Tibetan Coins from the Nick Rhodes Collection by Spink and Son

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HK$500

THE NICHOLAS RHODES COLLECTION OF TIBETAN COINS

R 21 AUGUST 2013 HONG

9/F Malaysian Consulate Building, 50 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong www.spink.com

KONG

STAMPS COINS BANKNOTES MEDALS BONDS & SHARES AUTOGRAPHS BOOKS WINES

21 AUGUST 2013

HONG KONG

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SALE CALENDAR 2013 STAMPS 15/16 August 10 September 21 September 22 September 22 October 23 October 23 October 24 October 13 November 14 November 14 November 11 December

The Collector’s Series Sale British East Africa and Uganda - The Award Winning Collections of George T. Krieger Stamps and Covers of South East Asia The Japanese Occupation Issues of South East Asia Bermuda - Dr. the Hon. David J. Saul Collection The Award Winning “Medina” Collection of India Part III Important British Empire Revenues The J. B. Bloom Collection of South Africa The Collector’s Series Sale Mauritius Stamps and Postal History The “Lionheart” Collection of Great Britain and British Empire - Part II Great Britain Stamps and Postal History

New York London Singapore Singapore London London London London London London London London

144 13040 13030 13038 13045 13028 13041 13046 13043 13048 13049 13044

Tibetan Coins from the Nick Rhodes Collection The Collector’s Series Sale North East Indian Coins from the Nick Rhodes Collection Indian, Islamic, British and Anglo-Gallic Coins and Commemorative Medals World Coins and Commemorative Medals Ancient, British & Foreign Coins and Commemorative Medals

Hong Kong New York London London London London

13020 317 13019 13014 13039 13015

The Collector’s Series Sale World Banknotes The Ibrahim Salem Collection of African Banknotes Banknotes of Bermuda - Dr. the Hon. David J. Saul Collection World Banknotes

New York London London London London

317 13018 13037 13047 13034

Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria

London London

13002 13003

The Collector’s Series Sale Bonds and Share Certificates of the World

New York London

317 13017

The Collector’s Series Sale

New York

317

An Evening of Exceptional Wines

Singapore

SFW03

COINS 21 August 10/11 September 24 September 24/25 September 1 October 3 December

BANKNOTES 10/11 September 2/3 October 4 October 4 October 5 December

Directors Tim Hirsch Anthony Spink Auction & Client Management Team Miroslava Adusei-Poku Eleanor Ball Luca Borgo Rita Ariete John Winchcombe Harry Gladwin María Martínez Maurizio Schenini Finance Alison Bennet Marco Fiori Mina Bhagat Dennis Muriu Alison Kinnaird Billy Tumelty Dean Dowdall IT & Administration Berdia Qamarauli Attila Gyanyi Liz Cones Curlene Spencer Tom Robinson Cristina Dugoni Giacomo Canzi

MEDALS 25 July 21 November

BONDS AND SHARES 10/11 September 28 November

YOUR AMERICA TEAM (NEW YORK) AUTOGRAPHS Chairman Emeritus John Herzog Auction Administration and Marketing & Design Sonia Alves Luke Mitchell Finance & Administration Sam Qureshi Ingrid Qureshi Auctioneer Stephen Goldsmith

10/11 September

WINES 20 September

The above sale dates are subject to change

YOUR ASIA TEAM (HONG KONG - SINGAPORE) Vice Chairman Anna Lee Administration Amy Yung Newton Tsang Raymond Tat Gary Tan

Spink offers the following services: – VALUATIONS FOR INSURANCE AND PROBATE FOR INDIVIDUAL ITEMS OR WHOLE COLLECTIONS – – SALES ON A COMMISSION BASIS EITHER OF INDIVIDUAL PIECES OR WHOLE COLLECTIONS –

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YOUR SPINK TEAM FOR THIS SALE FOR YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SALE LOTS

Barbara Mears bmears@spink.com +44 207 563 4091/4000 (until 16 August 2013) +852 25 300 100 Anna Lee china@spink.com +852 25 300 100

AUCTION TEAM FOR YOUR BIDS, SALE RESULTS AND CATALOGUE REQUESTS

Amy Yung china@spink.com +852 25 300 100 fax +852 25 266 128 Miroslava Adusei-Poku auctionteam@spink.com +44 (0)20 7563 4020 fax +44 (0)20 7563 4037 (until 19 August 2013) FOR YOUR INTERNET BIDDING

