China: Hupeh. Kuang-hsü "Small Characters" Tael Year 30 (1904) AU Details (Cleaned) PCGS,...

Description

Handsome Hupeh "Double Dragon" Tael

Hupeh. Kuang-hsü "Small Characters" Tael Year 30 (1904) AU Details (Cleaned) PCGS, Wuchang mint, KM-Y128.2, L&M-180, Kann-933. An iconic issue within Chinese numismatics, this dual-dragon obverse is at first glance a gentle dove tone, though upon illumination bright wheat and olive-gold flashes light up expanses. As 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, this piece was struck to a heavier standard than many other dragon crowns of the period. 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.

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

NOTE: This lot was manufactured in China and was sourced from outside the United States for this auction after September 1, 2019. Under the new US tariffs on Chinese goods, collector's items from China will be subject to an import tariff. Any clients who wish to take delivery of this item in the United States should be aware of this added charge, and consult their tax adviser with any questions. If you choose to take delivery in the United States and purchase both tariffed and non-tariffed lots from this auction, please note that the automatic invoice you receive after the auction will be incorrect; you will be emailed revised invoices shortly afterwards. The lots that fall under the tariff will be invoiced separately and will ship directly from our Hong Kong Office and carry a separate, additional shipping charge.

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

精美的湖北雙龍壹兩

光緒三十年（1904）湖北省造大清銀幣壹兩「小字版」。AU Details (Cleaned) PCGS。
武昌造幣廠。這款湖北銀幣於中國錢幣史上尤其經典，正面的雙龍圖案乍看下呈現出柔和的鴿灰色澤，但在燈光下則化成亮麗耀目的棕綠金色，在底板上閃閃生光。當時清政府計劃以中國傳統重量單位，而非現代的十進制的「圓」改革貨幣。此幣重量較當時不少龍洋更高。但由於各省缺乏協調統一，加以光緒在採納「兩」單位後僅一個月便駕崩，故此改革亦無疾而終。至今只留下了這批舉足輕重，卻命運多桀的珍品作為歷史的見證。