Coins DIG

Following the success of the April Hong Kong Coin Auction, which saw Baldwin’s auction department and Ma Tak Wo Numismatic Co. Ltd weather the ‘economic tsunami’ by achieving exceptional results, (the majority of lots selling at over 10 times their lower estimate) this Hong Kong offering looks set to do much the same with a well rounded catalogue of Coins, Banknotes, Orders and Decorations.

For the very first time Baldwin’s and Ma Tak Wo will be featuring a selection of postage stamps. The 44 lots include a superb example of the 1840 Penny Black, estimate US$250-350 and a stunning 1921 $100 stamp from the Malaysian Straits Settlements, estimate US$7,000-8,000. This move into the stamp arena hails the diversification of the group into the philatelic industry and they are hoping for a positive response to this offering which will allow for future growth.

The sale starts with a very fine 14th century 1-Kuan Chinese banknote of the Ming Dynasty. From the China Empire the 1-Kuan notes are arguably the oldest pieces of world paper money, printed on grey Mulberry bark which was reportedly recycled from the waste of government ministries and Civil Service examination papers. With 239 lots, the banknote section includes items from many parts of Asia, including a very strong offering from India which has recently become very popular. Lots 173 and 175, two Specimen 5-Rupee notes from the Government of India, both with an estimate of US$12,000-15,000, are of special interest.

The group of Orders and Decorations is one of the best of its type seen at auction in many years and the auctioneers are certain that it is unlikely there will be another opportunity to buy examples like this for a long time. Included in this group is a stunning medal of the Order of the Double Dragon, awarded for outstanding services to the throne of the Emperor of China and founded by Guangzu in 1882. The award came is 5 classes, this particular piece being grade 3 of class 1, awarded to high Chinese Noble Officials, Cabinet Ministers, Ambassadors and top ranking Chinese and Foreign military and navel officers. It has been kept in superb condition which is reflected in the estimate of US$40,000-50,000. Another highlight is lot 330, a lovely example of the very rare Air Force Order of Rejuvenation, estimate US$4,000-4,500. This first class breast badge was the top order of the Chinese Nationalist Airforce and the recipient had to have served at least 900 hours of flight time, shot down 9 enemy airplanes and been on 300 missions to qualify.

A European collection of lots formed during the first part of the 20th century, entitled ‘The Viking Collection of Chinese Coins’, forms the core of the coin section and includes an 1844 Silver Changchow Military Ration Dollar, from the Fukien Province and a 1904 Hupeh Province Silver 1-Tael, Year 30. The owner of this collection wishes to remain anonymous and this collection is expected to attract a lot of attention. The highlight of the coins is lot 952 (pictured above), an exceedingly rare Heaton Birmingham mint Silver Pattern Proof Dollar with beautiful toning. This coin is surely a ‘must have’ for any serious Chinese collection and collectors are fortunate that in the same auction companion pieces are being offered (lots 935 and 942): a Silver Piedfort Proof 10-Cents and 20-Cents coin also from the Heaton mint.

Source: coinlink.com