Now that our 2012 April Hong Kong Auction has concluded let’s take a look at some of the lots which rose to impressive prices in the fourth and fifth sessions which featured modern coins and world paper money categories. In Session 4 we offered an extensive range of modern Chinese issues including, but by no means limited to, the popular Panda, Lunar and Inventions & Discoveries series. One piece which was not a part of these yearly releases was Lot #23402, a Proof 68 Ultra Cameo gold 500 Yuan featuring Yan Di and numbered “20” out of a mintage of only 99 pieces, which realized $140,000. A standout among the Panda Series offerings was Lot #23477, a 1996 Bimetallic 500 Yuan from a mintage of only 199 pieces, which brought a strong $42,500.
Finishing up our sale was Session 5 wherein could be found all manner of bank notes and paper money. Early on in the session was Lot #24042, an impressive 1854 Board of Revue 50 Taels note realizing $32,500. Among the Provincial Banks section was Lot #24491, an 1899 Hupeh Government Mint 7 Mace 2 Candareens note which was so striking it was selected to grace the cover of the catalog for this Session and likewise brought a striking sum of $30,000. As always these and all the prices realized for our sales can be found at StacksBowers.com. In August Stack’s, Bowers & Ponterio will return to Hong Kong once more with another sale filled with can’t miss rarities and must have offerings.