Newton Tsang china@spink.com +852 25 300 100 FOR SHIPPING OF YOUR LOTS

Raymond Tat china@spink.com +852 25 300 100 FOR YOUR PAYMENT

china@spink.com +852 25 300 100 fax +852 25 266 128 Cataloguing by Wolfgang Bertsch, an expert in Tibetan coins and banknotes

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THE NICHOLAS RHODES COLLECTION COINS OF TIBET To include a selection of Tibetan Banknotes

21 August 2013 in Hong Kong and on

SALE LOCATION

YOUR SPINK TEAM FOR THIS SALE

SPINK CHINA 9/F Malaysian Consulate Building, 50 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong tel +852 25 300 100 fax +852 25 266 128

FOR YOUR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE SALE LOTS

SALE DETAILS Wednesday 21 August at 3.00 p.m. In sending commission bids or making enquiries, this sale should be referred to as TIBET - 13020

VIEWING OF LOTS Viewing at 69 Southampton Row, London: 1 August 2013 1.00 p.m. - 6.00 p.m. Thursday Any further viewing up to 7 August by appointment only

Barbara Mears bmears@spink.com +44 207 563 4091/4000 (until 16 August 2013) +852 25 300 100 Anna Lee china@spink.com +852 25 300 100

AUCTION TEAM FOR YOUR BIDS, SALE RESULTS AND CATALOGUE REQUESTS

Amy Yung china@spink.com +852 25 300 100 fax +852 25 266 128 Miroslava Adusei-Poku auctionteam@spink.com +44 (0)20 7563 4020 fax +44 (0)20 7563 4037 (until 19 August 2013)

Viewing at 50 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong: Monday 19 August 2013 10.00 a.m.- 6.00 p.m. Tuesday 20 August 2013 10.00 a.m.- 6.00 p.m.

FOR YOUR INTERNET BIDDING

To purchase a catalogue: email: catalogues@spink.com tel: +44 (0)20 7563 4005 fax: +44 (0)20 7563 4037 For more information about Spink services, forthcoming sales and sales results visit the Spink Website www.spink.com

FOR SHIPPING OF YOUR LOTS

Use this QR code to visit our online catalogue and leave commission bids. You can download the QR Code Reader for iPhone, Blackberry and Android from App Store on your smartphone

The Spink Environment Commitment: Paper from Sustainable Forests and Clean Ink For centuries Spink and its employees have been preserving and curating collectable items. We now wish to play a modest role in preserving our planet, as well as the heritage of collectables, so future generations may enjoy both. We insist that our printers source all paper used in the production of Spink catalogues from FSC registered suppliers (for further information on the FSC standard please visit fsc.org) and use non hazardous inks. We also insist they hold the environmental standard ISO 14001. Spink recycle all ecological material used on our premises and we would encourage you to recycle your catalogue once you have finished with it. Front Cover Illustrations: 302 Back Cover Illustration: 476

Newton Tsang china@spink.com +852 25 300 100

Raymond Tat china@spink.com +852 25 300 100 FOR YOUR PAYMENT

china@spink.com +852 25 300 100 fax +852 25 266 128 Cataloguing by Wolfgang Bertsch, an expert in Tibetan coins and banknotes

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THE NICHOLAS RHODES COLLECTION - COINS OF TIBET

Order of Sale WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST 2013 Commencing at 3.00 p.m. Lots

The Earliest Coins Struck by the Tibetans Nepalese Coins adapted for Tibet Sino-Tibetan Coins, issued under joint Chinese and Tibetan authority Kong Par Tangkas Tangkas with Ranjana Script Coins adapted with Bow and Arrow Chinese issues for Tibet: Sichuan Rupees Sichuan Rupees countermarked in Eastern Tibet The Gaden Tangkas Special Tangkas (“Monk Tangka”) Tibetan Pattern Coins 20th Century Sino-Tibetan Coins under Chinese Authority Other Coins in the name of Xuan Tong

