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Exceptional Asian
Rarities Set to Star in Heritage's Hong Kong Coin and Currency
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Gold issues and large-denomination currency headline Asia's
fastest-growing World Coin and Currency auctions. The 3rd
semi-annual Heritage HKNIF World Currency and
World and Ancient Coins
Signature Auctions will give collectors the opportunity to grow
their collections before the year's end December 7th-9th. The
auctions will take place at the Mira Hong Kong Hotel in
Kowloon.
An exceptional gold rarity leads the coin offerings. One of just 66
People's Republic Gold
Peacock Proof 1500 Yuan 1993 PR68 Ultra Cameo NGC is one of the
scarcest modern Chinese coins. This is the first example Heritage
has offered of this rare issue. Weighing in at 20 oz., this massive
piece displays frosted devices and blemish-free mirrored fields. A
1928 Republic "Auto"
Dollar AU55 PCGS Different Doors variety will star in any elite
offering of vintage Chinese coinage. Already extremely scare in AU
grades, this exceptional example has moderate toning and crisp
details.
Collectors of earlier Chinese coinage will have the opportunity to
purchase an extremely rare early Republic pattern. The 1914 Republic Yuan
Shih-kai Specimen Pattern Dollar SP63 PCGS on offer is expected
to bring six-figures. Pattern dollars from the Tientsin central
mint have the inscription "L. Giorgi" for the mint's chief engraver
and are coveted. This particular example has a light russet haze
and moderately reflective fields. An 1896 Chihli Kuang-hsü
Dollar AU Details PCGS is one of the most fascinating coins in
the auction. Produced for the Pei Yang Arsenal, the coin features
both English and Chinese script. The Pei Yang struck their coins
from 1896 to 1899 under a decimal system, unlike most other Asian
mints at the time.
A pair of Singapore $10,000 notes from the Lim & Lim Collection
will give collectors the chance to own two of the most desirable
pieces of currency ever to come from the modern microstate. The
1973 Orchid Series
$10,000 Choice Uncirculated 64 PMG featured is a specimen
piece, bearing A/1000000 serial numbers. The intricate, full-bleed
printing is still sharp, fully deserving of its choice uncirculated
grade. An exceedingly rare 1980 $10,000 Very Fine
25 PPQ PCGS replacement note is expected to attract attention
as well. Bearing the uncommon Z1 prefix, this lot will be a rare
opportunity to own one of Singapore's grandest notes.
Leading the colonial currency offerings in a 1925 Straights
Settlement $50 Very Fine 35 PPQ PCGS. Straights Settlements
issues were heavily circulated, making crisp, intact notes
notoriously difficult to find. This piece features strong paper,
solid edges and good detail, making it one of the nicer examples
sold in recent years. One of the rarest Thai notes is also on
offer. The unlisted 1933 Siam 1000 Baht
Choice Uncirculated 64 PMG depicting King Rama VII was prepared
by Thomas de la Rue, but unused. The note's ornate design and
embossing remains strong. King Rama VII is considered Thailand's
last absolute monarch, and he remains the only Thai king to
abdicate the throne.
Other highlights include, but are not limited to:
These auctions are open for bidding now at www.HA.com/coins and www.HA.com/currency!
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GSA Dollars in special
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Need a Christmas present for the special numismatist in your life –
even if it is you? Everybody likes Carson City silver dollars, and
Heritage is offering an outstanding selection of GSA dollars from The
Lenny Reiner Collection, Part VI, in a special Internet auction
opening for bidding on November 29 and running through December
8.
Grades range from MS60 to MS65, and available dates include 1878,
1880-1885, 1890, and 1891.
Bid in this auction, and pick up a relic of the old west and the
Comstock Lode!
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The 1931 Piastre – A One
Year Type Coin – French Indochina's Last Silver Piastre |
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By R. C. Taylor
The "Piastre de Commerce" (Trade Dollar) was adopted in 1878 when a
commission recommended its creation for the purpose of competing
with the trade dollars already circulating in Asia such as the
popular Mexican 8 Reales, U.S. Trade dollars, British Trade Dollars
and the Japanese yen.
Essais dated 1879 and 1885 were made for Cochin China but it was
not until 1885 that the first Piastre for Indochina was struck
commercially. As a trade dollar, the value of the French Indochina
Piastre was based on its silver content and, the Dollar sign ($)
was used to designate the Piastre in French administrative
documents. Banknote collectors of the "Banque de l'Indochine" (Bank
of Indochina) are familiar with the Dollar/Piastre banknotes. This
design was the work of the French engraver Edmond-Emile Lindauer,
famous for his "Holed" French 5, 10 and 20 centimes coins.
