Kweichow. Republic "Auto" Dollar Year 17 (1928) VF35 PCGS, KM-Y428, L&M-609, Kann-757e, WS-1109, Wenchao-1062 (rarity 2 stars). Two blades of grass variety. Struck during the 17th year of the Republic by Chow Hsi-chien (Zhou Xicheng), the Governor of Kweichow province, to commemorate the completion of the provincial highway in Kweichow. One of the most instantly recognizable types of the entire Chinese series and one of only 2 collectible Dollars from Kweichow, the famed "Auto" Dollar occupies a very special place for Chinese collectors. Purported to depict the Governor's personal automobile--with the blades of grass supposedly resembling the characters "Si Chen"--interest in the type has exploded in recent years, leading to even modest condition specimens bringing considerable prices. Though admitting clear wear in line with the designation, the piece shows an honest originality throughout, free of evidence of cleaning, tooling, or other harsh post-mint alterations. On the whole an enticing type coin, and one sure to excite its future owner.
HID09801242017
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Price realized | 66'000 USD |
Starting price | 6'000 USD |
Estimate | 12'000 USD |