1- 4 5 - 10 11 131 160 175 179 232 249 293 297 309 321

130 159 174 178 231 248 292 296 308 320 329

330 369 396 404 431 435 472 479 486 506 513

368 395 403 430 434 471 478 485 505 512 555

Break for Refreshments Coinage of the 13th Dalai Lama 3-Srang Silver Coins 1½-Srang Coins 10-Srang Coins 10-Srang Coins, issued by the Dugö Lekhung Copper Coins of the 20th Century 20-Tam Srang Gold Coins Coins struck by the Chinese Republic for Tibet Fantasy Coins Miscellaneous Tibetan Banknotes END OF SALE

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August 21, 2013 - HONG KONG

NICHOLAS RHODES (1946-2011)

Nicholas Rhodes was brought up in London. He started to collect coins from an early age and as a seven year old was first taken to AH Baldwin & Sons, receiving excellent guidance from the late Albert Baldwin. Nicholas was a scholar at Westminster School, where he co-authored his first numismatic publication on the Anglo-Saxon Coins in the school collection. In 1962, Nicholas started collecting oriental coins, particularly the coins of Nepal, which at this time presented the opportunity to build a meaningful collection and provided a fertile field for original research. On leaving school, he travelled overland to Nepal where he found a numismatistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paradise of Nepalese and Tibetan coins. Over the years he made many return journeys to India, Nepal and Bhutan, where he had a large number of friends and contacts. After a Mathematics degree from Trinity College Cambridge, Nicholas qualified as an actuary and continued in this capacity for the rest of his professional life, working for an international (re)insurance company. During this time he was successfully able to balance working life with his passion for the collection and study of coins, banknotes, books, stamps and postal history. His specialist interests embraced the currency of the whole Himalayan region from Kashmir to Ladakh in the west, through Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, to Assam and the Hindu states of north-east India. He also collected Chinese coins and in recent years developed an interest in the coinage of Acheh and Murshidabad. Nicholas wrote and lectured extensively on his numismatic interests, publishing in excess of 200 articles and co-authoring eight books. His book, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Coinage of Nepalâ&#x20AC;?, written in collaboration with the late Karl Gabrisch and Carlo Valdettaro, is the standard reference work for the series. In recent years he collaborated with SK Bose on a series of books on the coinage of the north-east Indian states. He retired at the age of 56 in order to focus on his academic interests, dividing his time principally between London and Kolkata.

