HKMAL Numismatics Collection

420) CHINA QING DYNASTY & REPUBLIC SILVER DOLLAR

2012-02-14T22:44:00.006+08:00

The Hupeh (湖北) Mint in Wuchang (武昌) produced silver coins for general circulation in the 21th Year of Guang-xu/光緒 (1895 AD)(Lin & Ma, 2008, p.58, 61). This is the silver dollar with chop marks and it is fine ~ very fine condition. L&M# 182., N.D. (1895 AD).

This is the new Yunnan silver dollar without English legend, dated ca. 1911-1915 (during the Republic era). Yunnan silver 50 cents are quite common whereas dollar become scarcer today since the demand for Chinese silver dollar especially dragon coinages have dramatically increased. This is an extremely fine example. L&M# 421.

This Republic 22nd year (1933 AD) silver dollar (L&M 109) is scarcer than 23th year dollar (L&M 110). Nearly uncirculated.

Reference:

Lin Gwo Ming & Ma Tak Wo, 2008, Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Gold & Silver Coins: Ching and Republican Issues, 6th ed. Ma Tak Wo Numismatic Co., Ltd.

419) GREAT BRITAIN VICTORIA VEILED HEAD CROWN 1897 LXI BU

2012-02-13T13:59:00.006+08:00

Queen Victoria, Crown of Great Britain. Older, or Veiled Head type. With "LXI" on edge. Cataloged as KM# 783, SPINK# 3937. Bright white example and fully brilliant mint state. Splendid example.

See also Crown, 1898 LXII
See also Proof Crown, 1893 LVI

418) 12 BRITISH CONDOR TOKENS PRE & CIRCA 1800

2012-02-10T18:34:00.003+08:00

12 British condor tokens with attributions

417) ALVARADO TOKEN ca. 1830 PLATE COIN OF LATIN AMERICAN TOKENS

2012-02-02T10:08:00.003+08:00

(Source: Russell Rulau, 2000, Latin American Tokens, 2nd Edition, p. 72.
Publisher: Diane Pub Co. ISBN-10: 075678445X , ISBN-13: 9780756784454)

Mexico, Veracruz state, Alvarado, Rulau Ver# 4, N.D. (ca. 1830). ALVA/RADO, rev. Blank. 27mm, copper. This is the exact same coin pictured on page 72 in Latin American Tokens, 2nd Edition. Commonly called a "plate coin", this coin is permanently documented by that reference. The remnants of reverse details indicate that it was stuck over an 1829-37 Mexican Quarter Real.

416) FRENCH INDO-CHINA PIASTRE 27.215 GR & 27 GR

2012-01-30T12:05:00.005+08:00

8 x French Indo-China Piastre, KM# 5 1886, 1887 and 1895 (type I) are 27.215 grains (24.4935 grams pure silver, or .7875 oz. actual silver weight, coin weight: 27.215 grams with 90% silver), scarcer; other KM# 5a.1 are 27 grains (24.3 grams pure silver, or .7812 oz. actual silver weight, coin weight: 27 grams with 90% silver). Paris mint. Nicely toned, nice circulated examples.

415) GREAT BRITAIN WARWICKSHIRE FARTHING TOKEN 1838

2012-01-23T12:38:00.003+08:00

1838 Great Britain, Birmingham (Warwickshire) Farthing token, Obv. Head of Chinese Man Grocer (Qing dynasty pigtail and moustache to left), rev. Grocer & Tea Dealer, Dale End below. This piece served as an ad for a China tea importer. Flan flaw.

414) PERU LIMA UNATTRIBUTED AR AND AE MEDALS

2012-01-12T13:15:00.004+08:00

Both Peru medals are unattributed (any idea?)

The 1888 Copper medal is approximately 34mm diameter. Though lightly circulated, it carries a number of smallish rim ticks, thus nearly extremely fine or better.

The 1895 Silver medal is about 30mm. The rims are sharp, nearly uncirculated or better.

The marked envelopes in which they arrived here are shown in the last image (the Silver medal envelope is wrongly marked "1893").

413) USA 2 OZ PURE SILVER NEBRASKA CENTENNIAL MEDAL 1967

2012-01-11T10:38:00.005+08:00

USA .999 Silver 2 Ounce 1967 Nebraska Centennial Medal. Obv. a pioneer in front of his log cabin, planting a tree, rev. the state capitol in Lincoln, Nebraska.

412) SPANISH MEXICO CHARLES IV 8 ESCUDOS 1807 MO, TH

2012-01-06T10:13:00.003+08:00

Spanish colonial Mexico Charles IV gold 8 Escudos 1807. 27g, 0.8750 Gold, .7614 oz. actual gold weight. KM# 159. Extremely fine (ICG - AU55).

See also Mexico Republic 8 Escudos 1862-GO YE
See also Spanish colonial Colombia 8 Escudos 1801 NR JJ Bogota
See also Spanish colonial Colombia 8 Escudos 1807 NR JJ Bogota
See also Colombia, Republic of Nueva Granada (1837-1859), 16 Pesos, 1846 UE.

411) MEXICO 2 REALES 1856 WITH UNLISTED CROWNED "M" COUNTERSTAMP

2012-01-01T22:21:00.006+08:00

Unlisted Crowned "M" counter-stamp on 1856 GF Mexico 2 Reales, any idea? Maximilian I of Mexico?

410) MING DYNASTY YONG LE TONG BAO LONG TAIL 'YONG', SUZHOU FAKES ALTERATION

2011-12-16T11:20:00.008+08:00

Ming dynasty, Emperor Cheng Zu (1402 - 1424AD), Yong Le Tong Bao (永樂通寶), long tail 'Yong' (長尾永) [more discussion here]. 2.93g, 23.99mm, bronze. The discussion suggested that the 'Yong' was altered by Suzhou fake techniques.

See analysis by Mr. Graig Greenbraum
See example of other Suzhou fake techniques 1
See example of other Suzhou fake techniques 2

409) 1892 BOLIVIA SILVER MEDAL (OVAL) FIRST RAILROAD IN BOLIVIA

2011-12-13T15:18:00.006+08:00

Bolivia silver medal 1892, issued to commemorate 1st rail road in Bolivia. Obv. Arms, rev. National Honoring to Dr. Aniceto Arce. Approximately 43mm x 37mm. Plain edge. Weighs 24.8 grams.

408) MEXICO TENANCINGO 5 CENTAVOS 1915

2011-12-12T22:42:00.005+08:00

A nice uncirculated example with some mint red remaining. As is expected, the coin is very crude.

407) STRAITS SETTLEMENTS 20 CENTS 1903

2011-12-12T14:00:00.005+08:00

A high grade circulated example Straits Settlements Edward VII 20 cents 1903 with plenty of mint luster. Virtually this example is better than US grading MS-60 to MS-62 and equal as MS-63 (uncirculated) except very little wear on top of some area of obverse. This is '3' closer with 'O' variety.

