One of the highlights of our April 2024 Hong Kong Rarities Night Auction is lot 40050, a Kiangnan Dollar Pattern of 1897, struck in copper at the Birmingham (Heaton) Mint in England. Graded PCGS Specimen-63 Brown, this prestigious and captivating rarity, pedigreed to the KL Collection, would make a sensational addition to the most advanced cabinets of vintage Chinese coins. This is the sole example graded by PCGS in any grade.
The dragon on the obverse is elegant and the design is iconic, beautifully produced by the engravers at the Heaton Mint. An expert strike on a copper planchet rendered all the details in full, razor sharp definition. Care was taken when producing these dies, with careful rendering of the English and Chinese characters on the obverse and reverse; even the scrollwork at the borders is wonderfully bold. The Specimen surfaces are gracefully reflective with an underlying brilliance supporting rich cobalt and violet toning on deep brown patina. Exceedingly choice in quality and very rare in any condition, this is certainly a prize.
The L&M-210c (this design struck in silver), represents the first Dragon Dollar type; the central dragon design represents power, luck, and prosperity. This design would be adopted for general use, but even circulated silver 1897 Dragon Dollars are highly coveted. This copper die trial represents a major opportunity to acquire a museum quality rarity, one that may not repeat itself for many years.
Bidding is now open for the Hong Kong Rarities Night, as well as all other sessions of Chinese, Asian, and World Coins and Banknotes for the April 2024 Hong Kong Showcase Auction. Be sure to take a look and prepare your bids. If you have numismatic items to sell, contact us at consign@stacksbowers.com, or call your favorite consignment specialist.