John Rhodes

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Nicholas Rhodes and his Collection of Tibetan Coins Like most serious collectors, Nicholas started acquiring and studying coins at an early age. His lifelong passion for the coins of the Himalayas was ignited during an overland trip to and an extensive stay in Nepal in the 1960s, where he found that Kathmandu was one of the most fascinating places for a coin collector. Nicholas was fortunate to start collecting Tibetan and Nepalese coins at a time when unpublished coins or banknotes could still be found and the prices of even very rare pieces were affordable. He was therefore able to relatively quickly build a fine collection which formed the basis for studies which he started publishing in the 1970s. Nicholas was always interested in studying the historical context of the coins which he acquired. Guided by this interest and encouraged by his friend and fellow collector Carlo Valdettaro, with whom he corresponded and was in close contact from 1965 until Valdettaro’s death in 1988, Nicholas published articles in the field of Tibetan numismatics at a time when this discipline was still in its infancy. In this context one may mention the following important publications which have stood the test of time: “The Gaden Tangkas of Tibet”, “Tibetan Mints” and “The Development of Currency in Tibet”. Subsequently Nicholas started collecting the coins of other Himalayan states and regions, forming outstanding coin collections of Kashmir, Ladakh, Bhutan, Assam, Cooch Bihar, Tripura, Jaintiapur, Kachar and Manipur as well as various former Indian hill states. He published many pioneering articles and several important books on these areas and thus gained the reputation of being the world’s leading expert in the coinage of the Himalayas. While in the beginning of his collecting activities Nicholas could rely primarily on coin and curio dealers from Nepal and India, in later years he was able to enrich his collection of Tibetan coins by acquiring rare pieces in coin auctions, notably in those auctions which included the most outstanding collections to have come to the market to date, namely those of the American dentist and collector Wesley Halpert (1922-2010) (New York 2000 Spink) and the German veterinarian and collector Karl Gabrisch (1926-1995) (Hong Kong, 2005; Baldwin, Ma Tak Wo, Gillio, Monetarium). Nicholas had written the catalogue of both collections. Nicholas Rhodes was member of numerous numismatic and other societies. From 1977 until 2002 he was Honorary Treasurer of the Royal Numismatic Society (U.K.) and acted as Secretary General of the Oriental Numismatic Society from 1997 until his death. He was Founding Member, and for some time also Honorary Treasurer, of the Bhutan Society in U.K. Nicholas was also interested in Nepalese and Tibetan philately and as a member of the Nepal and Tibet Philatelic Study Circle published various articles on the philately of Tibet, Sikkim and the Darjeeling area in the journal of the study circle “Postal Himal”. The collection of Tibetan coins of Nicholas Rhodes which is being offered in this auction surpasses the two aforementioned collections both in terms of total size and in the number of rare and extremely rare coins being offered. I would like to point out a few highlights of the collection: – From the first silver coins struck in Tibet, one example of a beautifully designed silver tangka, referred to as “Shri Mangalam tangka”, and a rare variant of the tangka bearing Vartula script; – The Sino-Tibetan issues include a rare variant of a half sho, Qian Long 58th year, two variants of the very scarce and odd 61st year of Qian Long and a silver sho, dated to the second year of Jia Qing (a very rare coin which so far has never been offered in any auction), along with other rare silver sho issues of this ruler (years 4, 5 and 6); – Almost all the rare regular issues of the coinage issued between 1908 and 1954, the highlights being a 1 Srang dated 15-48 and a beautiful example of the 5 sho silver coin in the name of Xuan Tong; – In addition to the regular issues, the collection is very rich in rare Tibetan pattern coins, the most spectacular among these being an undated 10 Tam coin of ca. 1910, the heaviest silver coin which was ever struck in Tibet, and two further experimental pieces of 10 Tam which are equally rare, one of them being perhaps the most attractive coin ever struck in Tibet. In view of the fact that the supply of rare Tibetan coins coming directly from Lhasa or indirectly from Nepal or India has almost dried up in recent years, one may state without risking exaggeration that the collection of Tibetan coins being offered here presents a unique opportunity to acquire some of the rarest Tibetan coins and that it is doubtful whether such an opportunity will ever come up again during the lifetime of most of those numismatists who seriously collect Tibetan coins. Wolfgang Bertsch

