Republic Sun Yat-sen silver Pattern "Mausoleum" Dollar Year 16 (1927) AU58 NGC, Nanking mint, KM-Unl., Kann-609, L&M-85, WS-0130, Wenchao-898 (rarity 3 stars). Mintage: 480. By Richard Placht. Minted in Nanking from dies prepared in Vienna. This extraordinary Pattern issue's rarity is largely attributable to contemporary disapproval. Conceived while the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen was still under construction, the artist behind the design likely never set foot on the site, let alone in China, resulting in a dramatically inaccurate portrayal of the respected doctor (which Kann compares to a likeness of Paul von Hindenburg). This, along with several omitted details from the mausoleum itself, and the fact that its low production numbers likely destined it as gifts, is why we encounter so few in today's market. While gentle friction limits NGC's certification just shy of Mint State, the piece retains an appreciable champagne aura and light residual luster to elevate both faces of this iconic issue. Ex. Heritage Auctions HKINF 3055 (June 2017, Lot 37158) HID09801242017 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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