NGC-graded Chinese Rarity Realizes More than $1 Million in Taisei Sale

An extremely rare Chinese Silver Dollar graded by Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®) realized more than $1 million to top the annual Taisei Auction 2023. One of the most prestigious rarities in Chinese numismatics, it led the way at the June 3,2023 sale that took place in Japan.

The China (1932) Plain Edge Pattern Silver Dollar graded NGC MS 60 (lot 316) realized ¥155,250,000 (about $1.1 million). The rarity, which is pedigreed to the prestigious Kann Collection, is distinguished by characters linking it to Gold Standard experimental coinage that was never issued. It shows the bust of Sun Yat-sen, a statesman who helped usher in China’s post-Imperial era. The image of a junk ship, a type of Chinese sailing ship, on the reverse gives the coin its nickname, "Junk Dollar." This Chinese rarity is one of only about 10 examples known to exist, according to the auction house.

China (1932) Plain Edge Pattern Silver Dollar graded NGC MS 60. Click images to enlarge.

Other NGC-certified highlights in the Taisei Auction 2023 included:

• a Great Britain 1825 Gold Pattern 2 Gold Sovereign graded NGC PF 64 Ultra Cameo (lot 496), which realized ¥18,400,000 (about $130,100)
• a Hong Kong 1866 Plain Edge Silver Dollar graded NGC PF 64 (lot 581), which realized ¥9,200,000 (about $65,000)
• an Austria 1908 60th Anniversary of Reign 100 Corona graded NGC PF 62 Cameo (lot 411), which realized ¥4,830,000 (about $34,100)
• a Roman Empire, Lucius Verus (AD 161-169) Gold Aureus graded NGC Ancients Gem MS, 5/5 Strike and 5/5 Surface with Fine Style (lot 738), which realized ¥4,370,000 (about $30,900)
• a Germany 1781 KR Eichstatt Silver Taler graded NGC MS 66 PL (lot 456), which realized ¥4,140,000 (about $29,300)
• a Switzerland 1925B Gold 100 Francs graded NGC MS 65 (lot 693), which realized ¥4,140,000 (about $29,300)

Prices realized include buyer's premium. The $ symbol represents US Dollars.