CHINA. Kwangtung. Silver 3 Mace 6 Candareens (50 Cents) Pattern, ND (1889). NGC MS-63
photo: stacks bowers
An EXTREMELY RARE pattern issue, this incredible specimen exhibits a rather sharp strike along with steel gray surfaces dominated by a darker tone. Meanwhile a hint of gold accentuates some of the devices. A light die crack is noted on the dragon side, though not at all distracting. An incredible opportunity for a magnificent coin that was lacking from collections such as Kann, Bowker, and Goodman, this piece represents the sole appearance for the type in the NGC census, while PCGS has certified a mere three examples: SPECIMEN-62, SPECIMEN-63, and MS-64.
photo: stacks bowers
With an intention to replace the foreign coins circulating in commerce, a new mint in Kwangtung was established with five denominations introduced. As the weight standard for this new series was slightly heavier than that which had been in use, the first series was withdrawn and melted, while a second series--now at a reduced weight--was produced in its place. This pattern series did not meet the approval of officials in Peking, and it too was quickly withdrawn. A third attempt proved much more successful, with this tertiary series finally serving as the basis for the coinage moving forward. It is this second series, from which the present piece emanates, that stands as one of the most desirable and rare from the whole of Chinese numismatics.
