China: Hsüan-t'ung silver Specimen Pattern "Short-Whiskered Dragon" Dollar Year 3 (1911) SP64+ PCGS,...

Description

Apex Predator of Chinese Numismatics - The Legendary "Short-Whiskered" Pattern

Hsüan-t'ung silver Specimen Pattern "Short-Whiskered Dragon" Dollar Year 3 (1911) SP64+ PCGS, Tientsin mint, KM-Pn307 (Rare), L&M-30 (this coin), Kann-224, Chang Foundation-34 (this coin), Chang-29 (Extremely Rare). A coin of mythic proportions, an absolute apex of Chinese numismatics -- the legendary "Short-Whiskered" Dragon. Part of the well-recognized 1911 Ta Ching dollar patterns from the Central Mint in Tientsin, this type was produced during a transformative period in Chinese monetary history, as the imperial government worked toward a unified national coinage. Under the direction of chief engraver Luigi Giorgi, a series of experimental dollar designs was created, each featuring a similar obverse (reverse as holdered) paired with varying dragon motifs on the reverse (obverse as holdered). These patterns represent the final phase of Qing Dynasty coinage, struck on the eve of the dynasty's collapse. Among these, the "Short-Whiskered" variety wields an acute magnetism.

This dragon displays a broader, more forceful head with noticeably shorter whiskers, measuring roughly nine millimeters in length, in contrast to the longer, more delicate whiskers seen on the related and more attainable "Long-Whiskered" type. This compact and powerful rendering gives the "Short-Whiskered" dragon a markedly different visual character, a youthful ferocity that is all but absent from its venerable "Long-Whiskered" cousin. The rarity of this "Short Whiskered" type cannot be overstated. Early numismatic research recorded only a handful of examples, and even today the total number of confirmed specimens remains exceptionally small. Of the eight documented survivors only three are privately owned, this example being the first on public offer since its appearance in the Chang Foundation Collection, and it remains the only example certified across PCGS and NGC.

For all its absolute rarity, it is just as notable to understand how appealing this piece is in hand. Glistening surfaces host an ensemble of stormy blue, violet, and rose tones, all coalescing in a chiaroscuro that amplifies the drama and energy of the dragon. The reverse displays a slightly more olive patina, but still carries continuous columns of polychromatic tone that match the appearance of the obverse. Truly, this coin is just as impressive in hand as it is in the mind's eye. History surrounds us here at Heritage, but this treasure is in a league of its own. May the battle of the "Short-Whiskered" dragon begin!

Ex. Chang Foundation Collection; Eli Wallitt Collection; Anderson Collection
From the Peh Family Collection

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.

中國錢幣之極致巔峰 - 不朽傳奇「短鬚龍」樣幣

宣統三年（1911）大清銀幣壹圓樣幣 「短鬚龍」。SP64+ PCGS。
天津造幣廠。不朽傳奇「短鬚龍」-堪稱中國錢幣之巔峰巨作，歷史地位崇高雋永。此幣出自天津中央造幣廠，為1911年大清銀幣系列中最珍罕的樣幣，收藏價值最爲珍貴的瑰寶之一。當時正值中國金融史上變革動蕩之時，清政府意欲統一各地幣制。在首席雕刻師Luigi Giorgi的帶領下，一系列試驗用途的樣幣應運而生，它們的正面設計相近，但背面則配以不同的飛龍圖案，當中以「短鬚龍」魅力尤盛。

「短鬚龍」壓鑄剛勁有力，龍頭較寬，配以僅長九毫米的短龍鬚，與同系列中龍鬚較長、更為常見的「長鬚龍」形成鮮明對比。其緊湊剛勁的設計令「短鬚龍」別具一格：龍身粗壯，綫條硬朗，龍頭威嚴，龍麟飽滿，七尾上揚，火焰龍珠居下，其磅礡之年少傲氣乃「長鬚龍」上所未見。「短鬚龍」的珍罕程度無可比擬，早期之錢幣研究記錄僅見數枚，無疑成爲系列中最受矚目的珍品。八枚已知例子中，僅三枚落入藏家手上，當中一枚被中國博物館收藏並展出，而當前這枚則出自鴻禧美術館，為轉手後首次於公開拍賣中亮相，兼為PCGS及NGC記錄中的孤例，品相無可比擬。

「短鬚龍」不論方方面面均為絕世珍品，在手上細看更是引人入勝。閃閃生光的幣面泛映著渾然交融的灰藍、紫色及玫瑰色澤，形成了鮮明的明暗對比，為飛龍倍添動感。背面略帶橄欖色的包漿則與正面華彩紛陳的色調協和一體。不論在手上細看，抑或在腦海中回憶品味，此幣都同樣震撼迷人。這枚傳世罕見的頂級樣幣事隔二十多年後再次出現於拍賣會上，勢必引起全球錢幣收藏家的激烈角逐。海瑞得固然為歷史遺珍雲集之地，此幣無疑是當中出類拔萃的桂冠。各路名家對「短鬚龍」的競逐就在此刻上演！

來源：鴻禧美術館舊藏；Eli Wallitt舊藏；Anderson舊藏；《中國金銀幣目錄》L&M 書中原物
白家珍品集藏系列


Estimate: $2,000,000 - $3,000,000.

View all of [The Peh Family Collection ]

View Certification Details from PCGS