Republic Yuan Shih-kai "Plumed Hat" Dollar ND (1916) MS62 NGC, Tientsin mint, KM-Y332, L&M-942, Kann-663, Chang-CH223, WS-0097, Wenchao-1102 (rarity 1 star). Struck for the inauguration of Yuan Shih-kai as Emperor Hung-hsien. Undoubtedly the more appealing of Yuan Shih-kai's two primary "Plumed Hat" types (the other issued in 1914), this so-called "flying dragon" Dollar beams with a generally fresh die quality, only some micro-fine stippling and pronounced die polish suggesting that the dies had already been well-used. Haru Chang records, based on a handwritten book by then-mintmaster Li Pei-gee, that this reverse design was paired with the obverse die of the 1914 Plumed Hat issues in 1919, likely accounting for this die state. Though perhaps precluded from a fully choice designation on account of some stray wisps in the fields, the coin otherwise appears to press the upper bounds of its assigned numerical grade, containing full cartwheel luster that requires in-hand inspection to be fully appreciated.

HID09801242017

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