Republic Yuan Shih-kai gold Specimen Pattern "Plumed Hat" Dollar ND (1916) SP64 PCGS, Nanjing mint, KM-Pn44, L&M-1114, Kann-1560, WS-0061, Wenchao-55 (rarity three stars). Struck to commemorate Yuan Shih-kai's elevation as Emperor Hung-hsien. An absolutely phenomenal Republican rarity and the clear capstone to the incredibly complete selection of Plumed Hat series pieces presented in this sale, with the current example tied for the second finest certified at PCGS, the single higher specimen grading MS64+ and none yet certified by NGC. Boasting noticeably clean surfaces showing next to no serious indications of handling and just a scattering of light copper spots, Wenchao discusses that two primary theories exist for the creation of this presentation striking, it being minted either for the President in preparation for his revival of the Empire in 1916, or otherwise struck by mischievous Nanjing mint workers in 1919. In either case it remains an issue which few can hope to attain at all, let alone in any sort of a meaningfully finer condition, with this being the first example of the type we have had the privilege to offer.

HID09801242017

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