See also Straits Settlements Edward VII collection.

406) STRAITS SETTLEMENTS GEORGE V SMALL DENOMINATION

2011-12-12T13:04:00.005+08:00

All are common but splendid examples. New members for this Straits Settlements George V collection.

405) PERU SILVER MEDAL 42TH ANNIVERSARY OF INDEPENDENCE FROM SPAIN 1864/3

2011-12-09T08:29:00.003+08:00

Peruvian silver medal in 1864/3 overdated, by R. Britten, on the 42th anniversary of independence from Spain. 6.25g, silver. Obv. radial sun with a human face, rev. seven lines of text, including date, to the sides palm and laurel branch. Coll Fonrobert# 9136. Rim bump, otherwise nearly extremely fine.

404) CHINA IMPERIAL QING DYNASTY KIANGNAN (JIANGNAN) DOLLAR 1902 AD

2011-12-07T16:51:00.008+08:00

China Kiangnan (Jiangnan/江南) Dragon Silver Dollar 1902 AD in original condition. Weak struck very fine. KM-Y# 145a.8. Quite easy to find compare to Old/earlier Kiangnan (老江南) silver coinages (different dragon design).

Now all Chinese dragons AR dollars are expensive compare to pre-2009, even fine to very fine grade, particularly not cleaned/dipped (original condition).

403) SIAM RAMA VII 1/4 AND 1/2 BAHT ELEPHANT SILVER COIN SET UNC

2011-12-07T16:42:00.004+08:00

25 Satang / quarter baht

50 Satang/ Half baht

2 x set of BE 2472 (1929 AD) Rama VII (Prajadhipok) silver coin, each set with a pair of silver 25 & 50 Satang (1/4 and 1/2 baht), only coin set issued in Rama VII reign. Obv. Portrait of King Prapokklao Rama VII with Thai inscription "Prajadhipok" (H.M. title) and Siamindra, rev. Decorated White Elephant facing left, with thai inscription "Siam Rat" (Siam State) 2472 BE. Each 20 & 25 mm; 3.7 and 7.5 grams; .0784 oz & .1567 oz ASW. Y#48/49. All uncirculated.

402) MORGAN $ 1901-P

2011-12-07T14:38:00.004+08:00

Morgan Dollar 1901 Philadelphia, choice almost uncirculated.

401) COLOMBIA 8 REALES (OCHO REALES) 1835

2011-12-07T08:23:00.006+08:00

Colombia Ocho Reales / 8 Reales 1835 R.S. 27.02g, 0.8350 silver, .7253 oz. ASW. KM# 89. This is the second specimen in this collection. It's hard to find earlier 19th century South American Republic coinage that better than very fine condition. This specimen is good very fine / nearly extremely fine.

Another specimen (different variety) is extremely fine and worth a lot of premium, rare in this condition.

400) FRANCE NAPOLEON I 5 FRANCS 1804, 1810

2011-12-06T16:58:00.004+08:00

An outstanding early 5 Francs of France. Toulouse mint. Beautifully toned and essentially no wear. Portrait of Napoléon Bonaparte, who ruled as Emperor 1804-1814. Dated An 13 of the Revolution, or AD 1804. A coin with great eye appeal. Cataloged as KM 662.10.

A splendid example 5 Francs 1810, Paris mint. Good extremely fine or better with original mint luster. Cataloged as KM 694.1.

399) SIAM RAMA IV (MONGKUT) 1/2 BAHT

2011-12-06T16:27:00.008+08:00

This Half Baht is right on the cusp of Uncirculated, and bordering on rare thus. Very few around in this state of preservation. Issued for king Rama IV, who ruled 1851-1868. Also known as 2 Salu'ng. An important coin for elephant collectors. Strong original luster. Cataloged as KM-Y10.1.

Other specimen:

Good extremely fine to almost uncirculated, rare.

398) ITALIAN STATES PAPAL STATES COPPER BAIOCCO & BAOICCHI

2011-12-06T15:59:00.006+08:00

A set of uncirculated ~ brilliant uncirculated Italian Papal States Baiocco/Baiocchi coins. The 1851-R 5 Baoicchi is the raw uncirculated coin, other are certified. Splendid.

397) GERMAN STATES BAVARIA TALER 1778, 1768

2011-12-06T14:14:00.004+08:00

German States Bayern (Bavaria) Carl Theodor & Maximilian III Taler, 1778 & 1768. Adjustment marks.

396) GERMAN STATES BRUNSWICK-WOLFENBUTTEL TALER 1796 MC

2011-12-06T11:01:00.002+08:00

German States, Braunschweig-Wolfenbüttel, Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand, Konventionstaler, 1796-MC. Silver. Dav.# 2174, KM# 1030, Welter# 2903. Nearly all specimens come with the evidence of surface flaws, which were caused by corroded die. Uncirculated. Splendid example.

395) SIAM PRHA MAHA VAJIRAVUDH (RAMA VI) BAHT BE2460/1917AD

2011-12-06T08:07:00.003+08:00

Kingdom of Siam, Rama VI - Phra Maha Vajiravudh (1910-1925AD) silver Baht, BE2460 (1917AD). This type is fairly common in average to lower grade but slightly scarce in UNC ~ BU condition.

It is very challenging to collect complete set coinages from Phra Maha Mongkut, Phra Maha Chulalongkorn, Phra Maha Vajiravudh and Phra Maha Prajadhipok. Some are very rare especially coins from both Mongkut and Chulalongkorn reign, e.g. Tamlung, Pit, Pot Dueng, Tot, and all UNC~BU copper, bronze, copper-nickel, tin and silver coins.

394) STRAITS SETTLEMENTS $1 INCUSED-B

2011-12-06T00:34:00.002+08:00

Straits Settlements Edward VII $1, incused mint mark. Beautiful toning. 3rd specimen ($1 1903 incused B) in this collection.

See also Edward VII collection, included 1903 $1 rare raised-B specimen.

393) AUSTRIA TALER 1769 IC-SK UNC - BU

2011-12-05T09:55:00.007+08:00

AUSTRIA, Holy Roman Empire, Maria Theresa, 1740-1780. Conventional IC-SK Taler 1769, Vienna. Dav.# 1115; Eypeltauer# 189. Beautiful toning, uncirculated ~ brilliant uncirculated. Semi-proof-like (earlier strike). Splendid example.

