Kwangtung. Kuang-hsü 50 Cents ND (1890-1908) SP64 NGC, Kwangtung mint, KM-Y202, L&M-134, Kann-27, WS-0943, Wenchao-565. Heaton mint dies. Variety with Ku not connected. A design of such uniquely refined style among the early machine-made coins of China as to be instantly recognizable even from an arms length, the "Standard Pattern" Specimens produced during the last decade of Kuang-hsü's reign remain as captivating today as they must have been when first produced. Though the provincial mint in Canton had, by the time of the minting of issues such as this, assumed the mintage of its own coins, dies continued to be supplied by the Heatons. Such special strikings perhaps were used to model the recent design change from the mint's first emissions in 1889, which had placed English text around the Emperor's reign period on the obverse (reverse as holdered), leading to public outcry. Standing an impressive 3 grade points above the W&B Capital Collection example, the coin at hand can easily be said to possess a Gem Specimen level of eye appeal, thanks to a champagne-sunset coloration behind the glassy fields which emit a clean flash when viewed from all angles.

HID09801242017

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