The sale, which will be held on August 25 at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Kowloon, comprises 1064 lots of far eastern and world coins and banknotes (alongside a very unique war medal) many with exceptional provenance and of extreme rarity.
The Hong Kong Coin Auction group was started in 1986 by B H Lim of Taisei Singapore, Andre de Clermont and Daniel Fearon of Spink, London. Baldwin's was involved from Auction No 1 as both consignors and cataloguers.
Over the years the members of the group have changed several times and have included an American auction house and a Singapore coin dealer as well as the close co-operation of Japanese and other regional coin specialists.
Of the 50 auctions to date, twenty-two were held in Singapore, two in Tokyo and twenty-six in Hong Kong. In 1994 Spink broke their link with Taisei and handed the reins over to Baldwin's. Since then, thirty-two catalogues have carried the Baldwin name on the cover.
The biannual Hong Kong week has become a major international event devoted primarily to oriental numismatics. The International Coin Convention, which has always been central to the numismatic activity in the Orient, has grown and grown. The organisers now boast in excess of 120 tables and a waiting list of up to two years.
Auction highlights
Key lots in the sale include a number of Chinese Empire and General Issue banknotes. Among them is a Ming Dynasty (1366-1644): 1-Kuan, issued by Emperor Hong Wu, made of mulberry paper, and measuring 225mm x 343mm (P AA10).
One crease in lower left corner, otherwise about as made with perfect border and fabric, an exceptional example of this historical Chinese currency. It is estimated at US$55,000-65,000.
Also among the star lots are a number of Provincial Issue coins, among them a Silver Tael, Year 33 (1907) from the Chihli Province. It has three tiny dots arranged in a straight line on a fire-ball on its reverse. Weighing 37.3g, the very rare coin will be sold in a PCGS holder graded MS62. It is estimated at US$120,000-150,000.
"The result of these many years of auctions and the tens of thousands of coins and banknotes sold can be measured by the increased level of numismatic activity surrounding the Hong Kong coin show," said Edward Baldwin, Chairman of A.H. Baldwin & Sons Ltd.
"Where there was only one auction organised during the coin fair, there are now four, three organised by competitors. We are very proud of the arena that we have created, one that can only benefit the coin collector and add to the hobby. One thing that has not changed over 25 years is our commitment to numismatics."
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