Kuang-hsü gold Pattern Kuping Tael (Liang) 1907 MS61 NGC, Tientsin mint, KM-Pn302, L&M-1024, Kann-1541. Reeded edge. Small clouds variety. One is compelled to take pause and admire the sheer golden opulence of this magnificent piece, that is arguably the most renowned gold Pattern of the late Qing Dynasty. The fierce dragon is depicted in its full glory, with protruding eye-balls and pupils prominently outlined. On the reverse we find four Chinese characters within a beaded ring standing for "Ta Ching Gold Coin"; in the outer circle above are six Chinese characters translating as, "Made (during) the Kuang Hsü (regime) in the Year of Guang Xu (1907)", and in the outer circle below are four Chinese characters translating as, "Kuping (weight) 1 Tael." Decidedly issued by an official Government mint, these rare and elusive Pattern Taels will always be acknowledged as sanctioned coinage. The present offering is bathed in rich sun-gold splendor that palpably warms the heart when viewed in hand. When tilted at an angle, minor wisps from light handling on reverse can be noted, blessedly absent from the obverse which faces up virtually unimpacted by exchange. To conclude with the obvious, this inviting piece is destined as a centerpiece to an elite cabinet of important Chinese coins and patterns. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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