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. A coin which needs no introduction as one of the most instantly recognizable and enigmatic issues for the entirety of the classic Chinese series, evincing excitement at the mention of two-word name: Auto Dollar. Struck to commemorate the completion of Kweichow's first provincial highway and depicting Governor Zhou Xicheng's personal automobile, and proud statement of the technological advancement of China, as promoted and outlined by Sun Yat-sen years prior. While most early 20th-century issues of China feature the mythical dragon or portraits of various leaders, this issue entirely deviates from its contemporaries, resulting in the elevated notoriety accompanying the series. The current offering, certified a pleasing mid-grade VF35, lacks any of the usual conditional qualifiers typical for the issue and displays contact marks commensurate with the assigned grade. Decorated in pervasive, honest wear and a gentle silty patination that, when encountered on this issue, is always covetable. The opportunity to acquire a scarce, straight-graded example of the Auto Dollar is almost as rare as the coin itself, and as such, we anticipate the full potential of this selection when offered at auction.

HID09801242017

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