See also Maria Theresa restrike Taler 1780, Karlsburg mint (1788~1790AD)

392) CHINA SINKIANG RED CASH QING DYN. XIAN FENG ZHONG BAO 4 CASH ILI 1855-61AD

2011-11-18T11:55:00.011+08:00

China, Eastern Turkistán (Uyghuristán/Xinjiang/Sinkiang/新疆), Qing dynasty, Sinkiang red cash/新疆紅錢, Xian Feng Zhong Bao (咸豐重寶), rev. Dang si (當四) [value-4 or 4 cash], Ili/伊犁局 (Baoyi/寶伊). 1855 - 1861 AD. H# 22.1085, FD# 2458. 16.60g, 34.75mm, Copper.

391) SRI LANKA / CEYLON QUEEN AE LILAVATI KAHAVANU 1209-1211AD

2011-11-18T10:03:00.003+08:00

Sri Lanka / Ceylon, Native Coinage, Polonnaruva Period 11th to 13th Century AD, Queen Lilavati 1197-1211, Massa, Kahavanu, 1209-1211. 4.26g, 20.39mm, Bronze. NISWC# 839. Patina, very fine.

390) WASHINGTON DOUBLE HEAD CENT COLONIAL

2011-11-17T10:12:00.004+08:00

Undated Washington Double Head cent, c.1783. Breen-1206, W-11200, Baker-6.

389) SPANISH MEXICO 8 REALES 1744 MF

2011-11-17T00:17:00.004+08:00

Mexico. Felipe V. King of Spain, second reign, 1724-1746. Silver 8 Reales. Weight 26.9 grams. Milled columnario type. Ciudad de México mint; Manuel de León and Francisco de la Peña y Flores, assayers. Dated 1744Mo MF . (rosette) PHILIP · V · D · G · HISPAN · ET IND · REX, crowned abbreviated royal coat-of-arms; ·/M/F/(rosette) to left, (rosette)/8/(rosette) to right / (rosette) VTRAQUE VNUM ( [He made them] both one ) (rosette), crowned western and eastern hemispheres; to right and left, crowned composite column with encircling banner inscribed PLUS VLT(RA) ( further beyond ); all set on ground rising out of ocean waves; in exergue, mintmark and rosette on either side of 1744. Edge: wreath. Gilboy M-8-16; ME 9452; Calicó 797. Crisply struck (note the widely double-punched "U" in VTRAQUE). Not sea-salvaged, no distractive marks. Gray toning, nearly as struck.

388) GERMANY 1 MARK 1960-G

2011-11-15T14:16:00.002+08:00

Germany, Federal Republic, 1 Mark, 1960-G. 5.48g, 23.5mm, Copper-Nickel. KM# 100, J# 385. AU/EF+. Scarce in high grade.

387) HONG KONG COINS 1885 ~ 1939

2011-11-07T11:15:00.003+08:00

All are mint state except the 1885 10¢. All examples are common but with nice eye-appeal...

386) ITALIAN STATES NAPLES & SICILY MEZZO TORNESE 1853

2011-10-25T10:42:00.007+08:00

ITALIAN STATES - NAPLES & SICILY, Two Sicilies Reform Coinage, Ferdinand II (1830 - 1859), Mezzo (1/2) Tornese, 1853. 1.54g, 17.34mm, Copper. C# 142a . Type I (Bearded head). Silvery fields (toned? plated? anyone can tell?), otherwise good extremely fine ~ nearly uncirculated.

See also 1853 Sicily & Naples Due Tornese

385) ITALY SECOND ROMAN REPUBLIC 1/2 BAIOCCO 1849-R

2011-10-24T13:13:00.003+08:00

ITALY Second Republic - Roman Republic, 1/2 Baiocco, 1849-R. 5.08g, 23.70mm, Copper. KM# 21, Gig. 10. Struck on other coin. Good extremely fine / nearly mint state (reverse with underlying luster). Scarce type especially in this choice condition.

384) GREAT BRITAIN CARTWHEEL PENNY 1797

2011-10-21T13:36:00.007+08:00

George III (1760 - 1820), Second issue, Penny (cartwheel), 1797. Copper. Spink# 3777. 10 Leaves in wreath. Soho Mint. Birmingham. PCGS-AU/58.

The cartwheel penny has many varieties of ship compare to large cartwheel twopence, i.e. >100 varieties versus 18 varieties, due to the penny remained in circulation for some years and appears to have been issued for a few years with the frozen date 1797. Because the 1797 penny remained in circulation longer than the twopence, the average grade as found is lower than that of the larger twopence. However, top grades are somewhat easier to find. Due the the smaller size compare to twopence, edge knocks example are lesser than twopence. For serious collector, extremely fine (US grading: AU-55) is the minimum requirement to aim for.

See also Fourth issue (Penny & Farthing [1/4 Penny])

Reference:
Lobel, Richard et al., 1995, Coincraft's Standard Cataloque of English & UK coins 1066 to Date, Krause Publications.

383) MEXICO ZACATECAS 8 REALES 1839-Zs OM

2011-10-20T13:17:00.004+08:00

Republic of Mexico, Zacatecas 8 reales, 1839-Zs OM. 27g, 0.9030 Silver, .7859 oz. ASW. KM# 377.13. Struck on an early-style crude planchet as usual. Graded by ICG as almost uncirculated 50. A higher grade lustrous example.

See also Spanish Mexico Zacatecas 8 reales 1821-RG

382) FRENCH INDO-CHINA 5 CENTS 1943A VICHY GOVERMMENT

2011-10-20T10:56:00.012+08:00

World War II coinage, Philippe Pétain, French Indo-china, Vichy government 5 Cents, 1943. 0.75g, 20.30mm, Aluminum. KM# 27. Struck at Ecole Pratique in Hanoi. Edge varieties exist, i.e. reeded (rare), plain, grooved/partially grooved (common). This is a grooved edge example. Brilliant uncirculated.

See also Malaya World War II currencies

More information about World War II

381) GREAT BRITAIN EDWARD VII HALF CROWN 1902 BUSINESS STRIKE & MATTE PROOF

2011-10-19T21:55:00.004+08:00

Edward VII, half crown, 1902. Spink# 3980. Sterling silver, beautiful toning, lustrous uncirculated.

Edward VII, half crown, 1902. Spink# 3980. Sterling silver, natural toning, matte proof.

Business strike half crowns are easily found in fine condition, in top grades they can be surprisingly elusive. Its quite tough to grade Edward VII coins that how much wear a coin has sustained (Lobel et al., 1995, pp.466-467), especially the obverse portrait side. In lower grade, usually the "P" of "PENSE" is usually the first letter of the reverse to be come worn off. The key-date 1905 is very difficult to find, especially very fine or better grade.

Reference:
Lobel, Richard et al., 1995, Coincraft's Standard Cataloque of English & UK coins 1066 to Date, Krause Publications.

380) GREAT BRITAIN GEORGE II AR SHILLING 1743

2011-10-19T10:11:00.007+08:00

George II (1727-1760 AD), Shilling, 1743. Sterling silver. Roses on reverse. Spink# 3702. Nice toning, nearly extremely fine/extremely fine.

