Hupeh. Kuang-hsü "Small Characters" Tael Year 30 (1904) MS62 PCGS, Wuchang mint, KM-Y128.2, L&M-180, Kann-933, Chang-CH135, WS-0878, Wenchao-583 (rarity 1 star), Shi Jiagan Collection-360, Chang Foundation-Unl. Small characters variety. A scintillating representative of this coveted type witnessed on the cusp of Choice Mint State and appropriately so, dressed in alluring originality rarely encountered on this type. Precisely embossed upon a gently muted, silty planchet, allowing for each scale and flame to boldly project towards the viewer when seen in hand. An intriguing prospective series imagined as a coinage reform based on the traditional system of Chinese weights rather than the relatively recently introduced decimalized Dollar system. With no clear consensus between the provinces on which system to adopt, it was decreed that the Tael system would be utilized just one month prior to Kuang-hsü's death, leaving the question in the balance that would ultimately fail. The offering at hand remains a fascinating and exceedingly scarce relic of Chinese monetary reform and will entice even the most advanced collectors of Chinese numismatics.

HID09801242017

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