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STACK'S BOWERS: ASIAN COINSStack's Bowers will be hosting their December 2025 Hong Kong Auction of Chinese, Asian & other foreign coins from December 12-15. Select items are discussed below. -Garrett 
Impressive Mother Coin 10 Cash (t) CHINA. Qing Dynasty. Mother Coin or Pattern 10 Cash, ND (June 1853-February 1854). Board of Revenue Mint, Southern Branch. Emperor Wen Zong (Xian Feng). Graded 88 by Zhong Qian Ping Ji Grading Company. cf. Hartill-22.691 (for regular issue). Weight: 19.9 gms. Variety with Er bao and seven stroke bei. Nicely preserved and attractive, these special issues seldom appear on the market and should be considered VERY RARE and highly desirable. The characters are well-formed and easily read as would be expected for the issue with smooth fields. The surfaces display light brassy patina with richer coloration amongst the devices. Close inspection reveals minor deposits on both sides mentioned for accuracy. A heavily sought after type offering a pleasing appearance with much originality that is sure to catch the attention of many collectors. Estimate: $15,000 - $20,000.
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CHINA. Hunan. Dollar, Year 11 (1922). Changsha Mint. NGC MS-64. L&M-867; K-763; KM-Y-404; WS-0930. "Hunan Provincial Constitution" type, struck to commemorate the promulgation of the document. A popular and RARE type within the provincial series, this issue also remains popular with collectors of Republican-era issues, and was struck to commemorate the provincial constitution in Hunan. Very lustrous and sharply struck, with a mostly argent nature and little toning throughout, though some hints of almond are noted for subtle character. Estimate: $40,000 - $60,000.
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Breathtaking near-Gem Hupeh Tael (t) CHINA. Hupeh. Tael, Year 30 (1904). Wuchang Mint. Kuang-hsu (Guangxu). PCGS MS-64. L&M-180; K-933; KM-Y-128.2; WS-0878. Small characters variety. An elite example of this legendary Chinese crown, whose failure in commerce has made it one of the most celebrated RARITIES in the series. While Mint State examples do appear with some frequency, a near-Gem of this caliber is a true prize. The beautiful design is rendered with striking clarity and enveloped by velvety luster, all beneath a captivating veil of burnt amber tone. A landmark offering that is certain to attract the attention of collectors at the high-end of the market. 648,000 Hupeh Taels were originally minted, inclusive of both large and small characters types; however, it is unknown exactly how many of each were struck. This Tael was introduced as part of a projected coinage reform based upon the traditional Chinese weight standard, rather than the Dollar system. In the initial proposal to produce these coins, it was also suggested to produce smaller denominations in the values of 1, 2, and 5 Mace. However, no such pieces have surfaced (even in pattern form), and it is unlikely that they were ever produced. The general populace found it complicated to convert two distinctly different coinage systems, especially when making change, with this system being quickly abandoned.
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Enticing Off-Metal Pattern Striking with an American Connection (t) CHINA. Szechuan. Brass 3 Mace 6 Candareens (50 Cents) Pattern, ND (1898). New Jersey (Ferracute) Mint. Kuang-hsu (Guangxu). PCGS SPECIMEN-53. L&M-347 var. (silver); K-146Y; KM-Y-Pn13/Pn20; WS-0741 var. (same). A VERY RARE pattern issue in brass, this lightly circulated specimen striking was created by the Ferracute Machine Company in New Jersey. Presenting mostly olive-yellow hues, this example displays some scattered areas of red-brown, and exhibits only a light degree of gentle wear across the high points. For the advanced collector of the province, or of vintage trials and curiosities more broadly, this elevated and highly enticing specimen should generate great enthusiasm. Estimate: $25,000 - $40,000.
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An Imperial "Dragon" Dollar of Staggering Quality (t) CHINA. 7 Mace 2 Candareens (Dollar), ND (1908). Tientsin Mint. Kuang-hsu (Guangxu). PCGS MS-63. L&M-11; K-216; KM-Y-14; WS-0029. Counted among the classic crowns of the Imperial Chinese series, this type is SCARCE in any Mint State grade, let alone as an astonishing Choice survivor like this example. The exceptional strike and lack of wear combine to give the coin a mesmerizing cartwheel luster that races around the needle-sharp design elements. Virtually devoid of tone, adding to its almost unbelievably mint-fresh appearance. This high-end beauty deserves a place as a highlight within an advanced collector's cabinet. Estimate: $30,000 - $50,000.
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(t) CHINA. Silver Dollar Pattern, ND (1914). Tientsin Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-63. L&M-859; K-642A; KM-Pn28; Hsu-15; Wenchao-(rarity: ???). Variety with "L. GIORGI" signature. One of the loftier representatives of this VERY RARE type that one will encounter, the present crown offers exceptional lustrous radiance and alluring brilliance among the fields, all while some frosting imparted unto the portrait allows for a tantalizing cameo contrast. Meanwhile, some tinges of burnished toning are present nearer the peripheries, enveloping the opulent flair that is abundantly obvious throughout. For the connoisseur of patterns of the Republican era or colossal RARITIES among the vintage Chinese series, this Choice specimen should no doubt thoroughly excite. Estimate: $100,000 - $150,000.
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(t) HONG KONG (SAR). Year of the Dragon Gold Medal (5 Ounces), 2012. Llantrisant Mint. GEM PROOF. AGW: 5.0 oz. Mintage: 150. Comes with original box and certificate of authenticity # 018. Estimate: $20,000 - $30,000.
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ANNAM. 5 Tien, ND (1848-83). Tu Duc. PCGS MS-62. KM-458; Sch-372.1. Obverse: "Long Van", facing dragon in clouds around; Reverse: "Tu Duc Thong Bao". A simply gorgeous example of this charming draconic type, offered in shimmering Mint State preservation with rich luster and hints of burnt orange toning about the peripheries. Struck with enviable precision, the design deeply impressed and bearing no trace of wear. Estimate: $8,000 - $12,000.
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JAPAN. Yen, Year 7 (1874). Osaka Mint. Mutsuhito (Meiji). NGC MS-63. KM-Y-A25.2; JNDA-01-10; JC-09-10-1. Variety with counter-clockwise spiral. A RARE date that also stands as a KEY to the series, this Choice crown glistens with exceptional cartwheel brilliance and vibrant luster. The strike is captivating and sharp, and there is very little in the way of toning or color to mention. No doubt one of the finest of the year that one can hope to encounter, and the finest observed in the NGC census. Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000.
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THAILAND. 2 Baht (1/2 Tamlung), ND (1863). Bangkok Mint. Rama IV. NGC MS-61. Dav-308; KM-Y-12. An enchanting Mint State example of this popular crown sized issue. With steel gray surfaces and a delightful toning in some areas, this piece is rather stunning in hand. Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000.
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