Lot 56019
JAPAN. 20 Yen, Year 3 (1870). Osaka Mint. Mutsuhito (Meiji). PCGS MS-64.
Lot 56204
MONGOLIA. 50 Mongo, AH 15 (1925). Leningrad (St. Petersburg) Mint. PCGS MS-64.
Lot 56307
PHILIPPINES. Philippines – Peru. 8 Reales, ND (ca. 1832-34). Manila Mint. Ferdinand VII. NGC AU-55. Countermark: AU Strong.
Lot 56383
STRAITS SETTLEMENTS. Dollar, 1904-B. Bombay Mint. Edward VII. PCGS MS-64.
Lot 53169
CHINA. Szechuan. Brass 200 Cash, Year 2 (1913). PCGS MS-62.
Lot 53172
CHINA. Szechuan. Bronze 100 Cash, Year 2 (1913). NGC MS-63 Red Brown.
The reasons we collect are vast and varied and each individual numismatist has a connection to what we are drawn to. Many focus on quality, while others are attracted by an item’s history, style of manufacture, metal quality, mystique, aesthetics, or some combinations thereof. As a professional and collector, over the last 17 years I have had the opportunity to examine countless fine numismatic relics that Stacks Bowers Galleries has been entrusted with. Often pieces that receive much of my attention are not the most expensive or rare, rather they catch my eye with their beautiful patina, magnificent strike, flashy surfaces, or charming nature. This is true of our annual Spring Hong Kong auction, May 3-7, 2022, which contains a wide array of rare, unusual, and sought-after issues with something for all levels of collectors.
Several lots that stand out to me are a Japanese 20 Yen, Year 3 (1870), a Mongolia 50 Mongo, AH 15 (1925), a Philippines 8 Reales on a Provisional Peru host, a Straits Settlements Dollar of 1904, and two Szechuan Year 2 (1913) coins – a 200 Cash and a 100 Cash. During the final stages of preparing the auction catalog these lots appealed to me for several reasons. The first is a classic 19th century rarity, a Japanese 20 Yen, Year 3 (1870), in near-Gem Mint State condition. The lustrous surfaces and lovely soft yellow-olive color offers a stunning appearance.
The next three pieces all exhibit beautiful original patina indicative of prolonged storage under the right circumstances. Though this varies due to different storage methods, it is clear that great care was given to preserve these wonderful examples. The Mongolia 50 Mongo and Straits Settlements Dollar both display rich multicolored patina that radiates from the edges toward the centers. The Philippines 8 Reales offers more even coloration with iridescent accents in the protected areas, and it also features a bold strike.
The final two pieces are large-size Szechuan multiple cash issues from 1913. Many struck copper or brass coins from the late Qing and early Republican era are often found in less than desirable condition, and can be plagued with heavy circulation, encrustation, corrosion or other forms of impairment. When nice problem-free pieces like these appear, it’s hard not to take notice!
These are but a few items that caught my attention from our May 2022 Hong Kong Auction, with many more surrounding them. The entire sale will soon be available for viewing and bidding at StacksBowers.com and enthusiasts of all Asian coins are bound to find something they love included. Happy hunting to all!
We are always seeking world and ancient coins, medals, and paper money for our auctions, and are currently accepting consignments for our August 2022 sale and October Collectors Choice Online (CCO) auction. If you would like to learn more about consigning, whether a singular item or an entire collection, please contact a consignment director or email [email protected] today and we will assist you in achieving the best possible return on your material.