This older head type (by Tanner) introduced in 1743 is in lower relief compare to high relief's young head type. The most common date is 1758 whereas the rarest date is 1746. Most of 1746 shillings are overlooked and underpriced due to collectors collect on 1746 Lima half crown and six pence which are relatively plentiful, thus it is easy to forget that the shilling is a fairly rare piece, i.e. genuinely difficult to find in any grade (Lobel et al 1995, p.486). For normal date, old head George II shilling should be collected at least good very fine. For common date, most collectors will be satisfied only with extremely fine condition.

See also George III Shilling 1787
See also Elizabeth I Shilling 1594 - 1596

Reference:
Lobel, Richard et al., 1995, Coincraft's Standard Cataloque of English & UK coins 1066 to Date, Krause Publications.

379) GREAT BRITAIN VICTORIA DOUBLE FLORIN 1887

2011-10-18T20:12:00.008+08:00

Queen Victoria, Double Florin, 1887. 22.57g, 36mm, Sterling silver. Roman I variety, obverse shows scattered routine ticks & scuffs (bag marks), tiny rim nicks, otherwise brilliant uncirculated.

The reverse design is similar as the florin 1887, originally used by John Roettier on the gold of Charles II. Although many double florins we could see are circulation wear, this coin is quite easy to locate in extremely fine condition.

The double florin is one of the shortest denominations on record, yet it includes a number of varieties. This denomination was unpopular at the time of issue, i.e. lasted until 1890; in addition, the use of the Boehm portrait (Jubilee head) no doubt accelerated its demise...(Lobel et al 1995, p.451.)

Reference:
Lobel, Richard et al., 1995, Coincraft's Standard Cataloque of English & UK coins 1066 to Date, Krause Publications.

378) GREAT BRITAIN WILLIAM IIII AR HALF CROWN 1836

2011-10-18T13:07:00.011+08:00

William IV (1830-1837), Half Crown, 1836. 14.12g, 32mm, Sterling silver. Spink# 3834. Bare head. WW script on trun. Nice natural toning, lustrous extremely fine, reverse better.

William IV half crown should be collected in extremely fine (US grading: AU-55) or better condition. Except 1835, this is not scarce series. For very fine (US grading: XF-40 ~ XF-45), the reverse retain most of the detail of the design (look like nearly extremely fine [US grading: AU-50 ~ AU-53]). This may be satisfactory to collectors wishing to focus on acquiring better pieces of more interesting series (Lobel et al, 1995).

Spink Price Guide 2011
1836
(Great Britain Pound £)
F £30 | VF £80 | EF £350 | UNC £700

See also George III bull head rare overdated half crown 1817/7

References:
Lobel, Richard et al., 1995, Coincraft's Standard Cataloque of English & UK coins 1066 to Date, Krause Publications, pp.464-5.

Spink, 2011, Coins of England & The United Kingdom, 46th Edition Standard Catalogue Of British Coins, Spink & Son Ltd, Gutenberg Press Ltd.

377) HUNGARY FRANZ JOSEPH I 5 KORONA 1909-KB U.P. RESTRIKE PROOF FDC

2011-10-11T12:55:00.003+08:00

HUNGARY, Franz Joseph I, 5 Korona, 1909-KB U.P. 24.17g, 36.05mm, 0.9000 Silver, .6944 oz. ASW. KM# 488. Toned, Proof restrike, FDC. Scarce, seldom seen and offer, but the Krause SCWC priced it as low as about bullion, it is interesting.

376) INDIA AWADH LUCKNOW AR RUPEE AH1235/1 (1820AD) BOLD CHOICE EXTREMELY FINE

2011-10-09T22:08:00.002+08:00

INDIA-PRINCELY STATES - AWADH, Ghazi-ud-Din Haidar, as King, Rupee, AH1235 (year 1)/ 1820AD. 11.06g, 26.23mm, Silver. Lucknow. KM# 165.1. Bold strike choice extremely fine.

375) SPANISH MEXICO FERDINAND VI 2 REALES 1753-M MEXICO CITY

2011-10-05T12:46:00.002+08:00

Mexico, Ferdinand VI, 2 Reales, 1753, 6.61g, 28.15 ~ 27.89mm, 0.9170 silver, .1995 oz. ASW. KM# 86.1. Edge: wreath. Mint: Mexico City. Blue toning, nearly mint state. Splendid example.

See also 1755 Ferdinand VI Mexico pillar-dollar/8 Reales

374) JAPAN HOSOKURA 100 MON SAMPLE/MODEL 1864

2011-09-29T12:57:00.006+08:00

Hosokura, District, Provincial Coinage (Note: A lead mining district in Rikuchu Province (now Iwate Prefecture) in northern Honshu), 100 Mon, Bunkyu 4 (1864). 157.10g, 76mm x 76mm, Lead, Obverse: 'To-Hyaku Hoso-Kura'. Reverse: Signature. Uncirculated. Probably unique.

This example is different varieties as KM# 30 (circulation coins). Unpublished. Probably, this is a sample/model coin due to the size & weight as well as different calligraphy. 58mm ~ 59.9mm are the size of circulation coins.

Ex Jules Silvestre collection since 1881, a gift from French Consulate in Yokohama in Meiji era, who sent a batch of rare numismatics items from Japan to Vietnam (during Tu Duc reign) with a private letter and several Meiji era Japanese numismatics catalogs.

373) MEXICO GOLD 8 ESCUDOS 1862-GO YE

2011-08-30T09:54:00.008+08:00

The Republic of Mexico, 8 Escudos, 1862-GO YE, Guanajuato Mint. 27g, 36mm, 0.8750 Gold, .7615 ounces actual gold weight. KM# 383.7. Light scratches, otherwise extremely fine or better.

See also silver 8 Reales
See also Colombia 8 Escudos [1807]
See also Colombia 8 Escudos [1801]
See also Nueva Granada 8 Escudos
See also Chile Pattern 8 Escudos struck in Copper

See Gold Standard

372) NGUYEN DYNASTY HAM NGHI THONG BAO 1884-1885

2011-08-25T23:02:00.020+08:00

Emperor Hàm Nghi

Nguyễn dynasty, Emperor Hàm Nghi (咸宜帝), Hàm Nghi Thông Bảo (咸宜通寶), rev. lục văn (六文), 1884 ~ 1885. 2.4g, 21.91mm, brass.

Hàm Nghi coin is very difficult to find and usually forgery exists. According to Dr. Allan Barker, Hàm Nghi forgeries are quite good and look very similar to genuine pieces. One of the obvious sign of forgeries are filing marks around inner hole (Barker 2004, p.239).

