Rare Chinese Silver Dollar Realizes $384,000 in Hong Kong Auction

A rare Chinese Silver Dollar certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company™ (NGC®) realized an impressive $384,000 in a recent Stack’s Bowers Hong Kong auction. Held September 28 to October 1, 2021, the sale also showcased other highly desirable NGC-certified coins that drew the attention of many collectors and had outstanding results.

The rare China 1897 Kiangnan Silver Dollar with Herringbone Edge graded NGC MS 64 and pedigreed to the Chinese Family Collection (lot 22218) is an example of a coin that was once circulated throughout the Kiangnan province, near present-day Shanghai. The highest graded in the NGC Census, this rarity features a detailed dragon with a herringbone design encircling the edge of the coin. It easily beat its pre-auction estimate of $150,000 to $225,000.

China 1897 Kiangnan Silver Dollar with Herringbone Edge graded NGC MS 64 Realized: $384,000 Click images to enlarge.

Meanwhile, a rare “Three Grass Blades” variety of a China YR17 (1928) Kweichow Auto Dollar graded NGC XF 45 rocketed to $144,000 in the sale, far above its pre-auction estimate of $20,000 to $25,000. Commemorating the completion of the Kweichow Provincial Highway in southern China, the coin features a car, believed to be modeled after the regional governor’s personal automobile.

China YR17 (1928) Kweichow Auto Dollar graded NGC XF 45 Realized: $144,000 Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the sale included:

• a China circa 1912 Szechuan Token graded NGC AU 55 BN (lot 23239) that realized $132,000
• a China 1906 Tael Restrike graded NGC MS 61 (lot 21124) that realized $120,000
• a China 1904 Hupeh Tael with Small Characters graded NGC MS 62 (lot 22166) that realized $108,000
• a China 1904 Hupeh Tael with Small Characters graded NGC MS 62 (lot 22167) that realized $108,000
• a China 1899 Fengtien Silver Dollar graded NGC AU 55 (lot 22104) that realized $96,000
• a China 2004 Gold 10,000 Yuan Panda with Serial Number 67 graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo (lot 20558) that realized $90,000
• a China 1993 Gold 500 Yuan Two Peacocks with Serial Number 12 graded NGC PF 69 Ultra Cameo (lot 20608) that realized $90,000

All estimates provided by the auction house. Prices realized include buyer’s premium.