A very rare gold striking of the 1924 Chinese dollar will sell as the cover lot of Heritage Auctions' September 25-October 1 World and Ancient Coins Signature Auction, which will be held in Long Beach, California.
 Silver examples are common at auction, yet gold strikings are exceptionally rare |
An estimate for the coin has not yet been disclosed, but as the cover lot of the sale, it is undoubtedly expected to sell well.
The coin is a special commemorative issue, featuring President Tuan Chi-jui and celebrating the "peaceful reunification" of China. Tuan Chi-jui had just been restored to power and elected as chief executive of China, following conflict over leadership in the country.
Silver examples of the coin, while rare, are fairly common at auction. In 2011, a gem uncirculated specimen sold for $26,000 at Baldwin's. However, gold examples are far rarer and are hardly ever seen.
This example is in fantastic condition, and has been graded at MS62 by NGC. It is sharply struck with full mint brilliance, with only faint handling in the fields.
 There were just 101 examples of the 200,000 zloty ($63,000) coin produced |
With commemorative issues playing a large role in the sale, a Polish 200,000 zloty coin that was minted to mark Pope John Paul II's 1987 papal visit to America will also sell.
With a mintage of just 101, this gem proof cameo is accompanied by its original wooden issue case and a Polish certificate of authenticity.
Among British coins is a George IV proof £5 from 1826, a superb specimen with "superior eye-appeal". With mintage thought to be between 150 and 225 pieces, it is rare to find an example in this grade.
Two similarly graded examples sold for $38,000 and $44,000 at Heritage Auctions earlier in the year.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering an 1831 William IV proof crown, which shows both varieties of the type and is previously unrecorded.
