131) NEW KM CATALOG 1801-1900

The new 6th edition, Standard Catalog of World Coins - 1801-1900 (Standard Catalog of World Coins 19th Century Edition 1801-1900), will be delivered tomorrow (here in Hong Kong), from Amazon.com. Many info. especially value of coins have been updated.

31th December 2009 update:

Just received, lots of changes and the previous edition was totally outdated especially coins value. This catalog price reference is more reasonable now (some parts, such as some Vietnamese coins, Colombia, Italy....).

Some unusual coinages (listed in Unusual World Coins 5th eds) have been re-listed in this edition, It's better! In the past, for example, those Swiss Shooting Thaler was listed in SCWC but since the 5th Edition SCWC, those medallic issue coinages shifted to Unusual World Coins catalog. It's impractical actually. A good news from this edition.

Price Updated:

1) Tierra Del Fuego, KM# Tn5, Gold Grammo

2) Vietnam Nguyen Dynasty Kien Phuc Thong Bao
In 6th Edition, KM# 601 changed to be Master Coin in this edition, and Unique, without price value. But the editor made the mistake that he has forgotten to change from "Zinc" to Tin (p.1257).

Kien Phuc Thong Bao Engraved Master Coin, Tin, KM# 601

In 5th Edition, KM# 601 was listed as circulation coin, zinc, with the value
Good $18.50 VG $30 Fine $50 VF $80 (Severe mistake for many decades! Please sell a piece to me if you can find another one, even x 100 times or more compare to the 5th edition value, i would accept). The 5th edition price should be 1905 AD value if you calculate it approximately.

Note: Both Kien Phuc coins pictures (Zinc and Brass) listed in Krause were originally from Mr. Schroeder (1905 AD) catalog were not real coins. The KM# 601 should adopt the above picture.

Kien Phuc Thong Bao, Trial, Zinc, New ID: KM#601a.

In 6th Edition, the new reference index is KM# 601a, replace the old KM# 601. No price value, and replaced by "RARE". No pictures shown. The editor has forgotten to specify it's trial version with the only 6 specimens exist.

For Brass variety, in 5th Edition, KM# 602, the value has been changed from Good $18.50 VG $30 Fine $50 VF $80 to RARE (6th Edition), and changed from Zinc to Brass, this time is correct.

3) Vietnam Nguyen Dynasty Ham Nghi Thong Bao, KM# A606

The same editor, has updated the rare Ham Nghi Thong Bao coin value, however, from my opinion, the price value still cannot reflect the actual market value, which compare to the rarity, demand, and value appreciation since the past.

6th Edition: G $80 VG $160 F $250 VF $600
5th Edition: G $35 VG $60 F$ 100 VF $165

During the time of 1992 to 1994, Ham Nghi coin (of course genuine piece) worth about US$300 to US$350 in VF because the rarity and very high demand from French colonies / Vietnamese coinage collectors. Therefore, the most updated price seems like isn't that makes sense to me.

From the 5th edition value, it's more unreasonable (6th edition too).

I suggest that this coin should be updated as Rare without price reference.

Note: Except 3 coins from the above, only little changes /nearly no update in Vietnam section.

1st January 2010 update:

4) In Straits Settlements section, most have been updated and coins value seems like very close or equal to actual market value. Very nice updated by Steven Tan.

In the 6th edition, there are still many mistakes from other parts (Vietnam, and also other countries) haven't been updated.

130) SWEDEN 1838 AG 1 Riksdaler NGC MS-61 Finest Certified

See the code number, 6 digits only, graded 30 years ago.
It should be MS62 probably MS63 for new grade.

This is Sweden 1 Riksdaler 1838-AG under Carl XIV, catalog KM# 632 / Dav# 352. Nice toning. Rare in mint state.

From the past auction, the highest grade was PCGS AU/58, sold at Heritage Auction, September 10th 2009, lot#21994, for $1,207.50 (included 15% auction commission).

This is by far the Finest Specimen of this date known to date. The only Uncirculated piece I have ever known. So far no Mint state has been recorded (maybe exist, if you know, pls tell me). This one was graded about 30-years ago, it should be graded higher if I re-send to the grading institutes. However, since i am not plastic oriented, therefore it's totally NOT important to me!

It has beautiful original color, with the original luster being clearly visible when the coin gets slightly tilted. The date collector may never see another, or he may have to wait a few decades, before he would come across another of such quality.

This piece is highly collected, no just by Swedish collectors, but also by French and Napoleonic collectors.

