'Long Whiskered Dragon' Pattern Certified by NGC Sells for Nearly $700,000

A Chinese Silver Pattern certified by Numismatic Guaranty Company® (NGC®) realized nearly $700,000 in a recent Heritage Auctions sale. It was one of 15 NGC-graded coins that realized six-figure prices in the World Coins Platinum Session and Signature Auction on June 21, 2023.

The top lot was a China YR3(1911) “Long Whiskered Dragon” Silver Dollar graded NGC SP 63 (lot 30031) that realized $690,000. The renowned Patterns of esteemed coin designer Luigi Giorgi, particularly the celebrated "Long-Whiskered Dragon" Dollars of 1911, generate unparalleled excitement within the collecting community. These coins, considered the pinnacle of Chinese numismatics, embody a fusion of innovative coin design and monetary policy, aimed at establishing a unified national currency during the final year of the Qing Dynasty.

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Another NGC-certified silver rarity connected to Giorgi, a China 1914 L. Giorgi Silver Dollar from the Dr. Norman Jacobs Collection graded NGC SP 63 (lot 30092), realized $408,000. When the design of this particular Pattern was eventually accepted for production, it was struck without the engraver’s name, which can be seen on this example on the obverse at near the rim at 4 o’clock.

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In addition, a China 1926 Shantung Gold 20 Dollars graded NGC MS 64★ (lot 30065) realized $372,000. The "Dragon & Phoenix" designs on these Republic issues are commonly found in silver, including the Dollar. However, the ones struck in gold specifically for Shantung province under the request of provincial warlord Zhang Zhongchang are extremely rare. Over the past 20 years, only a few of these Patterns have surfaced.

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Another fantastic item was a China YR17(1928) Kweichow L&M-609 Auto Dollar graded NGC MS 62 (lot 30059) that set a new world record for this coin by realizing $336,000. This commemorative edition was created to celebrate the inauguration of the provincial highway in Kweichow. Departing from conventional designs, the centerpiece of this issue showcased the governor's motor car, symbolizing the significance of China's modernization endeavors.

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Other NGC-certified coins that were sold for six figures in this auction included:

• a Hong Kong 1868 Silver Dollar graded NGC MS 64 (lot 30158) that realized $312,000
• a China 1907 Gold Small Clouds Tael graded NGC MS 61 (lot 30028) that realized $312,000
• a China 1916 Gold Pattern Hung Hsien Dollar graded NGC MS 62 (lot 30098) that realized $312,000
• a Hong Kong 1865 Plain Edge Silver Pattern Dollar graded NGC PF 65 (lot 30152) that realized $240,000
• a Hong Kong 1866 Plain Edge Silver Dollar graded NGC PF 65 Cameo (lot 30153) that realized $216,000
• a China 1898 Hunan Silver Pattern 50 Cents graded NGC SP 55 (lot 30044) that realized $204,000
• a China 2006 1 Kilogram Gold 10,000 Yuan Dog graded NGC PF 68 Ultra Cameo (lot 30124) that realized $180,000
• a China 2004 1 Kilogram Gold 10,000 Yuan Monkey graded NGC PF 68 Ultra Cameo (lot 30122) that realized $180,000
• a China 2005 1 Kilogram Gold 10,000 Yuan Rooster graded NGC PF 67 Ultra Cameo (lot 30123) that realized $162,000
• a China 1921 Hsu Shih Chang Silver Dollar - No Bottom Legend, Plain graded NGC AU 55 (lot 30100) that realized $114,000
• a China YR18(1929) Austria Silver Dollar Pattern from the Yuzu Collection graded NGC MS 64 (lot 30104) that realized $108,000

Prices realized include a buyer’s premium.