2017-12-19 Tue

Heritage Hong Kong Auction sets the highest record at the World Coins and Currency auctions held in Hong Kong. The event realized $5,484,035 USD, as collectors sought out Chinese proof coins and 19th-century dollars in superb condition. A record 1,685 bidders participated in the $4.4 million World Coin auction held in conjunction with the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair.

A 1989 People’s Republic gold “Dragon and Phoenix” Proof Pattern 200 Yuan, PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC, led the coin auction at $408,000 as several additional lots reached six-figure prices.

Certified by NGC, the low mintage specimen was the first example ever offered at Heritage and is one of only two Plain Edge patterns.

A flawless 1897 Kuang-hsu Dollar ND, MS66 NGC, – considered the finest known UNC 1897 example, certified, or uncertified – sold for $192,000.

A 1914 Chinese Republic Yuan Shih-kai silver Specimen Pattern “L. Giorgi” Dollar Year 3 attracted interest as one of just a few examples that differentiated from the circulating design by the addition of the “L. Giorgi” signature of the Tiensin Mint’s Chief Engraver Luigi Giorgi behind the President’s shoulder. Struck from polished dies, the rarity sold for $192,000.

The elusive 1907 Kuang-hsu gold Pattern Kuping Tael (Liang) CD, MS63 NGC, ended at $150,000 as one of the finer known examples to exist.

A remarkable 1992 “Inventions & Discoveries” Platinum Proof Set sold for $105,000. The five-piece set included Ultra Cameo examples from a minting that was limited to just 100 pieces.

Calling the big shots at the Hong Kong Auction was an 1889 Kuang-hsu silver Specimen Trial 3 Mace and 6-1/2 Candareens (50 Cents) ND, SP67 NGC, offered collectors the finest known example of a Heaton mint Specimen trial issue. Only a very few pieces are known and the coin stands as the finest certified by NGC and PCGS combined. It sold for $102,000.

Additional Heritage Hong Kong Auction World Coin highlights include, but are not limited to:

China: Anhwei. Kuang-hsu Dollar Year 24 (1898), MS66 NGC, sold for $75,000.

China: Hupeh. Kuang-hsu silver “Small Characters” Tael Year 30 (1904), MS65 NGC, sold for $66,000.

China: Chekiang. Kuang-hsu Dollar ND (1898-99) VF Details (ChopMark), PCGS, brought $66,000.

From a mintage of only 99 pieces, a China: People’s Republic gold Unicorn Proof 500 Yuan (5 oz) 1994, PR69 Ultra Cameo NGC, ended at $50,400.

WORLD CURRENCY: 1953 10 Yuan note brings $40,800

More than $1 million changed hands December 6-8 in Heritage Auctions’ HKINF World Currency Auction with a record 1,382 bidders participating.

The top lot was an Elusive PMG Choice Uncirculated 64 1953 10 Yuan, which realized $40,800. The original 1953 note is in large format and with iconic vignette.

The Chartered Bank $1,000 1.4.1977 Pick 81 pm Face and Back Printer’s Models created multiple bids before hammering at $33,600. Both sides grade PMG Gem Uncirculated 66 EPQ and are mounted on card stock within a recessed “window”. The primary colours on both sides are shades of red. The face has an all-zeroes serial number, and the printer’s annotations on each side include dates printed in the lower left corner of the card stock.

A Government of Sarawak $25 1.7.1929 Pick 17s Specimen sold for $20,400. The note is a rare specimen graded PMG Choice About Unc 58 with printer’s annotations and previously mounted, and is graded higher than other examples sold recently through Heritage Auctions.

Many bidders at the Heritage Hong Kong Auction pursued a Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation $1 31.12.1873 Pick 112 until it ultimately brought $19,200. The first of its kind sold through Heritage Auctions since 2015, this note grades PCGS Extremely Fine 45 and is in a comment-free holder.

An outstanding example of this denomination, a Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation $500 1.7.1930 Pick 177b sold for $19,200.

Other Heritage Hong Kong Auction top lots include, but are not limited to:

Empire Ming Dynasty 1 Kuan 1368-99 Pick AA10: $18,000

Board of Commissioners of Currency $1000 1.1.1942 (1945) Pick 16: $15,600

Government of the Straits Settlements $5 2.1.1914 Pick 3: $15,000

Russo-Asiatic Bank 10 Gold Fen = 1 Mace 9.8.1917 Pick S481a: $14,400

Empire Ming Dynasty 1 Kuan 1368-99 Pick AA10: $14,400