This week's featured highlight is a condition census example of a historically important issue from Kiangnan, struck at the Heaton Mint: Lot 60199 -Specimen 3.6 Candareens (5 Cents), ND (1897).

Commissioned in 1897, the Heaton Mint produced a series of six coins, five silver and one brass, as proposed patterns or trial strikes of the eventualadopted design for the Nanking Mint. A full set of dies and a small number of proofs were sent along with the minting equipment after completion. Upon arrival,the Nanking Mint began production using the supplied dies and other equipment.

The familiar design of the first struck series issued from the Nanking mint consists of an encircled dragon with outer legends "KIANG NANPROVINCE" and "3.6 CANDAREENS" separated by six-pointed stars as stops. The reverse displays the central inscription"光緖元寶" (Guāngxù yuánbǎo [Valuable Coin {of the} Kuang Hsu {era}]) with Manchu inscription in the verycenter meaning the same thing, all within a linked "S" border, top inscription "江南省造" (Jiāngnánshěng zào [Made in Jiangnan Province]) and bottom inscription "库平三分六釐" (Kù píngsān fēn liù lí [Indicating value by weight as Ku'ping 3 Cadareens 6 Li]). Each side displays an interesting curved denticle border nearthe rim.

This is a highly sought after and collected issue, especially as a specimen with a needle sharp strike, frosted devices and smooth flashy surfaces.Enhancing the appeal is a lovely combination of mottled pale rose and golden patina. Nearly flawless, this piece is tied with two other examples in this gradeat either NGC or PCGS, with none finer. The chance to acquire such a magnificent example may not occur again for many years.

To read the complete article, see:
Superb Gem Specimen 5 Cent to be Offered in the Stack's Bowersand Ponterio Hong Kong Auction (https://www.stacksbowers.com/News/Pages/Blogs.aspx?ArticleID=3286)