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HERITAGE: HKINF WORLD & ANCIENTSHeritage Auctions will be hosting their HKINF World & Ancient Coins Platinum Auction from June 17-19. The Curators' Picks are discussed below. -Garrett 
There is perhaps nothing more fascinating than working with material that is both beautiful, historically rich, and numismatically rare. This remarkable pattern Tael immediately captured my attention, as it undoubtedly has for many collectors and scholars, and is further distinguished by the controversy surrounding its creation. Produced at a pivotal moment in Chinese history, only a few years after the conclusion of the Second Opium War, the inclusion of Queen Victoria's effigy made the design particularly sensitive and politically charged. The pattern was reportedly rejected a number of times before finally being accepted, and its ultimate production was exceedingly limited. If this wasn't all enough the overall preservation is extremely impressive, standing as a testament to the care this highly-desirable selection has received over the decades. Truly a piece that has inspired me with absolute awe, and continue to grip the numismatic audience with both its history and rarity. Ex. Irving Goodman Collection (Superior Galleries, May 1995, Lot 738); purchased privately from Douglas Liddle of Spinks in the 1960s.
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Kuang-hsü silver Restrike Specimen Pattern Tael CD 1906 SP63 PCGS, Just one glance at this show-stopper could fill any viewer with intrigue. Before working for Heritage Auctions, I spent many hours pouring over a number of different cultures, particularly Chinese cultures in the 20th Century. As someone with a deep appreciation for history, I find this piece particularly compelling, especially when I consider that this Restrike Specimen falls into a very formative period in the nation's development. Examining the design and its expertly executed details only deepens my appreciation for the piece, but nothing could prepare you for the beautiful coloration that accentuates every element. Ex. Mas Fera Collection
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Republic Yuan Shih-kai gold Proof Pattern "Plumed Hat" Dollar ND (1916) PR61 Cameo NGC, It is very easy to love a "Plumed Hat" Dollar but to find one in gold while also bearing the elusive "Flying Dragon" motif, certainly caught my attention. What is so compelling about this piece is the sheer lack of presence in the market. Unsurprisingly, examples are seldom encountered. Only two specimens from this die are known in silver, and this coin stands as the only Proof example struck in gold. I loved having the opportunity to admire this gold Varietal Dollar but it is just one incredible piece from the Platinum session, and one that would make a great trophy for the more elite collections. Ex. Ta Han Collection
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Kiangsu - Shanghai. Yu Shen Sheng Zuwen Yingbing ("Pure Silver Cake") of 1 Tael Year 6 (1856)-? AU55 PCGS, This intriguing Yu Shen Sheng "Zuwen Yingbing" or "Pure Silver Cake" 1 Tael of Xianfeng Year 6 (1856) is a historically significant relic of Shanghai's mid-19th-century monetary crisis. Produced during the upheaval of the Taiping Rebellion, when silver shortages, hoarding, and reliance on foreign trade dollars strained local commerce, these silver cakes represented an early attempt to create a standardized Chinese silver medium for use in the Shanghai market. Because the experiment lasted only briefly and was curtailed by limited production and counterfeiting, genuine surviving examples are rare. This well-struck 1856 silver cake is thus valuable as a numismatic rarity, a rich source of historical context, and as a tangible witness to China's struggle to adapt its traditional bullion-based economy to the pressures of rebellion, foreign trade, and modern monetary reform.
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Qing Dynasty. Wen Zong (Xian Feng) Engraved Master 5 Cash ND (1854-1857) Certified 88 by Gong Bo Grading, This exceptional and rare Wen Zong (Xian Feng) Engraved Master 5 Cash from the Qing Dynasty represents the first of this denomination Heritage has ever seen, and it is truly an exciting event. With bold, clear characters and sharply finished fields, the appearances match the historical importance in superior quality. A piece that rewards extended looking and maintains a connection to the fiscal crisis of the Taiping Rebellion, any collector will be ecstatic to obtain this treasure. From the Peh Family Collection
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Taiwan. Tao Kuang "Old Man" Dollar ND (1838-1850) AU Details (Chop Mark) PCGS, I can't quite pick what intrigues me most about this coin, its elusiveness, historical context, or the charming and rich design elements. Another example rich with intricate details, this significant "Old Man" Dollar is seldom offered on the market, so it is a treat to witness it in this auction. This Qing-era piece is from Taiwan's Daoguang reign, minted to support Qing forces against the Zhang Wen rebellion. I'm always happy to see any symbols alluding to longevity, and the motif of God of Longevity, colloquially referred to as the "Old Man", certainly provides that.
Ex. Chang Foundation Collection
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USA Administration Proof Peso 1905 PR67+ PCGS, Throughout my time of being in the realm of numismatics, I have found myself drawn to those pieces of unique and vibrant tone regardless of the rarity. But what we have here is a coin that is a perfect storm of rarity and beauty. Nearly at the peak of the PCGS census and covered in patination that more closely resembles art than anything, its explosion of color immediately had me head over heels in awe. Coming from such a scant mintage, do not miss this opportunity to acquire one of the most beautiful and sought after pieces in this entire collection. From the Mahal Collection of Spanish and US Philippines Coins, Part XIII
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Spanish Colony. Isabel II 20 Centavos 1868 MS66 PCGS, Now this piece has made me truly excited. Coming off a historic result for a similarly graded example in December, I for one am exhilarated by the prospects of such a wonderful coin at auction. While I am usually drawn for a polychromatic tone, I find myself particularly compelled by this piece. Its soft gray hue and luster that dance around the fields draws you in and holds attention. The obverse has this dark and brooding cloudy effect, imitating the precursor to a great storm. And certainly, age has only enhanced its beauty, as it has survived over 150 years and still nearly looks like it would the day it was minted. What phenomenal addition to any cabinet! From the Mahal Collection of Spanish and US Philippines Coins, Part XIII
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USA Administration Proof Peso 1906 PR68 PCGS, Now this might be my favorite piece in all the collection. In hand it displays a deep charcoal tone that is evident on both obverse and the reverse. But, when held in the right light, this specimen's personality radiates outward. Blessed with a plethora of bursting colors, I was truly in awe the first time I laid eyes on this coin. At PR68, sharing the top spot on the PCGS census, this conditional rarity is a sight to behold and truly worth a premium bid. From the Mahal Collection of Spanish and US Philippines Coins, Part XIII
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