(t) CHINA. Kweichow. Auto Dollar (7 Mace 2 Candareens), Year 17 (1928). NGC EF-45.

L&M-611; K-757; KM-Y-428; WS-1111. Variety with two grass blades and unhinged front door. This always popular type was struck to commemorate the completion of Kweichow Provincial Highway which, according to Kann, was the first motor car road in the province. Allegedly featuring the personal vehicle of Governor Chow Hsi-chien (Zhou Xicheng), this piece has passed into numismatic lore on account of the unique design. A RARE variant of the two grass blades type featuring a differing door pattern (namely, that the front door lacks a hinge), this evenly handled specimen offers an olive-gray color that deepens quite dramatically as one approaches the edges.

Estimate: USD 30000-50000