Shantung. Republic gold Pattern "Dragon & Phoenix" 10 Dollars Year 15 (1926) MS65+ NGC, Tientsin mint, KM-Pn7, L&M-1066, Kann-1536. Simply breathtaking. An unparalleled, awe-inspiring example of the very rare Pattern issue by the colorful warlord Zhang Zongchang. It must have taken a series of quite unlikely events to allow this delightful specimen to remain in such blissful, Gem state of preservation, as Zhang's brief era of reign over his native Shandong was nothing short of tumultuous. The strike is immaculate and razor-sharp, and the lower-lying fields are virtually pristine save for a few inconsequential marks, and even a touch Prooflike in appearance. The previous Gem Mint State coin we offered was an MS65 NGC, which sold in August 2014 for a total of $94,000. The current offering undoubtedly surpasses that piece, and possesses the highest awarded grade across PCGS and NGC. This is a truly momentous opportunity, and we anticipate hotly contested bidding activity as this lot crosses the auction block. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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