Description
This is a 1928 (YR17) CHINA KWEICHOW AUTO DOLLAR, L&M-609 – NGC VF DETAILS, HARSHLY CLEANED, RARE!. KM – Y-428, WS-1109, Two Blade Variety. One of the most popular issues in all of Chinese numismatics, this Auto Dollar (a 7 Mace 2 Candareens) is the first example of this rarity that we have ever owned. These were struck to commemorate the completion of the Kweichow (Guizhou) Provincial Highway, the first automobile road in the region. The design allegedly features Governor Zhou Xicheng’s personal automobile, the only one in the province at the time. The Kweichow province was a generally very small issuer of coins, making these very rare.
Strong demand for vintage Chinese material, and the very limited survival have sent prices soaring for these Auto Dollars. Recent sales have seen a PCGS EF-45 sell for $132,000, an NGC AU-50 sell for $168,000 and a PCGS EF Details Cleaned sell for over $25,000. The present example does have its issues. It has been cleaned in the past, and displays some wiping lines. However the cleaning is older, as gold and pastel blue toning have overlaid the surfaces over the past decades. The rims are crisp and bold, and aside for the central striking softness on the car that these all encounter, the details are evenly struck and strong for the assigned VF grade. One could even argue that the coin appears more XF. There are not truly distracting marks or scratches outside of typical circulation, and despite the cleaning, the piece generally faces up very nicely.
This is possibly the most key of key-date Chinese coins, and one destined for legendary status in the future. At under $20,000, this is perhaps the most affordable example of this otherwise unobtainable rarity that the current market will offer. We are virtually certain that it will be our only opportunity to offer one for a long, long time. Don’t miss out!
Our commitment is to provide you with quality coins and collectibles at the best possible prices. This piece is no exception. Please note, the coin and collectibles markets do fluctuate, and prices occasionally will change. In this rare circumstance, we will contact you first to verify your order.
