Tokyo auction features Meiji gold

A joint auction conducted by Spink and Taisei Coins will take place in Tokyo on April 29 as part of the Tokyo International Coin Convention (TICC). The catalog resembles an Aladdin’s Cave, featuring high-grade rarities from across the globe. A few highlights are showcased here.

Highly desirable MS-63 Japanese gold yen, Meiji era Year 9, KM-9a, to be offered in a Spink-Taisei sale at Tokyo in April. (Images courtesy and © Spink)

For starters, there are a couple of seldom-seen and eminently desirable Meiji gold yen, KM-9a, both in MS-63. One dates Year 9; the other, Year 13.

From China, the offering spans much of the numismatic history of that country. Rarities abound. Among modern offerings are an example of the rare small-date variety of the 1994 gold 50 yuan Panda in Numismatic Guaranty Corporation MS-68 and a scarce 1995 gold 500 yuan (five ounce) “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” issue.

Reverse of choice British India 1911C proof silver half rupee ex the David Fore Collection. (Image courtesy and © Spink)

British India is contributing a delightfully toned 1911C proof silver half rupee graded Professional Coin Grading Service PR-62 ex David Fore Collection, while Thailand chimes in with a silver one baht pattern of 1908 designed by Henri-Auguste Patey and struck at the Paris Mint. It comes graded PCGS SP-64.

Europe is fully represented. From Italy comes a rare silver 5 lire of 1914 graded MS-64. The German Weimar Republic leads with an extremely rare silver 3 mark of 1932F graded PCGS SP65. Meanwhile, Russia offers a massive platinum 12 rubles of 1832CNB (Saint Petersburg Mint) graded PCGS AU-58.

Among numerous French pieces are several 20th century piedforts from the personal collection of Hubert Lariviere, Monnaie de Paris former chief engraver. Worth noting among these is a rare Monaco silver pattern essai 100 francs of 1982 in NGC MS-65.

Proof Una and the Lion £5 of 1837 with the DIRIGE legend and six scrolls on Victoria’s headband. (Image courtesy and © Spink)

Spink’s presence, of course, ensures numerous British rarities grace the catalog. For starters, there is a proof Una and the Lion £5 of 1837 with the DIRIGE legend and six scrolls on Victoria’s headband. It grades PCGS PR-62 DCAM.

How about an 1826 George IV gold £5 in NGC PF-63 CAMEO, or even an entire George IV 11-coin proof set of the same date? The edge-lettered £5 within this set grades PR-63 DCAM.

The frosting on the British cake may well be provided by an Oxford Mint triple unite (S-2726). This particular coin is rather special. Its provenance includes the fabled J.G. Murdoch Collection (Sotheby’s June 8, 1903, lot 5).

The Americas are not ignored. For those with a penchant for wreck coins, the catalog includes a Mexican gold 8 escudos 1713MXO, KM57.1, ex the 1715 Fleet Treasure and graded NGC MS-64.

The triple unite of Charles I struck at the Oxford Mint showing a scarf behind the bust (S-2726). It arrives on the block having once been part of the fabled J.G. Murdoch Collection. (Images courtesy and © Spink)

Full catalog and bidding details are available at www.spink.com.

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• The 1800s were a time of change for many, including in coin production. See how coin designs grew during the time period in the Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900 .

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World Coin News StaffAuthor