拍品描述： 陕西省造光绪元宝半套三钱六分等4枚 NGC SP 66

CHINA. Shensi. Heaton Mint at Birmingham Specimen Set, 1898.L&M-374, 375, 376 & 377; Kann-156, 157, 158 & 159; KM-Pn1, Pn2, Pn3 & Pn4; Sweeny-CN33p, CN34p, CN35p & CN36p; Chang Foundation-76, 77, 78 & 79; Wenchao-843, 844, 845 & 846 (all are listed as rarity five stars, the highest rarity given). Includes: 3 Mace 6 Candareens (50 Cents); 1 Mace 4.4 Candareens (20 Cents); 7.2 Candareens (10 Cents); and 3.6 Candareens (5 Cents). 4 pieces in lot.

Prior to receiving the imperial sanction to establish a mint, authorities from Shensi province contracted with the Heaton Mint at Birmingham to produce patterns for its intended coinage. The original order was received by the Heaton mint in 1898, and shipped to China in March of 1899 upon completion. Although samples of the new Heaton Mint patterns were presented to the provisional government, Shensi failed to gain court approval to establish a mint. This was most likely due to cut backs, the poor nature of the province, and the fact that the Hupeh Mint could fulfill most of the coinage needs of Shensi province. Although the Heaton Mint shipped machinery and dies to Shensi, these were undoubtedly reallocated to another mint (presumably Hupeh).

Ultimately Shensi province never received the imperial sanction to establish a mint, and hence the coins only exist today as patterns in specimen form. Although the exact number of sets minted is unknown, the estimated total number produced is only around ten sets. This integral set lacking only the dollar, offers collectors the rare opportunity to acquire the coinage of this highly sought after province.

An attractive and fully lustrous set, evenly matched with proof-like surfaces. Grades are as follows:
3 Mace 6 Candareens (50 Cents) NGC SP66
1 Mace 4.4 Candareens (20 Cents) NGC SP65
7.2 Candareens (10 Cents) NGC SP66
3.6 Candareens (5 Cents) NGC SP66
Wa She Wong Collection