Some of the most popular East Asian (and for that matter world) Crown-sized coins are from a united Korea issued at the end of the 19th century. A few very attractive examples of these popular types are featured in the Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio October 2023 Hong Kong Auction. Lot 34176 presents a PCGS MS-63 5 Yang from Year 501 (1892) and lot 34178 offers a PCGS AU-55 Whan from Year 502 (1893). Both pieces were struck at the Incheon Mint, which started producing coinage in 1892 and was staffed entirely by Japanese workers from the Osaka Mint. The Japanese influence on these pieces is clear; they are well produced and struck and bear a passing resemblance to the contemporary Japanese Yen. The Whan has a reported mintage of 77 pieces and likely represents a Pattern or transitional strike. It is among the most elusive Korean issues. The 5 Yang is slightly more available; however, the state of preservation on lot 34176 is superb, with this example tied with two others atop the PCGS population report. Both lots offer the collector of Korean coins a chance at issues of the utmost scarcity and desirability.
The October 2023 Hong Kong auction is available for viewing and bidding at StacksBowers.com. For more information about the sale email [email protected] or [email protected].
We are always seeking coins, medals, and paper money for our auctions, and are currently accepting submissions for our January 2024 Official Auction of the NYINC and our spring 2024 Hong Kong auction. Additionally, we are accepting submissions for our Collectors Choice Online (CCO) auctions. If you would like to learn more about consigning, whether a singular item or an entire collection, please contact one of our consignment directors today and we will assist you in achieving the best possible return on your material.
