The following post is pulled from Coin World’s International page in the Aug. 18 issue.

Two coin shows held in Hong Kong each year bring thousands of collectors together, and related auctions consistently feature rare and historic Chinese and other Asian coins.

Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio’s Aug. 18 and 19 auction in Hong Kong precedes the Aug. 22 to 24 Hong Kong International Coin Convention.

Several lots showcased here reflect just some of the diversity and scope of items in the auction.

A digital catalog may be viewed at the firm's website and a print version may be ordered from the firm at 800-458-4646.

First Dragon dollar of China

Modernization came to Chinese coins around the same time as it affected the coins of Korea.

In 1887, the Kwantung Mint was authorized. Machinery, dies and other equipment was ordered from the Heaton Mint in Birmingham, England, arriving in China in 1888.

Kwangtung became the first Chinese mint to use modern technology.

The first coinage series included a silver dollar that was also denominated as 7 mace and 3 candareens. The dragon design on these coins became standard across all provinces, not just Kwangtung.

The series from circa 1889 to 1890 are dubbed the Seven Three Reversed Patterns, the “seven three” referencing the silver standard of 7 mace and 3 candareens, and the “reversed” reflecting the order of the English and Chinese legends, which are reversed from what later became standard.

The silver coins contained one candareen (0.01202 troy ounce) of metal greater than the coins they were intended to replace, the Mexican 8-real coin, so when circulation production began, many of the new coins were removed from circulation and melted.

This Extremely Fine 45 example graded by NGC is a rare survivor of the melt. It is estimated to realize $40,000 to $60,000 in U.S. funds.