2017-06-29 Thu

At Heritage’s $2.9 million Asian Coins Signature Auction, the 1914 Republic Yuan Shih-kai silver "L. Giorgi" Pattern Specimen Dollar SP65 PCGS and Chinese coins took top lot honors. Many bidders were vying for a diverse selection of 20th century rarities in one of the fastest growing events in world numismatics. The event saw the Asian Currency Signature Auction raise over $1.1 million for a total of over $4 million.

The Yuan-kai silver “L. Giorgi” Pattern specimen Dollar is the best thing in the market. From its pristine surface to its technical orientation, the coin is described as a masterpiece of Chinese coinage.

A near-gem example of a 1921 Republic Gold "Pavilion" Year 10 Dollar sold for $62,737. The commemorative coin depicts a shiny bust of President Hsu Shih-chang. Another unique commemorative offering, a People’s Republic gold 32-Piece 1 Ounce Panda Lot 1982-2011 MS69 NGC (3055/37346), offered collectors a complete run of gold 1 ounce Pandas, all with a business strike format, with two 1987-dated examples (Y and S mint) and two 2001 examples (plain and with "D"). The set ended at $59,750.

The 1904 Kuang-hsu "Small Characters" Tael ND MS64 PCGS auctioned for $59,750, offered a near-gem specimen of a coveted issue, which happens to be tied for the finest graded example Heritage has ever seen. A 1910 uniface Hsüan-t'ung silver Proof Pattern Empire Dollar ND (1910) PR64 PCGS, is the sole coin of its own type but has never been listed as a uniface in all reference books. It sold to a Hong Kong bidder for $50,190.

Currency results were on spotlight by People's Republic of China 10 Yuan 1953, Pick 870, graded Choice Uncirculated 64 by PMG. This fascinating note is a notable condition rarity, with only two other fully uncirculated notes having appeared in auctions in recent years. A bid of $47,800 claimed this prize for the winning bidder.