Lindauer's celebrity facilitated his selection by the Minister of
the Colonies to create the new Piastre coin.
We learn from the second meeting of the Commission for the
Modification of the New Piastre, on July 25, 1930, that the
Commission had initially intended to create a Piastre of a smaller
diameter, weighing 20 grams but with a fineness of 680/1000. This
model was refused because of the fear that the Indochinese people
would reject it based on neighboring countries (Japan, Siam, Java
and the Philippines) having coinages of higher silver fineness. The
model of 20 grams, 35 millimeters and 900/1000 fineness was hereby
approved and later adopted by the Decree of August 12th 1930. This
decree also authorized the Governor General of Indochina to fix the
withdrawal date of the old trade dollar, the "Piastre de
Commerce".
From this meeting we also learn that
the Commission examined Lindauer's sketches and adopted his "oval
composition" reverse design but asked him to reduce the size of the
date for the definitive version. However, for the obverse, we
surprisingly discover that the commission initially preferred a
"Seated Lady Republic" design and asked Lindauer to prepare a new
obverse with more "Indochinese characteristics." We do not know the
reasons but this "Seated Lady Republic" design was abandoned and
the present "Lady Republic Head" obverse design was adopted. During
the audience, Mr. De la Brousse, the director of the "L'Agence
Economique de l'Indochine" (Agency of the Economy of Indochina),
offered to show Mr. Lindauer a statuette of an Indochinese lady to
inspire his new designs. The commission also requested Lindauer to
show his completed obverse design to the Minister of the Colonies
for approval, as soon as he had finished.
Despite the financial pressure and urgent commercial needs for a
new silver Piastre "Trade Dollar," we discover in another
correspondence dated August 11th 1930 that the Minister of the
Colonies informed the Mint Director that he recently saw and liked
Lindauer's latest designs, adding that a few modifications would be
necessary. He also stated that he had sent the designs to the
Governor General of Indochina, whom he describes as the person
qualified to say if the Indochinese population would accept the new
coin design. (The French 1931 mint report states that the original
effigy/portrait was displayed during the 1931 Colonial Exposition
but the researcher has yet to find an image of this original
design.)
Six types of "Piastre de Commerce" were struck from 1885 to 1928
before the adoption of this 1931-dated Lady Republic Head "1
Piastre," a one-year type representing the end of the silver
standard and the passage to the gold bullion standard.
The change from the silver to the gold standard was due to the
difficult international economic context, namely the worldwide
financial crisis, as well as fluctuating but continuously dropping
silver prices; for example, silver had lost more than 50% its value
between 1926 and 1930. The adoption of the gold standard by
neighboring countries such as British India, the Dutch colonies,
Siam and the Philippines had also created pressure on the French
Indochinese economy. Customs statistics showed that the majority of
the commercial transactions were being done with countries using
the gold standard and that exports and imports for French Indochina
had dropped by more than 50% between 1929 and 1931.
The resulting economic difficulties led to the adoption of the gold
standard by the decree of May 31st 1930 in Paris. The decree fixed
the legal value of the new Piastre at 655 milligrams of gold but
the minted coins would have a silver fineness of 900/1000. A total
of 16,000,000 coins were struck over a 2-year period: 13,288,273
coins were minted in 1931 and 2,711,727 more in 1932.
The 1931 Piastre will be remembered as the last "silver" Piastre
minted for French Indochina for circulation in Asia. It was
replaced by the French Union, Copper-Nickel, 1 Piastre dated 1946
featuring the "Union Francaise" legend and officially demonetized
in June 1948.
However, in 1943, the bureau of the "Direction Generale des Douanes
et des Regies" (Custom Authorities), in need of a silver coin for
the Opium Trade in French Indochina, ordered the fabrication of two
silver coins: a half (1/2) Tael coin and a one (1) Tael coin, but
this is another story.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
L'Histoire Monétaire Des Colonies Françaises. Zay. Paris, 1892.
L'Empire De l'Argent – Etude Sur La Chine Financiere. Joseph
Dubois. Paris, 1906.
Annam, Etudes Numismatiques. Albert Schroeder. Paris, 1905.
Archives De La Monnaie De Paris (1930-1932).
