China: Hupeh. Kuang-hsü "Small Characters" Tael Year 30 (1904) MS61 NGC,...

Description

Shimmering Mint State "Small Characters" Hupeh Tael

Hupeh. Kuang-hsü "Small Characters" Tael Year 30 (1904) MS61 NGC, Wuchang mint, KM-Y128.2, L&M-180, Kann-933, WS-0878. A celebrated rarity within the Chinese series, this Tael is instantly recognizable for its dramatic dual-dragon obverse, which evokes immediate excitement-especially when found in robust Mint State. Satiny and shimmering fields frame the sharply defined motifs, reflecting the exceptional care given to its production and dutiful preservation. Struck to a heavier standard than other dragon crowns of the era, this piece was part of a proposed coinage reform that aimed to return to the traditional Chinese Tael weight system, in contrast to the newer decimalized Dollar standard. With no unified agreement among provinces, and the decree to adopt the Tael issued just one month before Emperor Kuang-hsü's death, the reform ultimately faltered-leaving this issue as a powerful testament to a bold but short-lived monetary vision.

Ex. Heritage Auction 425 (January 2007, Lot 50799)

From the Peh Family Collection

Metal: Silver
Diameter: 40mm
Weight: 37.7g
ASW: 1.063oz

More information about Chinese Coins. See also: China World Coin Nationality.

銀光閃爍的湖北壹兩「小字版」

光緒三十年（1904）湖北省造大清銀幣壹兩「小字版」。MS61 NGC。
武昌造幣厰。這款湖北壹兩的正面展示了別具一格的雙龍圖案，在中國錢幣界中堪稱一大名譽品，每每都能令收藏家雀躍不已，具備原廠狀態者更是倍受青睞。緞亮閃爍的底板框住分明銳利的圖案，其匠心獨運的鑄工和精心保存的原廠狀態一目了然。此幣緣起於一場旨在以傳統中國重量單位「兩」，而非新式的十進制「圓」作為貨幣單位的改革，故其鑄打水準比其他同年代的龍洋更高。在得到各省同意後，採納「兩」作為貨幣單位的法令終於在光緒駕崩前一個月下達，但亦隨之胎死腹中，僅留下了這款銀幣成為這場大膽而無疾而終的改革的遺證。

出自：2007年1月海瑞得拍賣#425
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