A very rare gold commemorative coin from China’s Republic Era, Hsu Shih Chang Gold Dollar will be offered by Stack’s Bowers in their upcoming August Hong Kong Showcase Auction and Sale. This coin was struck in the tenth year of the Republic of China (1921). The coin commemorate the third year of Hsu Shih Chang, fifth president of the Republic of China.
The coin obverse show a portrait of Hsu Shih Chang in civilian clothing, facing three quarters left. The bust appears very regal and noble.
The coin reverse show an elaborate pavilion scene which shows four attendants filing up the steps into the building. To the left of the pavilion four Chinese characters are inscribed which read: “Benevolent Birthdays always continue”. The upper legend (also in Chinese) displays: “Chinese Republic, tenth year, ninth month”. Rosettes delineate the upper legend from the lower, and the lower three characters designate this as a “Commemorative Coin”.
Hsu Shih Chang commissioned the Tientsin Mint to strike souvenir silver coins with his image to commemorate the third year of his tenure as President. Limited number of the coins were struck in gold and presented to high officers of state. For Hsu Shih Chang Gold Dollar, two varieties exist, one with a lower inscription and rosettes and one without these items. The variety here is the type with the rosettes and lower legend. This coin bears a reeded edge, and is an excellent example of this rare type, having received a grade of Mint State – 63 from NGC.
Xu Shichang (Hsu Shih-chang) was President of the Republic of China (Beijing government) from October 10, 1918 to June 2, 1922, the longest presidency during the chaotic warlord era. As Yuan Shih-Kai’s closest friend and Premier (akin to Secretary of State) Hsu Shih Chang was integral to the early Republican government. Hsu resigned as Premier to protest Yuan Shih-Kai’s attempt to revive the monarchy and place himself as emperor. Once Yuan abandoned his Imperial ambition Hsu resumed his post as Premier.
Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio August Hong Kong Showcase Auction is still open for further consignments of Asian coins. For details please refer to the Events Calendar link at www.StacksBowers.com. To schedule an appointment, please call 800.458.4646.