For collector who collects ancient Vietnam Nguyễn dynasty coins, it is an extremely difficult task to complete full reign title coins set of the dynasty. Kiến Phúc coins are the most difficult to be located (2 known in brass, 6 in zinc), following by Hàm Nghi coins, and larger Đồng Khánh coins are scarce. Except Kiến Phúc, Hàm Nghi and larger Đồng Khánh cash coins, all other emperors' coins are quite easy to find in numismatics market.

Nguyễn dynasty emperors:

Gia Long, 1802-1819
Minh Mạng, 1820-1840
Thiệu Trị, 1841-1847
Tự Đức, 1848-1883
Kiến Phúc, 1883-1884 (extremely rare)
Hàm Nghi, 1884-1885 (very rare)
Đồng Khánh, 1885-1888 (larger coins are scarce)
Thành Thái, 1889-1907
Duy Tân, 1907-1916
Khải Định, 1916-1925
Bảo Đại, 1926-1945

Other example of forgery

References:

Barker, R. Allan, 2004, The Historical Cash Coins of Việt Nam: Vietnam's Imperial History as Seen Through its Currency, Part I: Official and Semi-Official Coins, COS Printers Pte Ltd, Singapore, ISBN: 981-05-2300-9

Luc, Thuan D. & Belyaev, Vladimir, 1998, Timeline and imperial coinage of Vietnam, Charm.ru

Semans, Scott, Scott Semans World Coins, Vietnam Cash

TransAsiart, Faux de la période américaine (ca 1960-1975)

371) CHINA QING DYNASTY ZHEJIANG GUANG XU TB MACHINE STRUCK CASH 1887

2011-08-25T22:24:00.003+08:00

China milled struck cash, Zhejiang (Chekiang) Guang Xu Tong Bao, 1-wen (1 cash), the bottom 'knee' of the 'zhe' mintmark pointing downward. 1887. 3.22g, 22.3mm, Brass. Hsu# 151var. Good extremely fine.

See discussion.

370) BOLIVIA YOUNG BAREHEAD S. BOLIVAR 8 SOLES 1849-M

2011-08-17T13:21:00.002+08:00

Bolivia, young barehead Simon Bolivar 8 Soles, 1849-M. 26.82g, 37.84mm, Silver. KM# 109.

369) PERU 8 REALES 1831 & 1833

2011-08-05T11:21:00.004+08:00

Peru, Lima 8 Reales, 1831-MM, KM#142.3. 26.51g, 39.98mm, Silver. Naturally toned, extremely fine.

Peru, Lima 8 Reales, 1833-MM, KM#142.3. 27.25g, 40.15g, Silver. Nice toning, good extremely fine.

368) COLOMBIA BOGOTA 8 REALES 1820-JF

2011-08-04T23:34:00.001+08:00

Colombia, Bogotá, 8 Reales, 1820JF. 23.64g, 39.06mm, Silver. KM# C6/R-157.1. VF for issue, minor rim-nick. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection.

367) ARGENTINA CORDOBA 8 REALES 1852

2011-08-04T23:24:00.002+08:00

Cordoba, 8 Reales, 1852. 26.99g, 37.96mm, Silver. KM# 32. Planchet flaw, toned lustrous nearly uncirculated. Extremely rare in this grade with full visible face on sun.

366) MEXICO 8 REALES 1791-FM

2011-08-04T12:31:00.004+08:00

Mexico, Mexico City Charles IV 8 Reales 1791 Assayer "FM". 26.92g, 38.55mm, Silver. KM# 109. Nice toning.

See also Charles IV Gold 8 Escudos 1801 & 1807 (Colombia)

See also: The same coin published in no. 86 versus fake

365) MEXICO ZACATECAS 8 REALES 1821-RG

2011-08-04T11:16:00.008+08:00

Mexico Zacatecas Ferdinand VII 8 Reales, 1821 Assayer "RG". 26.84g, 37.41mm, thickness 2.80mm, Silver. This example is better than average Zacatecas crude struck 8 reales. Nice darker toned. Typical smaller size but thicker flan.

See also Ferdinand VII Imaginary Bust 8 Reales (Peru)

See also Fernando VI 8 Reales 1755

364) MEXICO 8 REALES 1809-TH

2011-08-04T10:49:00.001+08:00

Mexico, Mexico City, Ferdinand VII, 8 Reales, 1809 assayer "TH". 26.92g, 39.79mm, Silver. KM# 110. Toned.

363) BOLIVIA POTOSI 8 REALES 1822-PJ

2011-08-04T09:53:00.003+08:00

Bolivia Potosi, Ferdinand VII, 8 Reales, 1822 assayer PJ. 27.18g, 38.68mm, Silver. KM# 84. A bright white nearly mint state example.

See also Guatemala 8 Reales 1817

362) BOLIVIA POTOSI 8 REALES 1779-PR

2011-08-03T23:42:00.002+08:00

Bolivia Potosi, Charles III, 8 Reales 1779-PR. 26.84g, 39.89mm, silver. KM# 55. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.

361) CHINA REPUBLIC YUAN SHI KAI SILVER DOLLAR

2011-08-02T00:01:00.004+08:00

Year 3rd (1914) and year 9th (1920) Yuan Shi Kai (Fat man)/袁世凱 dollar, nice toning, extremely fine. Common date but popular, I believe this type will turn to be scarce due to the demand is more than supply, this is why the price is far expensive than 3 years ago. Year 8th (1919) circulation coin is the scarcest date (except pattern and some other specific mint).

For more information about YSK dollar, please visit here (zeno.ru)

360) FRANCE LOUIS XIV & LOUIS XV ÉCU 1652 ~ 1737

2011-07-24T21:53:00.006+08:00

LOUIS XIV Écu meche longue - 1652A. Dav. 3799.
27.11g, 39.73mm, Silver.

LOUIS XIV Écu 3 couronnes - 1711X. KM# 386.20.
Adjustment marks. 30.37g, 40.13mm, Silver.

LOUIS XV Écu 1737. KM# 486.27. & -Aix-En-Provence.
Adjustment marks. 29.48g, 40.50mm, Silver.

359) 178 GERMAN & AUSTRIA NOTGELD NOTES ca1920

2011-07-20T10:18:00.004+08:00

Majority from Germany...the others Austria, average condition EF/AU. A small minority better/worse, a few scattered duplicates.

358) MALAYSIA 10 SEN 1971

2011-07-18T11:08:00.004+08:00

This is a very scarce 1971 10 Sen of Malaysia especially in uncirculated condition; 2nd example in this collection. Very tough to find in circulation situation, and rarely offer from dealers/collectors.

357) CHINA QING DYNASTY HEN'S NEST (BROKEN SILVER) 1.5 TAEL SYCEE

2011-07-14T22:44:00.009+08:00

Qing dynasty/清朝 (1644 - 1911AD), 'broken silver (碎銀)' uninscribed sycee for daily use. It's Hen's nest type, cast and circulated in Yunnan (云南省). 32.27mm x 26.84mm x 14.78mm, 1.5 Tael / 53.86g, silver.

