PCGS SP 60 (t) CHINA. Silver Dollar Pattern, ND (1916).

PCGS SP 60 (t) CHINA. Silver Dollar Pattern, ND (1916). Tientsin Mint. Hung-hsien (Ho (t) CHINA. Silver Dollar Pattern, ND (1916). Tientsin Mint. Hung-hsien (Hongxian [Yuan Shih-kai]). PCGS SPECIMEN-60.L&M-942A; K-663B (same dies); KM-Y-332; cf. WS-0097 (for business strike dies); Wenchao-1103 (same dies). Variety with reeded edge and no signature. Though at first glance it would appear that this example is merely a representative from the always popular "flying dragon" issue of Yuan Shih-kais imperial Dollars, a closer look instead reveals that it is in fact an exceptional RARITY. The even, low plumage on the emperors shako, more pronounced spines on the dragons back, and some subtle differences in the calligraphy all point toward differing dies, with the satiny, more prooflike appearance to the surfaces aiding in the diagnosis that much more. As such, a tremendous opportunity for what undoubtedly served as a pattern or prototype for the emission, and one that absolutely does not present itself on the market with any degree of frequency. We have offered just one other example of this type, also a PSGC SPECIMEN-60, though displaying a fair number of hairlines in the fields, in our May 2021 Hong Kong auction (Lot # 50012). That specimen, emanating from the alluring Pinnacle Collection, pales in comparison to the present piece, as a slightly matte gunmetal gray and olive nature entertains the eye rather majestically.Ex: Liu Collection.