On Wednesday, a collection of rare Tibetan Coins set Record Prices at Spink China. Many of the coins including some extremely rare coins surpassed their estimated values and achieved record prices.
The Tibetan coins are collection of Nicholas Rhodes who built a collection of coins, banknotes and stamps concentrated on the core areas of Tibet, Assam and Nepal. He is a founding member and Secretary General of the Oriental Numismatic Society.
Coin specialist Barbara Mears said: "I believe this is the first auction dedicated entirely to Tibetan coins. We knew it was a popular area for dedicated collectors but were not sure how well such a large offering would go. Rarities such as the 20th century pattern coins achieved record prices. This was due to the great regard with which Nicholas Rhodes was held among numismatic circles, but also to the efforts of the Spink team."
Lot 297: Tibet 10-Tam pattern.
Spink is also proud to be offering this noteworthy Tibetan coin issued in the time of the 13th Dalai Lama, undated (c.1910). Following independence the Tibetan Government started producing a large selection of silver and copper coins. This beautiful and rare coin was issued as a pattern for this series.
Ex. Gabrisch Collection, 2005
Price realised: HK$ 384,000.00
Lot 302: Tibet 10-Tam pattern 12.26g Undated but issued c1928-30. Ex. Halpert Collection, Spink, 2000.
From 1912 Tibetan coins usually feature a mythical beast know in Tibet as a Seng-ge. It represents the snowy ranges and glaciers of Tibet. The full name (seng-ge dka-rpo g.yu ral can) translates as "white lion(ess) with a turquoise mane." It symbolises power and strength and served as a unifying symbol for Tibetans during the modern era. In August Spink will be offering this eye-catching Tibetan coin, on which the depiction of the Seng-ge is particularly striking.
Price realised: HK$ 168,000.00
.jpg "Tibet Gold 20 Tam Srang 1918")
Lot 476: Tibet Gold 20 Tam Srang 15-55 (1918).
This denomination was only issued between 1918-21 and was struck in the Serkhang mint which was located near Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. One of the most desirable coins of the Tibetan series, year 55 is the rarest.
Price realised: HK$ 336,000.00
Nicholas Rhodes (1946-2011) was a celebrated British numismatist. He started collecting oriental coins in 1962, developing a particular interest in Himalayan coins. He was able to nurture this passion early in life, travelling to Nepal after leaving school and discovering the numismatic paradise of Kathmandu.
Nicholas Rhodes lectured extensively on numismatics, published over 200 articles and co-wrote eight books. He was Honorary Treasurer of the Royal Numismatic Society from 1973 to 2002, when he was elected Honorary Fellow. He was also a founding member and Secretary General of the Oriental Numismatic Society.
His collection of Tibetan coins was widely recognised as being one of the best that has ever gone to auction. It was a successful day not only for collectors, but for Spink's burgeoning Hong Kong office, which is building a swiftly growing calendar of similarly exciting events.
Source: Spink
On 24 September 2013, Spink London will be selling another one of Nicholas Rhodes eminent collections - coins of North East India.