356) GREENLAND 8 PATTERN SET 2010

2011-07-12T11:44:00.001+08:00

GREENLAND: 8 coin pattern set, 2010
with 25, 50 øre & 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 kroner, including tri-metallic type, Brilliant Uncirculated.

355) KURDISTAN 7 COIN SET 2006/ AH1427

2011-07-12T11:25:00.001+08:00

KURDISTAN: 7 coin set, 2006/AH1427, Uncirculated.
25, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000, & bimetal 2500 dinar.
A partridge, heron, fox, lynx, ibex are featured on the smallest five coins, Mustafa Barzani and an oil refinery are shown on the largest two denominations.

354) DARFUR: 7 COIN SET, 2008/AH1429

2011-07-12T11:07:00.001+08:00

DARFUR: 7 coin set, 2008/AH1429, Uncirculated
5 dinar (African wild dog)
10 dinar (African Civet),
25 dinar (Dromedary camel),
50 dinar (Hartebeest),
100 dinar (Leopard),
250 dinar (African elephant),
500 dinars bimetal (Nile crocodile)

353) KEELING-COCOS ISLANDS 7 COINS SET 2004

2011-07-12T10:50:00.001+08:00

KEELING-COCOS ISLANDS: 7 coin set, 2004, KM-X11-X17: 5, 10, 20, 50 cents & 1, 2, 5 dollars, Uncirculated.

352) QING DYNASTY GUANG XU TB THOUSAND CHARACTER CLASSIC CHARACTER SET

2011-07-12T10:28:00.007+08:00

Emperor De Zong (1875 - 1908 AD) obv. Guang Xu Tong Bao (光緒通寶), The Board of Revenue & The Board of Works, rev. Boo Chiowan left and right and Boo Yuwan, Thousand Character Classic Characters above. Nominal 8 fen (八分), 1898-1899 AD.

Rev.
往 (wang)﹐ 列 (lie)﹐ 日 (ri)﹐
宙 (zhou)﹐ 宇 (yu)﹐ 來 (lai).

According to David Hartill (2005), p. 406, "At the beginning of 1898, the President of the Board of Revenue introduced a new control to prevent coinage abuses. A character from the Thousand Character Classic (the 千字文 Qian Zi Wen, an ancient poem written with a thousand different characters, which were frequently used as a numbering system) was to be added to the reverse. The character was to be changed each quarter, so that it could be determined when the coin was made. "

"The numbers represented by the characters are not consecutive and the characters appear to have been chosen at random, and not to have any hidden meaning. The privy marks for the four mint branches are also found on coins of this series..."

Reference:

Hartill, David, 2005, Cast Chinese Coins: A Historical Cataloque, Trafford. ISBN 1-4120-5466-4.

351) 1892 STEFANO JOHNSON COLOMBO MEDAL

2011-07-10T08:58:00.005+08:00

Christopher Columbus, the Columbian Exposition and 400th Anniversary of the Discovery of America, 1892, 102mm, 461g, Gilded Bronze. Plain edge. By Stefano Johnson. Bust of Columbus obverse with CRISTOFORO COLOMBO surrounding the portrait. Spread eagle below. Europa and Indian princess either side, clasping hands. Rev. winged Victory and cherubs above defeated Indian warriors. Around the rim are shields of all the states and the dates 1492 & 1892 in Roman numerals. Minimally cabinet friction with rub on some of the high points and a few rim ticks. Good extremely fine.

350) PALESTINE COIN SET, 2010AD (AH1421), 8 COINS

2011-07-06T10:36:00.002+08:00

8 coin set, 2010/AH1421, pattern set with namudj in Arabic on reverse, set includes:

1 qirsh (Fattail scorpion),
2½ qirsh (Marsh Sandpiper),
5 qirsh (White Pelican),
10 qirsh (Barbary Falcon),
25 qirsh (White Stork),
50 qirsh (Leopard),
1 dinar (Argali),
2 dinars (Sand Cats),

Uncirculated

349) SILVER LOCK PENDANT AMULET

2011-07-05T23:22:00.002+08:00

Qing Dynasty small silver lock pendant amulet/charm - "Bai Jia Suo" (百家鎖). 14.33 x 27.98mm, 3g, silver.

348) BOLIVIA PROCLAMATION MEDALLIC COINAGE 1800s

2011-07-05T23:13:00.003+08:00

Lot of unholed Bolivian Proclamation Coinage. (4) four 1/10 Bolivianos. 1865 Burnett #101. All different varieties. All VF/VF+. (1) one 1S. 1852. Belzu on obverse. Burnett #51A1. VF. (4) four 1/16 Melgarejo. 1865. Burnett 103. All different varieties. Total weight 17.8 grams.

347) STRAITS SETTLEMENTS 50 CENTS 1900

2011-06-27T10:43:00.007+08:00

Straits Settlements Queen Victoria 50 Cents, 1900. KM# 13. 13.54g, silver. nearly extremely fine.

See also 1886 50 Cents
See also 1887 50 Cents
See also 1893 50 Cents
See also 1897-H 50 Cents
See also 1901 50 Cents
See also other Victoria Straits Settlements coins

See also Edward VII Straits Settlements coins
See also George V Straits Settlements coins

346) 1975 SENEGAL SILVER 50 FRANCS

2011-06-14T08:09:00.003+08:00

Senegal 1975 dated 50 Francs coin. Commemorative issue 25th Aniversary of Eurafrique Program. Part of the “Eurafrique” series produced by the Pobjoy Mint. 1,968 minted. Sterling Silver. Weight 28.28 grams. 38.9mm. Brilliant uncirculated.

345) JAPAN KANEI TSUHO OTA SEN, KU JI: MOTHER COIN & CIRCULATION COIN

2011-06-09T16:57:00.008+08:00

Mother coin for iron coin
(to imprint mold for casting iron circulation coin)
3.0g, 23.41mm, Brass

Iron coin (circulation)

2.9g, 23.82mm, Iron

Japan Kanei Tsuho Ota-sen Rev. Ku Ji. Mintmark Ku Ji for Kuji-gun. Mint: Ota Gokizaki-mura Kuji-gun / Hitachi (today Ibaraki-ken). Date: Anei 3 (1774).

See also Mother coin for iron Kanei Tsuho, Kosuge-sen 小菅銭
See also Mother coin for Kanei Tsuho Takatsu-sen, 1 mon, Kanpo 1
See also Mother coin for Tenpo Tsuho Bakufu-sen

344) QING DYNASTY YUNNAN AR SADDLE 5 TAELS ca. 1904 AD

2011-06-09T10:37:00.022+08:00

Qing Dynasty (清朝), Guangxu Emperor (光緒皇帝), Yunnan (云南) silver 5 Taels (五兩), Saddle (牌坊錠) [people also called it as 官公估銀 - Official Public Assayer Silver; Westerner called it "Saddle Silver"], Stamped three times and twice. ca. 1889-1904 AD. 185.86g (5 taels), 62.34mm x 33.56mm; Thickness: 17.58mm, ca. .9800 fine silver, 6.44 troy ounces actual silver weight. Nearly extremely fine.

