China: Hupeh. Kuang-hsü brass Off-Metal "Large Characters" Tael Year 30 (1904) MS64 NGC,...

Description

Near-Gem Tael in Brass

Hupeh. Kuang-hsü brass Off-Metal "Large Characters" Tael Year 30 (1904) MS64 NGC, Wuchang mint, cf. KM-Y128.1 (for standard issue), cf. L&M-181 (same), cf. Kann-933b (same), cf. WS-0879 (same). Large characters variety. The piece at hand represents a highly collectable type among Chinese provincial issues, the Hupeh Taels. Primarily struck in silver, this piece is interestingly in an off-metal brass composition indicating that is was most likely intended to have an experimental purpose. No major catalogs list a 1904 brass "Large Character" Tael in the Hupeh province as either a Pattern or Trial strike. The silver issues were struck with both small and large characters, with the large characters being the rarer of the two, and were part of a proposed reform to the current coinage system from the dollar to a more traditional Chinese weight standard. However, this transition failed and was ultimately abandoned. Clearly deviating from the standard issue and its mintage, it is unknown how many off-metal examples were actually struck, adding an obvious layer of desirability to this short-lived type. Further elevating this piece is its undeniable beauty, with its surfaces brushed in a deep toning that creates the perfect contrast to the bright amber shade that is revealed under the right light. This is an exciting opportunity to acquire an esoteric piece of a desirable type.

Ex. NC Collection

Metal: Brass
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.

近珍品狀態之湖北壹兩銅幣

光緒三十年（1904）湖北省造大清銀幣壹兩銅異質幣「大字版」。MS64 NGC。
武昌造幣廠。大字版。湖北壹兩在省鑄幣中大受歡迎，此枚品質優勝，其與別不同之處在於以黃銅鑄就，並非常規的銀質。各大圖錄均未載錄1904年湖北大字版銅質壹兩，不論是樣幣還是或試鑄幣均前所未聞。銀幣版別分大小字兩版，其中大字版寥寥無幾，乃當時幣制改革的產物。該方案準備將元制轉換為更傳統的中國重量標準，終因失敗而被廢除。此枚黃銅幣明顯偏離常規鑄造，實際鑄量成謎，珍稀更甚。其美感無可挑剔，包漿醇厚，迎光細看明亮琥珀色澤形成對比，相映成趣。難得一見，天賜入手良機。

來源：NC舊藏


Estimate: $250,000 - $300,000.

View Certification Details from NGC