The August 2012 Hong Kong Auction

Auction # 141 | View Auction Schedule and Details

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Pre-Bidding Ends: 8/19/2012 6:00:00 PM PST
Live Floor and Internet Bidding Begins: 8/19/2012 7:00:00 PM PST

Lot #51253. CHINA. Hupeh. Tael, Year 30 (1904). PCGS MS-64 Secure Holder.

CHOICE MINT STATE LARGE CHARACTERS HUPEH TAEL

Description:

L&M-181; KM-933; Y-128.1; Hsu-189.

Large characters.

Originally 648,000 Hupeh Taels were minted, this includes both large and small character types. It is unknown exactly how many of each were struck, however it is clear that the large character type is by far the rarer of the two. In the initial proposal to produce these coins it was also suggested to produce smaller denominations in the values of 5, 2 and 1 Mace. However, no such pieces have surfaced (even in pattern form) and it is unlikely they were ever produced. It is interesting to note that the Hupeh Taels were struck in 0.877 fine silver as opposed to the 0.960 fine silver set forth by the currency regulations of 1905. This short lived series circulated for only a brief period of time and was soon after replaced by the unified Tai Ching Ti Kuo silver coinage. Although the Hupeh Tael coinage has a fairly large mintage, most likely much of this was melted down to be made into later coinage.

Lustrous and very attractive surfaces, light russet grey tone.

Very choice and RARE in this condition.

PCGS MS-64 Secure Holder.

From the David Ing collection.

Estimate:

$100,000 - $125,000