This sycee should be issued ca. 1904 AD [Guangxu 30th Year] due to the character "官" (Official) has been added.

Issuer:
陳元昌號 - Chen Yuan chang Firm (Bank);
匯號紋銀 - Remittance Bank's fine silver

4 Assayers* (assayer surname):
官公估周陳看 - Official Public Assayer 周 Zhou, 陳 Chen Looked [examined];
官公估童佘看 - Official Public Assayer 童 Tong, 佘 She Looked [examined].

*Full name of assayers: 周寶銓 [Zhou Bao Quan], 陳元昌 [Chen Yuan Chang], 童富盛 [Tong Fu Sheng], 佘慶盛 [She Qing Sheng]

See also Kueichow (Guizhou province/貴州) Tea Blossom sycee (茶花錠)

Reference:
Maggie, Li (李曉萍), 2005, Yuan Bao Shou Cang Yu Jian Shang 元寶收藏與鑒賞, Zhejiang University Press 浙江大學出版社.

343) JAPAN OSAKA GIN COUNTERMARKED YEN MEIJI YR. 27TH (1894 AD)

2011-06-08T10:43:00.014+08:00

(GREAT) JAPAN OSAKA (大日本大阪) Countermarked Coinage, Mutsuhito (Meiji) Emperor (明治天皇 (睦仁)), 1 Yen (一圓), Year 27 (1894 AD) [明治二十七年]. Observe: Dragon within beaded circle. Reverse: Countermarked LEFT on 1 Yen, Type II. Countermarked: 銀 / 'Gin' (Silver). 26.99g, 38.1mm, 0.9000 Silver, .7800 Oz. ASW. Y# 28a.2. Soft satiny luster covers most of the surfaces. Nearly mint state.

According to Krause Standard Catalog of World Coins 1801 - 1900 5th Edition (2006), in 1897, Japan demonetized the silver one Yen and Trade Dollar coins, and many were melted to provide bullion from which to produce subsidiary coins. However, some 20 million Trade Dollar and One Yen coins were countermarked with the character 銀 ('Gin'; meaning Silver) and shipped to Taiwan, Korea and Southern Manchuria for use in circulation there. There countermark was applied to indicate that the coins from returning to Japan where they could be sold to the government for gold.

The actual countermarking was done by the Tokyo and Osaka Mints; the Osaka Mint putting its Gin on the left side (This piece), the Tokyo Mint putting its Gin on the right side. Only 2,100,000 coins were countermarked at the Tokyo Mint as opposed to 18,350,000 countermarked at Osaka, making the Tokyo pieces scarcer than the Osaka pieces. However, the original source of this information was coin dealer Michael Cummings' English language catalog of Japanese coins, so the confirmation of this evidence is still need to be investigated.

Tokyo mint countermarked

Valuation

Formerly Gin marked coins were regarded as damaged and sold for about 80% of the price of the same coin without countermark. Now, however, the Gin coins are being collected by date and placement of the mark, and some sell for more than a non-countermarked piece. Any additional chop marks are still considered defacement and reduce the value of a coin substantially.

342) CHINA QING DYNASTY DAO GUANG TONG BAO BOW MOTHER COIN

2011-06-06T13:24:00.008+08:00

CHINA, Qing Dynasty, Dao Guang (道光), 1821-1850 AD, Dao Guang Tong Bao (道光通寶), "BOO YUWAN"/ Board of Works mint (寶源局), Peking. 3.95g, 23.37mm, brass. H-25.597s. 母錢/mu qian (seed or mother coin), extremely fine, ex. Jess Yockers Collection.

341) GREAT BRITAIN 1927 PROOF WREATH CROWN

2011-06-03T23:17:00.012+08:00

George V 1927 Proof Wreath Crown, 28.28g, silver.

See also 1928 Wreath Crown

Other Proof Crown:

See also 1953 Proof Crown
See also 1937 Proof Crown
See also 1935 Proof Crown
See also 1902 Proof Crown
See also 1893 Proof Crown
See also 1887 Proof CrownSee also 1847 Proof Crown

340) GROWTH?

2011-06-03T11:35:00.006+08:00

This interesting article is talking about GDP 'growth'.

339) GRADING COINS BY PHOTOGRAPHS, NUMISMATIC PHOTOGRAPHY, OBSOLETE PAPER MONEY REFERENCES

2011-06-02T16:31:00.008+08:00

Besides 39th Edition KM SCWC 1901 - 2000, 3 additional references added in my library. Grading coins by photographs by Q. David Bowers, Numismatic photography 2nd edition by Mark Goodman, and new area in my collection obsolete paper money by Q. David Bowers. Many thing to learn...

338) 2012 KM SCWC 39TH EDITION

2011-06-02T16:09:00.005+08:00

Just arrived today by express parcel. This 39th edition with many new pictures added and updated (e.g. those only with reverse picture in previous edition now with obv. and rev view), price revised (again, some non-popular countries/region such as Macau coins price value remains the same except bullion related), some values have increased substantially. It's nice to own a latest one although not a must.

337) HAITI 20 CENTIMES 1877 PATTERN

2011-05-31T11:51:00.007+08:00

HAITI copper proof strike pattern 20 Centimes 1877 IB CT, winged, helmeted head left, within beaded circle. Rev. crossed sprig and sword within headed circle. ESSAI. Pn# 75. nearly FDC. Very rare.

6th Edition KM price guide: US$1,500.

See also business strike brilliant uncirculated Haiti 2 cents

336) JAPAN KO-KANEI TSUHO '2 WATER EI'

2011-05-25T10:35:00.006+08:00

"Old" type 1 Mon, Ko-Kanei Tsuho '2 water ei' [二水]=(永), ND (1626, Kanei year 3). Ma-head Tong with long characters マ頭通長字 variety. 3.5g, 23.59mm, bronze. Fine condition. Very rare.

335) JAPAN TRADE DOLLAR 1876

2011-05-25T00:41:00.006+08:00

Meiji Emperor (1867-1912) silver trade Dollar, year 9th (1876). Dragon in circle, value, weight and fineness in English. Rv. Japanese BO EKI GIN (貿易銀) in Pawlonia and chrysanthemum wreath. Y.14. There are only three dates in this short-lived competitor to the U.S. trade dollar. Very scarce in any grade, rare in extremely fine or better. Extremely fine (ANACS AU-50)

334) USD

2011-05-20T16:36:00.003+08:00

Both are paper. The first one is (was) practical and realistic oriented, the second one is romantic oriented.

