拍品描述： 北洋造光绪22年壹圆 NGC AU-Details

CHINA. Chihli (Pei Yang Arsenal). Dollar, Year 22 (1896). NGC AU Details--Surface Hairlines.L&M-439; K-181; Y-65; Chang Foundation-pg.114#51; H. Chang-CH9; Wenchao-pg.401#606 (rarity four stars). This VERY RARE dollar struck in the 22nd year of Kuang Hsu represents the first year of issue for the Pei Yang Arsenal. During the mints first few years of operations, coinage denominations were assigned using the decimal system. It was not until the 25th year of Kuang Hsu (1899) that the mint would designate the denomination based on the 7 Mace 2 Candareens system as used by most mints. The dollar offered here represents the largest denomination produced by the mint at this time. According to contemporary Chinese customs reports the mintage for the 1897 dollar was only 3,000 pieces. Due to its low mintage and the early nature of its issue very few examples have survived, especially in nice condition. The original Pei Yang Arsenal mint was destroyed during the Boxer Rebellion only to be later rebuilt, eventually becoming the Tientsin mint which served as the main mint for all of China. In terms of overall condition this is one of the nicer year 22 dollars we have seen. All characters are well struck and fully present. Especially well struck dragon with bold whiskers and all of the scales sharp and defined. Cleaned at one time, this specimen has superior strike and reflective surfaces, both exceptional qualities usually not found with this type.NGC AU Details--Surface Hairlines.