CHINA. Silver "Mausoleum" Dollar Pattern, Year 16 (1927). PCGS SPECIMEN-63+.

L&M-85; K-609; Wenchao-pg. 555 #898 (rarity three stars); Sun-III-4-01; WS-0130. Mintage: 480. Exceptionally brilliant and lustrous, this alluring specimen features some deeper iridescent toning in a peripheral ring on the reverse, while Sun's portrait on the obverse is bracketed rather dramatically by a very deep, burnished tone. Always standing as a VERY RARE and heavily sought after coin on account of its rather paltry mintage, this pattern issue was designed by Richard Placht, an Austrian medalist and engraver at the mint in Vienna. Although attractive and elegant in its design and manufacture, the pattern was destined to be met with disapproval. While it was stylistically correct, the mausoleum (construction for which was still under way at the time of the pattern's design) for the revolutionary was lacking several design elements. Since the engraver never actually saw the site and was only supplied with drawings and concepts, elements were omitted, including the mausoleum steps leading to its face. It is also noted that the engraving of Dr. Sun Yat-sen himself was met with disapproval from authorities in China, as it bore only a partial resemblance to his actual likeness.

From the Stephen K. Scher Collection. Ex: Irving Goodman Collection (Superior - 6/1991) Lot # 876 @ $2,750.

Estimate: $50000.00 - $75000.00

民國十六年孫中山像陵墓壹圓銀樣幣。

"(珍稀度☆☆☆)發行量480 枚。銀光絢麗，反面環形呈深色的虹彩，正面的肖像外繞艷麗包漿，令人目不暇給。 備受歡迎的版別，維也納造幣廠設計，由總雕刻師Richard Placht製作。儘管設計極為精緻，但沒有被採納。中山陵的形式正確，但細節不全。由於雕刻時在建築尚未落成，由於雕刻時在建築尚未落成，雕刻師從未看到過真實建築，僅憑設計稿進行，所以缺少一些如正面的台階等細節。此外，孫中山肖像的相似度不足，也是未採用的原因。"