As a collector, both are nice although common.

333) REPUBLIC OF SOUTH PERU 8 REALES 1837, 1838

2011-05-19T23:29:00.004+08:00

Both are Republic of South Peru 8 Reales, 1837 and 1838. Each with ca. 27g, .9030 silver, .7859 oz. silver. The 1837 example (KM# 170.1) with the rev. legend 'FEDERACION', the 1838 example (KM# 170.4) rev. legend 'CONFEDERACION'. Both are Cuzco mint. Other rarer varieties exist. All reverse with volcano, castle, ship within wreath.

332) INA RETRO SERIES

2011-05-13T00:14:00.003+08:00

Interesting INA RETRO ISSUE.

Great Britain Double Florin 1893, Copper, Sterling Silver & Bronze Proofs set. Unlisted in Unusual World Coins, 5th Edition. The Silver piece weighs 22.4 grams.

Canada Dollar 1901: Copper, Sterling Silver & Bronze Proofs set. Listed in Unusual World Coins, 5th edition as X# M11b, M11 & M11a, respectively. 36mm diameter. Plain edged. Mintage: 550.

For Canada Dollar, only 1 gold specimen known (coin alignment), and another known in medal alignment.

Above coins look like sequence of athletic medals (Copper, Silver, Gold [Bronze]) ...

331) 1846 UE NUEVA GRANADA (COLOMBIA) GOLD 16 PESOS

2011-05-10T17:45:00.004+08:00

Colombia, Republic of Nueva Granada (1837-1859), 16 Pesos, 1846 UE. Mint: Popayan. 26.9g, 35mm, 0.8750 Gold, .7595 troy ounces actual gold weight. Fr-75; KM-94.2. Slight planchet lamination through the hair & behind portrait (as struck). Lightly circulated with no individual contacts requiring note. Hints of luster within the protection of the perimeter lettering. Very fine. Scarce.

See also Spanish Colombia 8 escudos 1801

330) U.S.S.R. 1987 5 TrOz GILLIO ISSUE GLASNOST RUSSIAN-AMERICAN PEACE & COOPERATION

2011-05-09T11:26:00.014+08:00

СССР (U.S.S.R.) ((Union of Soviet Socialist Republics)) medallic silver coinage, 5 Ounces, issuer American Bullion and Coin, 1987 Gillio Issue, struck at the Leningrad Mint. Subject: "Glasnost" Russian-American Peace and Cooperation. Reverse: Defense of Nature-Polar bears. 156.5g, 66mm, 90% Silver, 5.0247 troy ounces actual silver weight. Mintage: 10,000 units. X# MB1. Proof. Scarce.

KM Unusual World Coins price guide US$500 in 5th edition (2007), when silver spot price was US$12.5 ~ US$13.75 per troy ounce.

See also 1975 US/USSR Apollo-Soyuz Test Project medal.

329) 1960 US MINT PROOF SET

2011-05-08T14:12:00.003+08:00

328) BOLIVIA 1/2 MELGAREJO 1865 LONG BEARDS

2011-05-08T10:29:00.003+08:00

Bolivia, Melgarejo, 1/2 Melgarejo, 1865, 9.69g, 30.69mm, 0.666 silver, .2141 oz ASW, long beards variety, KM# 145.1. Good very fine.

See also copper pattern for this type, short beards variety.

327) SILVER QUARTER; OPINION ON SILVER (II)

2011-05-05T22:35:00.009+08:00

2 Barber quarter and all Washington silver quarter, most are brilliant uncirculated. Total intrinsic value 5.24436 oz actual silver weight.

The correction of silver is about 27% from peak [up to now, 5 May 2011 22:55 +0800] and it is still dropping, it is a good phenomenon and a very healthy correction. As discussed in 319 (24 April 2011), in my humble opinion, ideally silver should drops 30% to 45% (about US$35 to US$25 per ounce, hopefully lower). This correction provides a very good buying opportunity, and also avoid this metal become parabolic bubble.

I remember when i started purchasing silver as part of reserve, i.e. bullion bars, ETFs and silver coins with the price from only US$5 to US$6 per ounce and gradually it went to about US$20 per ounce during March 2008 then it corrected back to US$9.5 per ounce to US$10 per ounce, approximately 50% correction...then it was gradually and consistently rising until August 2010 with the price range from about US$16 to US$18. I believe that all were fundamentally driven. However, since September 2010, I do believe it was more on speculators driven rather than fundamentally. The terrible price rising was seen from February to April 2011, the situation was majority crowded with speculators. Now, as usual, luckily there was no parabolic bubble yet even silver was breaking new high, and silver price is going back to fundamentally. It is good for silver investors and coins / numismatics collectors.

326) KENNEDY HALF & SACAGAWEA $ SET

2011-05-04T16:30:00.006+08:00

12 Pieces Kennedy Half & Sacagawea Dollar Set in box. $9 face value.

325) CANADA SILVER MAPLE LEAF & USA SILVER EAGLES

2011-05-01T14:54:00.007+08:00

USA silver eagle and Canadian silver maple leaf, with another 1 unknown issuer bullion, all are 1 troy ounce bullion. Total 30 troy ounces fine silver here. It's difficult to take a good picture/scans for Canadian silver maple leaf bullion...at least to me.

324) THE BIRMINGHAM MINT - BRITANNIA SILVER MEDAL COINEX 1987

2011-04-29T13:10:00.005+08:00

The Birmingham Mint - British Numismatic Trade Association's Britannia Silver Medal Coinext 1987. Subject: 150th Anniversary of Coronation of Queen Victoria. Obv: Britannia seated on a rock with trident. Rev: 2 portraits of Queen Victoria, in Young head and Jubilee Head versions, within two facing cartouches below a crowned VR cypher. 162.27g, 65mm, .958 Silver, 5 Oz. ASW. Mintage: 500 units. X# MB1. Proof. Serial number#: 496. Very scarce.

323) REMINGTON ARMS 1816 FOUNDING 1 TROY OUNCE SILVER ROUND

2011-04-29T13:05:00.004+08:00

Commemorates the 1816 founding of Remington Arms by Eliphalet Remington, Proof, .999 Silver, 1 oz actual silver weight. Scrolled founder's initials reverse, fully frosted. Natural gold toning near the perimeters. Held in a clear holder inside a hard clamshell presentation box.

322) SAMOA 1974 SILVER PROOF SET

2011-04-26T08:31:00.001+08:00

Samoa 1974 proof set. A special all silver set of the regular issue coins made only in 1974. Every coin is silver. Actual silver content is 2.2187 troy ounces.

321) USA SILVER EAGLE IN SLEEVE 2003

2011-04-25T12:33:00.000+08:00

2003 American Silver Eagle in sleeve...