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A Brief Introduction to the Coinage of Tibet Wolfgang Bertsch 1. Historical Overview Although Tibetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s main neighbours had their own coinage since time immemorial, in ancient Tibet the use of coins was very insignificant. Tibet had no locally struck coinage, however some coins from India, Nepal, Xinjiang and China had reached Tibet by way of trade or as donations to important monasteries. Some of these coins may have entered circulation, but did not develop into an important instrument for transactions in daily life, since almost all domestic and foreign trade was carried out by barter. Tibet had the highest trade volume with China, the main barter items being horses from north-eastern Tibet (Amdo) which were traded for Chinese tea. Tibet also exported medicinal herbs, stag antlers, musk and gold and imported silk cloth, porcelain and silver. The trade volume with Tibetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s southern neighbours, India, Nepal and Bhutan, was much smaller. The Tibetan traders mainly exchanged salt and wool for grain (including rice) with these countries. Traditionally one measure of salt was traded for one measure of grain at the border with Nepal and India. Other, less important export goods were yak tails, musk and live animals (goats and sheep). The export of falcons to India is also recorded during the 17th Century (Pennant, vol. I, 1798, p. 356). Gold dust, mostly tied up in small leather bags1, and Chinese silver ingots were used for large transactions within Tibet. These ingots came in different shapes, the most common brand resembling horse or donkey shoes, were named rta rmig ma in Tibetan. Marco Polo reports that red coral also served as currency in Tibet. For small transactions, various consumer goods which had about the same standard value among the majority of the Tibetans could be used. Among others, these were areca nuts, tobacco, ceremonial scarves (Khadag, Tibetan: kha btags) and tea (Gabrisch, 1990). The tea was usually traded in the form of bricks (Tibetan: ja sbag) and developed into the most important medium of exchange in the 19th Century when a regular coinage had already been introduced into Tibet (Bertsch, 2006). For very small purchases, cowries (small sea shells which were mainly procured in the Maldive Islands and reached Tibet and China via Bengal) and stone beads are also recorded as money for ancient Tibet (Xiao Huaiyuan, 1987). The first coinage extensively used in southern Tibet were silver coins supplied by the Nepalese Malla kingdoms and the first kings of the subsequent Shah dynasty from about 1640 until 1791 (Rhodes et alii, 1989). Tibet provided the silver for the striking of these coins and received coins at the same weight, the Nepalese reaping a handsome profit by alloying the pure silver with copper before the striking. Owing to a dispute between Nepal and Tibet regarding the fineness of the silver coins supplied by Nepal, the export of these coins was disrupted after the mid-eighteenth Century. In order to overcome the shortage of coins in Tibet at that time, the Tibetan Government started striking its own coins modelled on Nepalese prototypes. This occurred in 1763/64 (Martynov, 1965 and 1987; Rhodes, 1990; Bertsch & Gabrisch, 1986 and Gabrisch, 1999). The Nepalese tried to carry on the very lucrative coin business during the Shah dynasty, which had been established by King Prithvi Narayan Shah in the Kathmandu Valley in 1768. First the Nepalese supplied mohars (silver coins which weighed about 5.4 grams) of good silver, but wanted these to circulate at the rate of one new Mohar for two of the old adulterated silver coins struck by the Malla kings. This would have meant a tremendous loss for the Tibetan traders, and the Tibetan government did not accept these terms. The second Shah King who ruled from Kathmandu, Pratap Simha, supplied alloyed silver coins during the period 1775 until 1777. But when the Nepalese again tried to introduce coins of good silver to circulate at a considerable premium compared with the Malla and Pratap Simha coins, the Tibetans refused, trade between Nepal and Tibet was disrupted and Tibet again experimented with its own coinage in 1785 to mitigate the shortage of silver coins. In order to resume the profitable coin export on their own terms, the Nepalese invaded Tibet in 1788 and again in 1790/91. When the Tibetan government turned to China for help, an Imperial army was sent to Tibet and together with the Tibetan army drove out the Nepalese by autumn of 1792. The Chinese government took this opportunity to tighten their grip on Tibet and issued an Imperial edict which among other dispositions stipulated the introduction of a new silver coinage, struck in the name of Emperor Qian Long (Rhodes, 1990). At the same time, it was forbidden to import silver coins from Nepal. In order to temporarily solve the shortage of coins in Tibet when the Chinese army arrived in 1791, the Chinese had allowed the striking of the so-called Kong Par Tangkas, which were produced from alloyed silver and had a design copied from Nepalese prototypes. These tangkas, which were first produced in the Kongpo province and later in Lhasa, were the first massproduced silver coins of Tibet and had about the same weight as their Nepalese counterparts, i.e. about 5.2 grams (Bertsch, 2008). 7