Administrations De Monnaies Et Médailles. Rapport Au Ministre Des
Finances. Vingt-Cinquième Année. Operations De 1928, 1929 Et 1930.
Paris, Imprimerie Nationale. Paris, 1932.
Administration Des Monnaies Et Des Medailles. Vingt-Sixieme Rapport
Au Ministre Des Finances. Operations De 1931, 1932, 1933, 1934 Et
1935. Paris Imprimerie Nationale. MDCCCCXXXVIII. (1938)
Les Variations De l'Argent Metal Et Ses Percussions Monetaires En
Extreme-Orient. Doctorate Thesis By Uphai PHINTUJOTHIN. Grenoble,
France, 1934. Journal Officiel de l'Indo-Chine Francaise. Vietnam,
1948
Histoire Monétaire Et Numismatique Des Colonies Et De l'Union
Francaise. 1690-1952. J. Mazard. Paris, 1953.
Les Billets De La Banque De l'Indochine – Kolsky & Musyznski (D.
August) Editions Gadoury. Monaco, 1997.
Monnaies Et Jetons De l'Indochine Francaise. Jean Lecompte –
Editions Gadoury. Monaco, 2014.
Chopmarked Coins – A History – The Silver Coins Used In China
1600-1935. Colin James Gullberg. China, 2014.
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The ten highest valued 21st century US coins to sell in Heritage
auctions, one per issue:
- (2000)-P Sacagawea Dollar --
Muled With Statehood Washington Quarter Obverse -- MS66 PCGS.
Realized: $88,125
- 2000 1C Lincoln Cent -- Struck
on a Sacagawea Dollar -- MS66 PCGS. Realized: $35,250
- 2000-P Cheerios Sacagawea Dollar
MS68. Realized: $34,500
- 2000 $1 Millennium Set Silver
Eagle MS70 NGC. Realized: $29,375
- 2009 $20 Ultra High Relief MS70
Prooflike NGC. Early Releases. Realized: $21,737
- (2007) George Washington
Presidential Dollar -- Double Denomination on a Jefferson Nickel --
MS64 PCGS. Realized: $17,625
- 2006-W $100 One-Ounce Platinum
Eagle, First Strike PR70 Deep Cameo PCGS. Realized:
$14,100
- 2000-P $1 Sacagawea--Struck on a
Susan B. Anthony Planchet--MS68 PCGS. Realized: $12,075
- 2000-P 5C Jefferson
Nickel--Struck on a 1978 Lincoln Cent--MS64 Red and Brown
ANACS. Realized: $12,075
- 2000 $1 Silver Eagle MS70
NGC. Realized: $10,575
Errors obviously included. Sets are not included, although the list
does include a two coin lot consisting of a very valuable coin and
an inexpensive coin.
Do you have a suggestion for a future top ten list?
Send it to us!
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Reduced Auction Commissions
When You Resell Your Winnings!
When you win any lot worth with a hammer price of $1,000 or more
(or $2,500 for Art and Nature & Science lots), you will receive a
coupon that entitles you (or your heirs) to re-consign that lot to
Heritage at a reduced seller's commission. Selling through Heritage
is a convenient and hassle free way to maximize your return
(find
out why). Maybe you'll need to make room in your collection for
something better, perhaps your collecting tastes will change, or
maybe it will be your heirs that benefit; but be sure to save the
coupon, which could be worth hundreds or thousands of dollars.
- Coins: 0% Seller's Commission for all items $1K or
more.
- Comics: 50% of the usual Seller's Commission for all
items between $1K & $10K, and 0% for items $10K and over.
- All Other Categories: 50% of the usual Seller's
Commission for everything else over $1K ($2,500 for Art & Natural
History).
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As the fastest growing American-based
auction house, financially rock-solid Heritage Auctions continues
to grow and seek the best talent in the industry. If you are a
specialist or have strong general collectibles knowledge, we want
to hear from you. These specialists will, in some cases, head new
departments and in others will enhance existing department
expertise. We have positions open at our headquarters in Dallas as
well as at our new state-of-the-art galleries in prime locations in
both Midtown Manhattan and Beverly Hills.
Heritage is seeking to hire the world's best specialists in the
following categories:
- AR, Credit & Collections Senior Manager
- Consignment Director of Fine Watches
- Design Consignment Director
- Linux Systems Administrator
- Operations and Logistics Coordinator - San
Francisco
- Senior Appraiser (Generalist)
- Wine Inventory Specialist
If you are interested and feel you have the qualifications we seek,
please email your resume and salary history to Experts@HA.com.
