This
week we offer another highlight from the Q. David Bowers Collection of Chinese
Copper Coins to be offered in our April 2-4, 2018 Hong Kong auction as a stand
along catalog. Here we feature the Iconic Szechuan 30 Cash. a pattern only
issue which never fully materialized. This
heavily sought-after issue has two major types, the “Facing Dragon” or “Water
Dragon” (the present example_ and the “Flying dragon” as in our inaugural 2010
Hong Kong auction where we sold the Wa She Wong Collection of Chinese Coins. These can be further categorized based on the
material they were struck in, either bronze (red copper) or brass (yellow
copper). The mintages are unknown, but
between the two designs and metal types there is an estimated 12 pieces in
existence, about half of which are permanently impounded in museums or other
institutions.
The facing
dragon on the obverse is rising from the waters, curled counterclockwise and surrounded
by clouds with the flame ball (pearl of wisdom) at the center of the design
ascending. “SZE CHUAN” is above, “30 CASH” below, and there are four-petaled
rosettes as stops. The reverse has the familiar design of most imperial and
provincial struck cash coinage with minor differences specific to Szechuan
province. The central legend reads from top to bottom and right to left as “Kuang
Hsu Yuan Bao” (Round currency (of the) Kuang Hsu (period)) with large central
flower, indicative of issues produced in Szechuan. The outer legends in order
from the top right to left are “Si Chuan Sheng Zao” (made in Szechuan province),
bottom right to left as “Dang San Shi” (equal (to) 30 (Cash)) and sides left to
right in Manchu script as “Boo-Cuwan” (Chuan mint).
These
patterns are highly coveted and instantly become a centerpiece of any
collection of Cash coinage. With such a small
number available, we expect to see spirited bidding for the chance to own a
legendary piece of Chinese numismatics.
We are no longer accepting consignments for our
April Hong Kong auction. We are however taking consignments of world and
ancient coins and world paper money for our May Collectors Choice Online (CCO),
our August 2018 Hong Kong, August 2018 American Numismatic Association (ANA),
October 2018 Collectors Choice Online (CCO) and our 2019 New York International
Numismatic Convention (NYINC) auctions. If you are interested in consigning
your coins and paper currency (whether a whole collection or a single rarity)
be sure to contact one of our consignment directors.
