2016-12-05 Mon

A Mint State 61 1928 silver Auto dollar from Kweichow had an estimated value of $30,000 to $60,000 U.S. at the Champion Coin Auctions which was held on 3rd December in Macau.

The coin was issued to honour Governor Chou His-cheng, who completed a motor road through his province. The project was part of a famine relief operation and was funded partly by the International Famine Relief Commission. The road stretched from north to west of Kweiyang without connecting any other road.

The American model car that is featured on the coin was purchased in Canton and was the only car in the province. The dismantled parts were carried by foot to Kweichow and reassembled later.

The machinery for making this coin was looted from the Chungking Mint by Chou’s soldiers. The inscription "Hsi Chien" is hidden below the car among three grass blades. Less than 6 such Uncirculated examples are known to exist today.