGS, the present specimen is the second-finest certified example behind one PCGS SPECIMEN-64.

The specially prepared and struck surfaces are executed at an extremely high level, with the design engraved by Luigi Giorgi being unimpeachably impressed. Hues of bright watercolor toning faintly dance in a sophisticated display of plum to russet toning. Very faint wisps of subtle friction blend with the extensive die working, and essentially no instances of contact are present upon the surfaces. Subdued brilliance emanates from the planchet, with a slightly glossy sheen to the specially struck facade.

Corollaries for this type suggest that our expectations reflected in the estimate are well supported, and that a lofty hammer price is quite assured. Chances to acquire examples of this type are few and far between, with choice-and-beyond pieces like this being particularly desirous. Bidders looking for coins of the highest ordinal rank will be pleased by this lot, and fierce competition will reign when this example reaches auction. An immense highlight of our entire sale, such a pattern is a piece that transcends numismatics and thrusts itself into the sensory experience of the viewer as an object of unmatched cultural import and ravishing beauty.

Estimate: $750000 - $1500000