Kiangnan. Kuang-hsü 10 Cents ND (1897) MS64 PCGS, Nanking mint, KM-Y142, L&M-213B, Kann-69, WS-0793. Reeded edge. Encircled dragon variety. A veritable key among the earliest "Dragon" coinage from Kiangnan, and a coin with which even the most discerning collectors will be able to find few flaws. Currently existing near the peak of the certified population, this piece reveals strikingly original fields, particularly on the reverse (obverse as holdered), where satin finish grips the iconic dragon motifs. Just the most slender die cracks, and tiny planchet imperfections around the characters kuang and hsü, hint at the trials undergone by the new mint at Nanking, though, if anything, these signs of die stress make the survivorship of a specimen such as this all the more remarkable. Seemingly one of the nicest representatives to have come to auction in recent years, and a thoroughly thrilling type coin.
HID09801242017
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Price realized | 31'200 USD |
Starting price | 5'250 USD |
Estimate | 8'000 USD |