Heritage World Coin Auctions
Hong Kong Signature Sale 3108 21-23 Jun 2023
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China
Shanghai. Wang Yung Sheng Zuwen Yingbing ("Pure Silver Cake") of 1 Tael Year 6 (1856) AU55 NGC, L&M-589, Kann-900 (Type A), Chang-CH1 (Rare), Shanghai Museum-249, WS-1122, Wenchao-383 (rarity 2 stars), Chang Foundation-Unl. (cf. Chang Foundation-59), Cribb-LXXXIV.A.1155. Engraved by Wan Chaun. The obverse reads, in four columns from right to left: "Xian Feng Liu Nian" (Xian Feng Period 6th Year), "Shang Hai Xian Hao" (Shanghai County), "Shang Wang Yong Sheng" (Banker: Wang Yongsheng), "Zu Wen Yin Bing" (Pure Fine Silver Cake). The reverse, arranged similarly, reads: "Zhu Yuan Yu Jian" (Assayed by Zhu Yuanyu), "Qing Cao Ping Shi Zhong Yi Liang Yin" (Actual Weight 1 Ounce on the Shanghai Scale), "Jiang Wan Quan Zao" (Made by Silversmith Wan Quan). A broad and imposing piece that represents the forefather of milled silver Dollar issues in China. Fully struck with a hefty feel in hand, showcasing cautious underlying luminosity and fine dove gray toning throughout. Only infrequently available to marketplace in this pleasing state of preservation, and undoubtedly one that will engender keen bidding activity from connoisseurs of the Chinese Tael coinage.
Produced as direct consequence of the free, rampant circulation of foreign Crown-sized issues throughout the country, particularly in Shanghai. Following the hyperinflation precipitated by the Taiping Rebellion, in 1856 the Shanghai Tao authorized the silver firms Chin Cheng Chee, Wang Yung Sheng, and Yu Shen Sheng to produce silver cakes of a similar standard to the Spanish/Mexican 8 Reales to supplant those coins in circulation. With a monthly output of just 3,000 pieces, however, such emissions were doomed to fail, falling far short of local demand. Wenchao further frames the situation as a matter of lucrative exploitation by these firms, who sought to profit from the exchange of such Taels for the Mexican "Cap and Rays" 8 Reales.
Ex. Yuzu Collection
https://coins.ha.com/itm/china/shanghai/china-shanghai-wang-yung-sheng-zuwen-yingbing-pure-silver-cake-of-1-tael-year-6-1856-au55-ngc-/a/3108-30063.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3108-06212023
HID02906262019
© 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 75000-90000 USD
Shanghai. Wang Yung Sheng Zuwen Yingbing ("Pure Silver Cake") of 1 Tael Year 6 (1856) AU55 NGC, L&M-589, Kann-900 (Type A), Chang-CH1 (Rare), Shanghai Museum-249, WS-1122, Wenchao-383 (rarity 2 stars), Chang Foundation-Unl. (cf. Chang Foundation-59), Cribb-LXXXIV.A.1155. Engraved by Wan Chaun. The obverse reads, in four columns from right to left: "Xian Feng Liu Nian" (Xian Feng Period 6th Year), "Shang Hai Xian Hao" (Shanghai County), "Shang Wang Yong Sheng" (Banker: Wang Yongsheng), "Zu Wen Yin Bing" (Pure Fine Silver Cake). The reverse, arranged similarly, reads: "Zhu Yuan Yu Jian" (Assayed by Zhu Yuanyu), "Qing Cao Ping Shi Zhong Yi Liang Yin" (Actual Weight 1 Ounce on the Shanghai Scale), "Jiang Wan Quan Zao" (Made by Silversmith Wan Quan). A broad and imposing piece that represents the forefather of milled silver Dollar issues in China. Fully struck with a hefty feel in hand, showcasing cautious underlying luminosity and fine dove gray toning throughout. Only infrequently available to marketplace in this pleasing state of preservation, and undoubtedly one that will engender keen bidding activity from connoisseurs of the Chinese Tael coinage.
Produced as direct consequence of the free, rampant circulation of foreign Crown-sized issues throughout the country, particularly in Shanghai. Following the hyperinflation precipitated by the Taiping Rebellion, in 1856 the Shanghai Tao authorized the silver firms Chin Cheng Chee, Wang Yung Sheng, and Yu Shen Sheng to produce silver cakes of a similar standard to the Spanish/Mexican 8 Reales to supplant those coins in circulation. With a monthly output of just 3,000 pieces, however, such emissions were doomed to fail, falling far short of local demand. Wenchao further frames the situation as a matter of lucrative exploitation by these firms, who sought to profit from the exchange of such Taels for the Mexican "Cap and Rays" 8 Reales.
Ex. Yuzu Collection
https://coins.ha.com/itm/china/shanghai/china-shanghai-wang-yung-sheng-zuwen-yingbing-pure-silver-cake-of-1-tael-year-6-1856-au55-ngc-/a/3108-30063.s?type=DA-DMC-CoinArchives-WorldCoins-3108-06212023
HID02906262019
© 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 75000-90000 USD