Qing Dynasty. Qianlong Jiangsu Yuanbao ("Principal") Sycee of 50 Taels Year 21 (1755), Opitz-pg. 325 (this piece illustrated), Cribb-Class VII.A. 108mm. 1867.5gm. Cast in Lihe County by smith Ye Huaishan. The characters appear hand-cut in two horizontal rows and two vertical columns. The top row reads: "Er Shi Yi Nian San Yue" (March, the 21st Year [of Emperor Qianlong]), the right column reads: "Li He Xian" (Lihe County), and left column reads: "Ye Huai Shan" (Ye Huaishan, the smith). The bottom row of stamps appears largely illegible. A very rare type, and the first example we have handled, the argent surfaces aged to an almost gunmetal hue. The base displays a small inventory number from Mr. Opitz's collection, as well as the Detroit Money Museum inventory number. This lot has not yet been assigned a grade, as it will be submitted to Gongbo for certification before the auction. Ex. Detroit Money Museum (Inventory no. 3-7-12).

HID09801242017

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