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From 1793, new coins were struck in Lhasa from almost pure silver. These had both Tibetan and Chinese inscriptions. Meanwhile the striking of the Kong Par Tangkas continued through 1792 and early 1793. Both types of coins were authorised by the Chinese and struck under joint Chinese and Tibetan supervision, but they were not part of the Chinese currency system, as silver coinage was unknown in China during the 18th and early 19th Centuries (with the exception of Xinjiang province). In 1791 the Chinese authorities originally planned to cast copper cash coins in Tibet. Had this plan been carried out, the Tibetan coinage could have become part of the Chinese currency system, however the plan was abandoned, as it was found to be too expensive to transport copper from China to Tibet and cast cash coinage in Lhasa (Xiao Huaiyuan, 1987). Between 1792 and 1836 the Tibetan currency was largely determined by the Chinese government in consultation with Tibetan authorities and silver coins were struck to the sho (zho) standard (i.e. about 3.7 grams) in the denominations “half sho”, “sho” and “tangka” in the 57th and 58th year of Qian Long (AD 1792 and 1793). The coins of the 57th year were experimental pieces inscribed only in Tibetan, the issues of the 58th and subsequent years were inscribed with Chinese legends on obverse and with Tibetan legends on reverse. Only in the 58th year of Qian Long a fourth denomination, ¾ sho (= half tangka), was struck, although such an issue was not mentioned in the above mentioned Imperial edict. During the 59th year of Qian Long (1794) only very few half sho coins were struck along with one sho coins; the denominations ¾ sho and tangka were eliminated. A few silver coins of one sho were also struck in the 61st year of Qian Long (1796), who had abdicated towards the end of his 60th year in power. By the time the news of his abdication reached Lhasa, some silver coins of the 61st year had already been struck and released for circulation (Rhodes and Gabrisch, 1980). Further Sino-Tibetan silver coins of one sho were struck in the first six years of the Jia Qing era (1796-1801), as well as during the 8th and 9th year (1803-04) and during the last two years of this reign, the 24th and 25th year (1819-20). During the Dao Guang era which followed, silver coins were struck only in the first four years of this era (1821-24) and in the 15th and 16th year (1835-36). From 1840 until 1954, with Chinese influence weakening, the Tibetan Government decided on Tibet’s coinage system without much interference by the Chinese Government; the coins of this period had only Tibetan inscriptions and designs and made no reference to China. The only incident which interrupted the production of purely Tibetan coins occurred during the short period of 1909 and 1910, when the Tibetan Government struck copper and silver coins dated to the first year of the Xuan Tong era (1909) and in 1910 when the Chinese Amban (representative of the Imperial Chinese Government) in Lhasa had silver and copper coins struck with legends in Chinese and Tibetan; these are the only coins minted in Tibet which can be considered as being part of the Chinese currency system of this period. The only coin types which were produced in Lhasa between 1840 and 1908 were silver coins struck to the tangka standard of the newly created “Ganden Tangka” type (Rhodes, 1983) and of the earlier “Kong Par Tangka” type. After the aforementioned interruption of the purely Tibetan coin production towards the end of the Qing dynasty (1909/10), the Tibetan Government started producing a large selection of silver and copper coins in various denominations ranging from 2½ skar to 1 srang. Later, silver coins of higher denominations were introduced: 1½ and 3 srang (1933-1938 and 1946). From 1949 until 1952 coins with the denomination “10 srang” were struck which contained only about 10% of silver; this is the highest denomination coin released for regular circulation in Tibet. From 1918 until early 1921 gold coins of the denomination “20 tam srang” were struck in the Serkhang mint which was located near the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas, the Norbu Lingka. These gold coins did not circulate very much in Tibet and were mainly used for storing wealth or were exported to India where a good profit could be obtained (Gabrisch, 1990/1991). Silver coins of the “Gaden Tangka” design continued to be struck in the 20th Century in parallel with the various other denominations mentioned above. The last Tibetan silver coin of this design was produced in 1953/54; this was a special issue struck in fine silver for distribution to monks in the Lhasa area. These neatly machine struck coins were valued at five srang. From 1840 until 1932 Tibet’s coins were struck in different mints located in or near Lhasa by hand and later with water or man-powered locally made machines. Among the most important mints in the early 20th Century were one known by the name ´dod dpal (las khung) located in Shol, below the Potala, and one located about 12 kilometers north/northeast of Lhasa in the Dode (dog bde or dog de) valley (Rhodes, 1978). Another important mint was located in Trabshi (4 kilometers north of Lhasa on the way to Sera monastery). This mint was modernised in the early 1930s, and all the machinery from the other mints was subsequently transferred to this establishment, which operated as the only Tibetan Government mint from 1932 onwards. It had the official name Trabshi Lotrü Lekhung (grwa bzhi glog ´khrul las khung “Trabshi electric machine factory”). Coins were struck by machines imported from England and from British India, first on an experimental basis in 1928 and 1929 and then on a large scale from 1932 to 1938 and again from 1946 to 1954. The electric power for these machines was supplied by a hydro-electric power plant in the Dode valley which was set up between 1927 and 1928 with equipment imported from England in 1924.

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During the years 1955 to 1959 no more coins were struck, but paper notes of 100 srang were still printed. By the middle of 1959 the Chinese Government was introducing the Renminbi currency into Tibet. This was to replace the traditional Tibetan money and the dollars with the portrait of Yuan Shikai which the Chinese had introduced after 1951.

Interior of the Tibetan mint Trabshi Lekhung. Photographed by F. Williamson, August 31st, 1933.

