Rare Vintage and Modern Chinese Coins Graded by NGC to Sell for Six Figures

Posted on 6/22/2022

The Heritage sale features vintage silver rarities and a hefty gold coin from the modern era.

Incredibly rare Chinese coins certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®) will sell for six figures at an upcoming sale presented by Heritage Auctions. From the Imperial, Republic and modern era, they are at center stage in the HKINF World and Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature Auction, being held July 7-9, 2022.

Leading the way is a China (1914) Pattern Silver Dollar (L&M-72) graded NGC MS 64 (lot 34115) with an estimate of $300,000 to $600,000. It was designed by Tientsin mint engraver Luigi Giorgi, whose patterns are among the most coveted coins in Chinese numismatics.

China (1914) Pattern Silver Dollar (L&M-72) graded NGC MS 64
Click images to enlarge.

This pattern shows a three-quarters-facing portrait of Yuan Shih-kai, who was president from 1912 until his death in 1916, except for a three-month stint as emperor near the end. The design varies markedly from the one that was selected for the coin released to the public. To learn more about this pattern, which is one of several in the sale pedigreed to the Rulin Wei Collection, click here.

A more recent Chinese rarity is also turning heads in the sale: a China 1992 1 Kilogram Gold 2,000 Yuan - Completion of Lunar Cycle graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo (lot 34198). This large coin honors the designs from China's annual lunar series that began with the Year of the Rooster in 1981. From a mintage of just 20 pieces, this coin has an estimate of $300,000 to $400,000.

China 1992 1 Kilogram Gold 2,000 Yuan - Completion of Lunar Cycle graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo
Click images to enlarge.

More than two weeks before the sale, bidding for each of these two rarities had already surpassed $150,000.

The sale also includes treasured coins from the Imperial era, including a China 1904 Hupeh Tael - Small Characters graded NGC MS 62 (lot 34038). The NGC Census has only nine examples that are graded higher of this highly coveted issue. It has an estimate of $250,000 to $275,000.

China 1904 Hupeh Tael - Small Characters graded NGC MS 62
Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the auction include:

  • a China 1937-S Silver Pattern 50 Cents graded NGC MS 62 (lot 34089), with an estimate of $100,000 to $150,000
  • a China 1982 Brass Pattern 100 Yuan - Panda/Temple of Heaven graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo (lot 34201), with an estimate of $100,000 to $120,000
  • a China 1982 Brass Pattern 100 Yuan - Panda/Great Wall graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo (lot 34202), with an estimate of $100,000 to $120,000
  • a China (1923) Silver Dollar - Small Characters graded NGC MS 63 and pedigreed to the Rulin Wei Collection (lot 34140), with an estimate of $80,000 to $120,000
  • a Great Britain 2021 1 Kilogram Gold 1,000 Pounds - The Great Engravers, Gothic Crown graded NGC PF 70 Ultra Cameo (lot 34216), with an estimate of $60,000 to $80,000
  • a China (1923) Silver Dollar - Large Characters graded NGC MS 62 and pedigreed to the Rulin Wei Collection (lot 34141), with an estimate of $60,000 to $80,000
  • a China 1914 L. Giorgi Silver Dollar graded NGC MS 63 and pedigreed to the Rulin Wei Collection (lot 34117), with an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000
  • a China (1927) Mausoleum Dollar graded NGC AU 58 and pedigreed to the Rulin Wei Collection (lot 34150), with an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000
  • a China Undated Sinkiang Fantasy Silver Tael graded NGC MS 64 (lot 34176), with an estimate of $40,000 to $60,000
  • a China 1907 Silver Dollar graded NGC MS 61 (lot 34013), with an estimate of $30,000 to $50,000

All estimates are provided by the auction house in US Dollars.


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