Republic Yuan Shih-kai silver Specimen Pattern "L. Giorgi" Dollar Year 3 (1914) SP63 PCGS, Tientsin mint, KM-Pn33, L...

Description

Exquisite Three-Quarters Facing, Signed "L. Giorgi" Pattern

Republic Yuan Shih-kai silver Specimen Pattern "L. Giorgi" Dollar Year 3 (1914) SP63 PCGS, Tientsin mint, KM-Pn33, L&M-73, Kann-643a, WS-0167. With "L. Giorgi" signature. One of the most hotly contested Yuan Shih-kai portrait Dollars, a proposed design by chief engraver L. Giorgi that has a vastly different persona than the adopted circulating type. Rather than the familiar left-facing profile portrait, this issue presents the general-turned-president in a three-quarters facing pose, lending the design a heightened sense of depth and realism that can be attributed to Giorgi's European artistic training. An unsigned version and a signed version of this proposed design are known to us; this example corresponding to the latter, with Giorgi's signature discreetly placed to the right of the bust along the inner rim. Signed specimens are encountered with far greater infrequency than their unsigned counterparts. Of the limited examples available to collectors, this is the best grade PCGS can presently offer and in this cataloger's opinion, has the best visual appeal out of any example offered in recently memory. Visible die polish lines produce impenetrable luster that invigorates Yuan Shih-kai's personable portrait, which, despite the low-relief execution, has endured expertly chiseled and crisp. Soft grey patination mixes with vibrant oil spill toning of lime green, hot pink, and aqua blue, a color palette that is rarely seen on Chinese Dollars. Certainly a highlight in this auction's Peh offerings.

Metal: Silver
Diameter: 39mm

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.

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