2. Tibetan Currency Units Tibet had a dual, and therefore complicated, system of currency units. One was imported from Nepal, its basic unit being the “tangka” (also called “trangka” “tam” or “tamga”; equivalent to about 5.4 to 5.6 grams of alloyed silver); the other was imported from China, its basic unit being the “srang” (Chinese liang, equivalent to 37.3 grams of silver). These two systems were used in Tibet concurrently from about 1640 until 1959. The respective value was calculated as follows: 1 srang = 6⅔ tangkas 1 tangka = 1½ sho = 15 skar ½ tangka = 7½ skar 1 sho = ⅔ tangka = 10 skar The subdivisions of the srang were as follows: 1 srang = 10 sho = 100 skar 1 sho = 10 skar 1 srang was called srang gang 1 sho was called zho gang 2 sho were called zho do In the 18th and 19th Centuries only silver coins of the following units were struck: ½ sho ½ tangka = ¾ sho 1 sho 1 tangka The small units of ½ sho and ½ tangka were only struck for circulation in small numbers in 1793. There exist ½ sho coins, dated Qian Long 59 which are extremely rare and most probably have to be considered as patterns. 9

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In the 20th Century the following units were struck: Copper: ½ skar (skar che) 1 skar ⅛ sho ¼ sho 2½ skar (skar phyed gsum or kha gang) 5 skar (skar lnga) 7½ skar (skar phyed brgyad) 1 sho (zho gang) 3 sho (zho gsum) 5 sho (zho lnga) Silver or billon: 1 tangka 1 sho 2 sho 5 sho 1 srang (srang gang) 1½ srang (srang gang zho lnga) 3 srang 5 srang (in limited numbers; this coin was also struck in copper) 10 srang Gold: 20 srang (gser tam)

3. Dates on Tibetan Coins The Kong Par Tangkas and the coins which were struck during the 20th Century, excepting the Gaden Tangkas which are undated, are dated according to the Tibetan 60-year cycle which starts in 1026 when according to Tibetan tradition the Kalacakra Tantra (dus kyi ‘khor lo) became known in Tibet. The first year of the first cycle is equivalent to the Western Year 1027. The reckoning of years according to the 60 year cycles which goes back to Indian tradition was only established in Tibet in the 13th Century (Schuh, 1973, p. 143). Except for the Sino-Tibetan coins, the early undated tangkas of the 18th Century and the undated Gaden Tangka issues, all Tibetan coins are inscribed with the cycle and the year in which they were struck. Each cycle comprises of 60 years. The first year of the first cycle corresponds to the Western year AD 1027. In order to convert a cycle date of a Tibetan coin into a western date one can use the following formula: Example (1 srang coin, dated 15-43): rab byung 15 lo 43 means that 14 complete cycles plus 43 years of the 15th cycle have elapsed since the year 1026. This date can be converted as follows: (15 – 1)*60 + 43 + 1026 = AD 1909. One should be aware that the Tibetan year usually starts some time in February according to the Western calendar. Therefore the coin of the above example cannot have been struck as early as January 1909, but may have been struck as late as January or early February 1910. There exist 25 and 50 srang pattern coins which are dated according to rab lo which is short for rab byung lo. The rab lo simply counts the total number of years which have passed since 1026. These coins are dated rab-lo 925. This date is converted to the Western year on the 25 and 50 srang pattern coins, which are also inscribed with spyi lo 1951. By adding 1026 to 925 one arrives at the Western year 1951. There also exist 5 srang copper coins which may be patterns as well, which are dated rab lo 927 without indicating the equivalent Western year, which can be calculated as being 1953.

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The Sino-Tibetan coins are dated according to throne years of various imperial eras: Qian Long (58th, 59th, 60th and 61st year = 1793, 1794, 1795 and 1796); Jia Qing (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 8th, 9th, 24th and 25th year = 1796, 1797, 1798, 1799, 1800, 1801, 1803. 1804, 1819 and 1820); Dao Guang (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 15th and 16th year = 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1835 and 1836); and Xuan Tong (1st year = A.D. 1909).

Coin minting in the Dode Mint, located about 12 km north-east of Lhasa. From a film taken in ca.1930 by Sonam Wangfel Laden La. The coin press was most probably made by the British firm Taylor & Challen and imported by the Tibetan Government in the 1920s. The Tibetans extended the arms of the press with two tubes in order to improve the leverage.