Charles XIV (John Bernadotte) rose from humble origin. He rose to power through the triumphs of Napoleon Bonaparte. After 9-years in the military, he had risen no higher than a sergeant. Under Napoleon, he rose to be Marshal of France. He married Desiree Clary (one of Napoleon's Mistress), creating a mutual distrust between the two men. It is believed, that he was elevated to King of Sweden, through the persistence of Desiree, for which Napoleon had great love and affection till his death. She remained in Paris till her death, at which time, among her personal effects, were found many letter written to her by Napoleon.

Eventually, Charles XIV, joined the coalition of European monarchs, in the fight against Napoleon. He was the only monarch created by the French Revolution, that remained in power after the fall of Napoleon.

NGC Population Report
As of December 26th, 2009, this is the only specimen they have graded, making it the Finest Known Certified.

PCGS has graded 1-AU/58.

129) HOLLAND 1808 50 Stuivers NGC-MS65

See the code number, 6 digits only, It was graded 30 years ago.
It should be MS66 probably MS67 for new grade.

This is 50 Stuivers, dated 1808 of Netherlands, United Netherlands, Kingdom of Holland, under Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte. KM# 28.

All of his silver coins are extremely rare. This type is the only one that fall within the affordability range of many collectors. An NGC MS/64 sold at the Heritage September 10th, 2009 auction, lot#21585, for $1,322.00 (included 15% auction commission).

Louis-Napoleon was Napoleon's younger brother. Napoleon created the Kingdom of Holland for him to rule. He was very sensitive towards his subjects and refused to enforce the embargo on England, in order not to cause hardship on his people. This resulted in his dethroning, out of which, Napoleon acquired the crown for himself.

He had two sons. One which was selected as successor to the French Empire, until Napoleon's own son was born. He later died in a revolutionary movement. His younger son, Louis-Napoleon, was later destined to become the second French emperor, as Napoleon-III.

As of December 26th, 2009, there are only 3-MS/65 and 1-MS/67 graded by NGC. As for PCGS, they have graded only 1-MS/64, and none higher.

This is truly a stunning example. It has full original luster, with a light bluish toning developing on the periphery of the coin. I'm glad to own this fabulous quality Napoleonic era coin.

128) 1834 BRASIL 1200 REIS

This is the scarce Brasil dated 1834, 1200 Silver Reis, KM# 454. 891 pieces struck., under the ruler Petrus II (1831 - 1889). Small edge bump and toned. From my opinion it's VF+ or about EF condition. This 1200 Reis dated 1834 to 1847. From KM, 1841 and 1842 dates of this type are counterfeit. Key date is 1839 with only 186 struck, following by 1834, 292 units struck.

1200 Reis is the most expensive amongst the series (Reform coinage), except other rare date in different denomination, and also 800 reis, which is rare in any condition.

From previous auction since September 2009, VF to EF price actualized range were US$270 (14 September 2008, Ira & Larry Goldberg Coins & Collectibles, Auction 48, Lot number: 2341. Price realized: US$270 (Estimated value: $250 to $300)) to US$1005 (13 November 2009, Heidelberger Münzhandlung Herbert Grün e.K., Auction 52, Lot number: 1222. Price realized: US$1005 or EUR675 (Estimated value: EUR550)).

127) 1918 ERITREA TALLERO OLD COPY

(Weighs 25.8 grams (authentic pieces are about 28 grams). Reeded edge. Marked "RIPROD." meaning reproduction. Also marked "800" and "AR" meaning 80% Silver.)

Although it's reproduction (old time), but it's a nice copy with the design, would get an original piece if I could find a high grade one.

126 ) FRANC HENRY IV 1/2 FRANC 1603-M

FRANCE, Henry IV, 1/2 Franc, 1603-M. 6.31g, 27.36mm ~ 28.22mm, Silver. Dipped. Very fine. Rare.

125) Meiji 7th Year Red - 1 Sen - NGC-MS63RB

This is the nice choice BU coin graded by NGC as 63 Red Brown. In fact it's multi-color toned, i.e. multiple shades of red, orange, pink, and even a bit of silver and green; Very sharp struck, you may see from both obverse (especially the dragon) and reverse.

I have seen mint state 1/2 Sen, 10 Sen and 20 Sen but I just purchase this because those are overvalued from my opinion, except this one. It's quite tough to locate Mint state specimen, which is very scarce, and so far Gem BU Red is rare, I have seen only few specimens were available from past auctions.

If it's possible, and there are any opportunities i will add some nice mint state earlier and scarcer Meiji era machine struck coin preferable high end mint state (choice/gem), to complete a series. It's quite tough but it's possible.

