Baldwin's Celebrate the Year of the Dragon As people all over the world celebrate the beginning of a new and auspicious year, Baldwin’s prepare to join in the festivities with an auction dedicated to the Year of the Dragon. The auction, to be
News-Antique.com - Mar 05,2012 - As people all over the world celebrate the beginning of a new and auspicious year, Baldwin’s prepare to join in the festivities with an auction dedicated to the Year of the Dragon. The auction, to be held on the 5th April at The Holiday Inn, Kowloon, Hong Kong, comprises 1094 lots including a large selection of Chinese and Hong Kong banknotes, Sycee and world coins. It is said that the dragon brings with it four blessings from the east, wealth, virtue, harmony and longevity as well as good luck in business. Baldwin’s is hopeful that, on this occasion, the blessings will be brought from the west.
In the year that also sees Queen Elizabeth II celebrate her Jubilee it seems fitting that Baldwin’s are offering for sale a brilliant mint state 2012, Year of the Dragon, Gold Proof £1,000 (1 kilogram) coin, one of only 10 struck.
Lot 757 was minted by the Royal Mint and comes with a very propitious authenticity certificate No. 8. Pictured below in the original case of issue (which will be sold with the coin) this is one of only 10 coins and is the very first to be offered for sale by auction, anywhere in the world.
The coin is legal tender in Alderney, the third largest of the British Channel Islands. The obverse bears the acclaimed portrait of The Queen by Ian Rank-Broadley FRBS and its unique Dragon reverse has been created by the most senior engraver in the Royal Mint, Gordon Summers. This amazing item, which weighs in at 1005g, is struck in 0.999 Fine Gold and contains a kilo of pure gold. It therefore carries an impressive estimate of US$100,000-120,000.
It is believed that anyone who owns a symbol of this most revered mythical animal will be protected and kept safe. Lot 757 presents a unique opportunity to be the first person to also own a piece of future numismatic history.
For those looking for a more classic piece to mark the Year of the Dragon, the sale includes two beautiful dragon silver pattern dollars. Lots 464 and 465 are of different types but both very rare and uncirculated. Lot 464, a Central Mint at Tientsin , Hsuan Tung : Silver Pattern Dollar, Year 3, carries the image of the long whiskered dragon on the obverse and is estimated at US$18,000-22,000. Lot 465, also a Central Mint at Tientsin , Hsuan Tung : Silver Pattern Dollar, Year 3, carries the image of the short whiskered dragon but with the tail to the right, which makes it a very rare piece. This lot is estimated to sell for US15,000-20,000.
Lots 388-405, a selection of Chinese bronze mirrors depict an array of magical and mythical animals including tigers, snakes, phoenixes and birds as well as an array of auspicious beasts. In particular lot 392, a bronze mirror of the Han Dynasty, is decorated with four dragons surrounded by birds and clouds and estimated to sell for between US$2,000-2,500.
Lot 799, a Heaton Mint,
