This year’s results from our return to the Hong Kong International Numismatic Fair have proven beyond a shadow of a doubt the desire for amazing vintage and modern rarities has never been stronger. Heading into the holiday season, we present one of the strongest and most comprehensive offerings of Asian and related numismatics with particular strengths in iconic and high-grade rarities spanning ancient China through the Qing, Republic, and People’s Republic eras, which promises to stir tremendous excitement in the global collecting community.
Opening this impressive sale is the first standalone session we’ve held in conjunction with an HKINF Platinum Session and Signature Auction: The W&L Collection of Ancient Chinese Coins and Sycee. Never before has Heritage featured the quality and volume of cash and sycee issues in a single setting, as seen in this very collection, spanning the Spring & Autumn period through the Republic era. Most prominent is the assortment of Wen Zong denominations and mints, including Mother, Trial, and Pattern types. Sycee specialists will also take note of a Fangbao of 10 Taels, a Jin dynasty 49-1/4 Taels, and an Anhui Erqibao of 50 Taels.
The Platinum Session of this auction is no less astounding, showcasing a myriad of veritable highlights and trophies to any collection. The provincial series remits two wondrous Kiangnan Dollars, each with ornamental edge, certified MS63 and MS62. A Shantung gold pattern “Dragon & Phoenix” 10 Dollars in MS65+ and a 1900 Kiangnan Dollar in MS65 also lead the way, both as absolute and conditional rarities. From the Imperial era, we find a wonderful MS61 Kuping Tael in gold and among the finest “Long-Whiskered Dragon” Dollars we have yet handled, certified an inspiring SP64+ and wholly deserving of the most discerning collection. A seldom-seen Pattern, even in our auctions, is an MS63 Chu Yu-pu Dollar, broadcasting the plumed portrait of the new governor of Chihli province, and only one of 22 specimens certified. Other covetable Pattern Dollars of the Republic series are the famed 1914 3/4 facing portrait of Yuan Shih-kai by Luigi Giorgi, and the two “Dragon & Phoenix” issues of 1923, certified MS65 and MS64.
Quality pieces from other areas of the world are in ample supply, with a handful of Thai rarities, including a Rama V 6-piece Bullet presentation set, which includes the Chang, with a mintage of just eight pieces total, through the 1/2Tamlung. Hailing from Great Britain are pieces that are no stranger to our sales, including a PR62 Ultra Cameo “Una and the Lion” 5 Pounds and an astounding William Wyon original, 1817 “Three Graces” Crown in PR63+.
We are genuinely excited about the upcoming event this December, grounded in the knowledge that our committed bidders will be astounded by the broad range, magnitude, and superior quality of the listed items. The intersection of passionate collector enthusiasm and unrivaled curation sets the stage for potentially record-breaking results. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your engagement and enthusiasm as we accompany you on this chapter of your collecting voyage. Wishing everyone the very best and a thrilling bidding experience.
Date: 11-13 December 2023 (Monday to Wednesday)
Venue: Crystal Ballroom, Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Tsim Sha Tsui
HKINF Official Website: https://hkinf.hk/