P/S. Circa 1868, A mint was opened in Hong-Kong in 1866 but was closed in 1868 and the machinery sold to Japan. That's why Meiji machine struck coins started since that year.

124) 1928 Peace $

This is the key date 1928-P Peace $, very scarce in all grade and rare in gem mint state. With only 360,649 units struck in Philadelphia, this made the value of this key date high even in About Good condition.

In my opinion, this specimen should be graded as EF (vz or SUP) in European grade but by using US routine grade it should be borderline Mint state (or MS60) or better MS61 to MS62 but not choice as the seller suggested; conservatively, some would grade it very choice AU (AU58), because of handling/bag marks... depends on personal judgment.

Here is the guideline (AU to Choice Mint state) suggest by Whiteman red book:

AU-50: Slight trace of wear. Most of mint luster present, although marred by contact marks, or bag abrasions.

MS-60: No trace of wear. Full mint luster, but possibly noticeably marred by stains, surface marks, or bag abrasions.

MS-63: (Choice) Some distracting contact marks or blemishes in prime focal areas. Impaired luster possible.

In fact, it's very little different in value from Good (G4) to MS60. Therefore collector who has limited budget should look for AU to Mint state rather than lower grade. Unless you cannot locate it easily (but 1928 isn't that tough to find in lower grade).

Here is the average price (retail, different sources of price guide, auction, etc.) guide for 1928 Peace Dollar.

G-4 $355
VG-8 $435
F-12 $445
VF-20 $455 to $475
XF-40 $465 to $500
AU-50 $475 to $550
MS-60 $525 to $580
MS-63 $900 to $965
MS-64 $1,350 to $,1540
MS-65 $5,150 to $6,050
MS-66 $20,000

Another key date of peace $ is 1st year 1921 high relief. However, 1928 is scarcer than 1921.

123) Hong Wu Tong Bao 10 Cash Guangdong mint/ 洪武通寶十廣

(Hong Wu Tong Bao 10 Cash Guangdong mint, circa 1368AD, smaller variety, 42.5mm, 熟坑)

(Hong Wu Tong Bao 10 Cash Guangdong mint, regular size, 44mm, 生坑.
Image from Auction, Lot# 3948, China Guardian Auctions Co. LTD/中国嘉德国际拍卖有限公司, year 2006, actualized price RMB27,500)

This is Ming dynasty (1368 to 1644) emperor Ming Tai-zu (明太祖) "Hong Wu Tong Bao" (洪武通寶) 10 Cash, Guangdong mint (洪武通寶十廣). It's the rarest amongst 10 cash of this reign title. From the weight and size, 21.89g and 42.8mm, it should be smaller variety (小樣) compare to regular size 44mm.

The rarity of regular size is grade 3 (rare) in David Hartill catalog; whereas in Hua catalog it's very rare. This smaller variety is unlisted in both catalog. I cannot find any reference for this variety yet. Just like the Huge character Hong Wu Tong Bao I have discussed before, which was listed in one Japanese catalog only, and unlisted in anywhere.

Anyway, it's great to acquire this nice coin.

If you have any comment please contact me (miao1234@hotmail.com)

122) KROATIEN, RAGUSA Republik Rektoratstaler (Thaler) 1767

This is the first coin of Republic of Ragusa in my collection. This cartoon face bust silver taler named Rektoratstaler/Tallero, year 1767 (Davenport 1639), of the Kroatien (Croatia). If you are familiar with this type of taler, you will find that almost all (few exceptional) reverse come with significant adjustment marks.

This piece is one of the nicest condition i have ever seen. The KM catalog only listed up to EF condition, and no value in UNC part, which means this specimen rare in this condition, i.e. UNC. It's true, if you try to search more about previous auction, or any offer from anywhere, usually VF or lower grade are considered as common and EF is quite tough to find. As usual, KM underpriced this type of coin much, just like the Poland section, the new edition catalog increased much price of each coin suddenly after many years those price were static there (almost nobody edit it).

Anyway, enjoy pictures...

121) Part II: George III Essequibo & Demerary coin

Continue the 118, the collecting process of the Essequibo & Demerary coin set (1809 & 1816) are quite smooth lately although it's tough, but still obtainable.

Here is the 1/2 Guilder 1816 less crude type but well worn, and also 2 Guilder with about VF condition, as well as the nice crude EF condition 1809 1 Guilder, Ex AH Baldwin, 1965.

Remaining some pieces I still need to get in order to complete as a set. Will upload later, if I can find through somewhere.

Enjoy pictures...