Yi Hyong white metal Pattern 5 Niang Year 495 (1886) MS63 NGC,  KM-Pn16. A stellar white-metal pattern issue featuring two encircled dragons within a beaded border, the reverse illustrating a highly-decorated wreath full of ornate flowers. The fields possess the appearance of an antique mirror, lightly hazed as a consequence of age, yet fully natural. The struck detail is remarkable, even the smallest of dragon scales rendered to razor sharpness and enhanced to their fullest by the gorgeous backdrop of the surrounding reflective fields. The 5 Niang is one of several patterns that was created during this time and its design elements bear close resemblance to the Japanese coins of that era. Unfortunately, of the fifteen possible trials that were struck, only three patterns were adopted for regular circulation, and the 5 Niang was not one of them.

HID09801242017

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