The California-based auction house Stephen Album Rare Coins recently broke a company record after realizations at its latest sale reached $1.85 million US (nearly $2.5 million Cdn.), including buyer’s premium.
The auction’s total pre-sale estimate was $1.2 million US (about $1.6 million Cdn.).
The top-earning lot of the June 11-14 sale was a 1921 Chinese silver dollar that realized $130,900 (including buyer’s premium) as Lot 1448. Certified by Professional Coin Grading Service as About Uncirculated Details (with a “Graffiti” designation), the “Pavilion” $1 coin is hand-engraved with “DR. R. G. MILLS” on the reverse.
The dollar features Hsu Shih-chang, who was China’s president from 1918-22.
Ralph Garfield Mills, of Lincoln, Ill., was a professor of pathology and director of research at Severance Medical College from 1911-18 in Seoul, Korea. In 1918, Mills left Korea to join China’s new Peking Union Medical College in a similar role.
The Pavilion dollar was issued to commemorate Chinese President Hsu Shih-chang, who served in that role from 1918-22.
TOP CANADIAN LOT
The sale’s top-earning Canadian lot was a 1985 $50 Gold Maple Leaf bullion coin in Brilliant Uncirculated condition.
Offered as Lot 1930, it brought $1,904 US (about $2,500 Cdn.), including buyer’s premium, on an estimate of $1,600 US-$1,800 US.