(t) CHINA. Gold K'uping Tael Pattern, CD (1907). Tientsin Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-61.

L&M-1024; Fr-2; K-1541; KM-Pn302; Wenchao-pg.49 #11 (rarity four stars); Chang Foundation-pg.26 #7; WS-0009. An enthralling, phenomenally rare specimen with dazzling frosty devices exalted by brilliant fields. Arguably the pinnacle of Qing Dynasty numismatics, one cannot overstate the significance of K'uping Taels due to their status as the first modern Chinese coins ever struck in gold. Two variations exist, those dated 1906 and 1907. Both were produced in extremely limited quantities, though 1907 pieces are definitively scarcer; Stack's Bowers has only offered three in the last fifteen years. Powerfully struck with a sharp wire rim, the present example brazenly displays every minute detail of its design. Attractively preserved, there is a distinct lack of contact marks or scratches. Some light handling can be seen, but nothing of real significance. Surfaces are a consistent, warm honey color with hints of localized copper toning, mostly on the character side. The present coin offers an historic opportunity for any collector determined to possess the greatest Chinese rarities. Struck on an experimental basis as patterns only and never released into circulation. The plans to issue gold coinage in units of one Tael for circulation, unfortunately, never materialized. This was largely due to China's lack of gold reserve combined with the current currency being based on the silver standard. Hence a limited number of pattern Taels were struck in 98% pure gold as patterns for the Ministry of Revenue.

Ex: Patrick Tan Collection.

Estimate: $300000.00 - $400000.00

丁未光緒年造大清金幣庫平一兩金樣幣。天津造幣廠製。

引人入勝，從缺罕見的樣幣，炫目的霜化圖文與亮麗底板相映。許是大清錢幣的巔峰之作，而作為近代中國的首枚金幣，庫平一兩的重要性舉足輕重。此幣共有兩個版別，日期為1906及1907，鑄量極微，1907年版更是鳳毛麟角。過去十五年本行的拍賣中僅見三枚。鑄力強勁，金屬邊緣銳利，纖毫畢現，保存精美，了無碰痕及劃痕。可見輕微經手痕跡，但瑕不掩瑜，無可挑剔。幣面呈現均匀溫暖的蜂蜜色，些許部位有銅色包漿，集中在字面。中國錢幣稀珍的佼佼者，定讓集藏更上一格。 沒有發行的試造樣幣。清政府計畫推行一兩為單位的金本位制幣，不幸未能實現。主要是中國當時缺乏黃金儲備，且使用的通貨是以銀為本位。僅試製極少數量的金質樣幣。