We are also seeking to fill the following corporate positions:
- Building/Maintenance Operations Assistant
- Client Services Representative
- Executive Assistant
- Graphic Designer/ Art Director
- Operations Assistant
- Shipping Associate
If you are interested in applying for one of these Corporate
positions, please
apply here.
Interns here's your chance to work for the world's largest
collectibles auctioneer. We are looking for individuals with a
passion for collectibles, extensive knowledge in one of our venues,
and a career interest in the auction business. Applicants must also
be 18 years of age or older. Please email your resume to
Intern@HA.com.
U.S. Coin Researcher Wanted
Heritage Auctions is seeking a numismatist with broad expertise in
U.S. coins to join our award-winning staff. If you have knowledge
of both US coins and data we have an opening as a part-time
researcher. You can work with the most successful team of
numismatists in the world. This is a part-time position and duties
can be performed remotely.
If you are interested, please contact
GabbyO@HA.com.
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Uncensored John F. Kennedy campaign
notes offered Dec. 3 at Heritage Auctions
A lot consisting of 98 pages of notes in
former President John F. Kennedy's hand from the 1960 presidential
campaign highlights a group of important Kennedy memorabilia
offered in Heritage Auctions' Dec. 3 Americana & Political
auction. The papers' opening bid is $25,000, but that could
prove conservative, according to Tom Slater, Director of Americana
Auctions at Heritage.
"We've never seen anything like these amazing notes," said Tom
Slater, Director of Americana Auctions. "I've never encountered
uncensored papers from a president, let alone something in this
wonderful historic impact."
Kennedy's notes were drafted at a notable time in his Presidential
campaign, because he was suffering from laryngitis. The candidate
had spoken so often on the trail that he had all but lost his
voice. He was under doctor's strict orders to avoid speaking
whenever possible, especially in the noisy cabin of his prop-driven
campaign plane, "Caroline."
Based on context, a number of these notes appear to be from the
April and May time period, after his April 5 victory in the
Wisconsin primary (a 56-44 percent win over Hubert Humphrey)
through the May 10 West Virginia primary, which was of major
concern to him.
The candidate communicated by scribbling notes on a legal pad, a
number of which were preserved by his airborne "Gal Friday," Janet
DesRosiers. These candid notes — which never were published —
present important insights into Kennedy's personality and
character, as well as providing a revealing glimpse of the inner
workings of a political campaign.
"The circumstances dictated that here was no filter when Kennedy
was dashing these off," Slater points out. "We never have
encountered anything quite like them before."
The entire archive is being offered as one lot, with a minimum
opening bid of $25,000.
A one-of-a-kind Sterling Silver Tiffany
Cigarette Box bearing the Presidential Seal, displayed in
Kennedy's oval office, also is featured in the December auction.
"While any objects personally owned by President Kennedy are highly
collectable, those used in the Oval Office hold a particular allure
for collectors," Slater said.
"This particular box, formerly in the renowned Robert White
collection, is especially well-documented, having come from Martin
E. Underwood, a Special Assistant to Presidents Kennedy and
Johnson," Slater said. Bidding will open at $20,000.
The auction also includes a historic Kennedy-signed document:
his formal acceptance of
his nomination by New York State's Liberal Party as its 1960
presidential standard bearer. Without the liberal vote, Kennedy
would have lost New York State and the presidency to Nixon, whose
Republican vote total actually exceeded the number of votes cast
for Kennedy as a Democrat. The crucial document opens with a
$15,000 bid.
More information about Historical
auctions.
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An
exciting consignment opportunity presents itself, as Heritage
proudly presents the upcoming February 15-20, 2017 Long Beach US
Coins Signature Auction. Heritage's Long Beach sales have been
fixtures, in conjunction with Long Beach coin shows, for literally,
decades. These auctions have a long-established record of
attracting eager bidders and producing strong sale results for
consignors. And we expect this pattern to continue.
You can personally benefit from Heritage's connections to buyers
from around the world and sell your coins alongside the millions of
dollars of rare, desirable and important offerings that have
already been consigned.
The January 2 consignment deadline for US
coins will be here before you know it. Call our Consignment Hotline
at 1-800-872-6467 x1000 today!
February 15-20 Long Beach US
Coins Signature Auction
Consignment Deadline: January 2, 2017
Interested in
Selling?
What's My Coin Worth?
Consign to a Heritage Auction
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Coin and Currency Auctions |
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