Footnote: 1 For the last quarter of the 19th Century the use of gold dust tied up in little bags called sár-shu (gser shubs), weighing about 90 grains (1 grain = 0.064799 gram) is reported for southern Tibetan areas bordering on Kumaon. Cf. Atkinson, Edwin T.: Himalayan Gazetteer, vol. 1, part 1, Reprint, New Delhi 1973, p. 277 (Originally published in Allahabad, 1882). A member of the Younghusband expedition, which stayed in Lhasa in August 1904, reports that “little bags of gold dust” were still a form of Tibetan currency (O’Connor, 1940, p. 75). In 1813 Moorcoft describes similar bags filled with wash-gold dust as being imported from Hundes Desh (western Tibet) which he calls fitank and states that their weight is exactly 100 grains (i.e. 6.48 grams) (British Library, 1813).

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WEDNESDAY 21 AUGUST 2013 Commencing at 3.00 p.m. All Sales are subject to the Terms and Conditions for Buyers printed at the back of this catalogue Estimates The estimated selling price of each lot is printed below the lot description and does not include the Buyer’s Premium. Bidders should bear in mind that estimates are prepared well in advance of the sale and are not definitive. They are subject to revision.

THE EARLIEST COINS STRUCK BY THE TIBETANS

1 1

Tibet, Anonymous (1763/4 or 1785), vartula Tangka, 5.53g, the syllable “dza” in vartula-script repeated eight times on both sides, with eight-spoked wheel in centre, obverse with double central circle (YZM. 252; KM. C#5.1), in PCGS holder, graded XF45, very rare HK$15,000-20,000 (US$2,000-2,500) PROVENANCE: Ex. G.G.Richardson (June 1975) Only three specimens of this variety are known, including one in the “Kunsthistorisches Museum” in Vienna. On both sides the inscription represents eight times the syllable “dza” in vartula-script (equivalent to the syllable “ja” in Sanskrit). “ja” may be short for jaya (victorious). Together with the wheel with eight spokes in the centre the meaning would be “victorious wheel”, referring to the teaching of the Buddha or more specifically to the dharma cakra (Tibetan chos ‘khor), the wheel of religion which according to Buddhist tradition was set in motion by Buddha in the deer park of Sarnath, near varanasi (Benares). Chinese sources report that the first coins were struck in Tibet in 1763/4 and in 1785 and this coin has been been tentatively attributed to the years 1763/4, 1785 or to the early 19th Century (Martynov, A. S.: “O pervych chekankakh monety v Tibete” Kratkie Soobshcheniia Akademia Nauk SSSR, Institut Narodoz Azji, no. 69, Moscow, 1965, p. 197-202). The attribution of this Tangka to 1763/4 (first Demo Tulku Regent) was favoured by Nicholas Rhodes (see “The first coins struck in Tibet”, Tibet Journal, vol. 15, no. 4, Dharamsala 1990, p. 56-63). The present cataloguer suggested an attribution to the regency of the second Demo Tulku in the early 19th Century, since the syllable “dza” in vartula-script on the coin is very similar to the one which was engraved on the upper margin of the seal of the second Demo Tulku when he took office in AD 1811 (see Bertsch, Wolfgang: “Some Difficulties in Dating an Early Tibetan Coin,” Numismatics International Bulletin (NIB), vol. 25, no. 8, Dallas, August 1990, p. 184-185 and Bertsch, Wolfgang and Gabrisch, Karl: “Some varieties of Tibet’s First Struck Coins,” NIB, vol. 20, no. 6, Dallas, June 1986, p. 125-128).

Tibet, Anonymous (1763/4 or 1785), vartula Tangka, 5.42g, the syllable “dza” in vartula-script repeated eight times, with eight-spoked wheel in centre, both sides with double central circle (YZM. 253; KM. C#5.3), in PCGS holder, graded XF40, very rare HK$15,000-20,000 (US$2,000-2,500) PROVENANCE: Ex. Karl Gabrisch Collection, Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd, Ma Tak Wo Numismatic Co. Ltd, Monetarium (S) Pte Ltd and Ronald G. Gillio Auction, Hong Kong, 1 September 2005, lot 134. This sale included the Nepalese and Tibetan coins of the collection of Karl Gabrisch. The only known specimen in private hands. One similar piece is in the coin cabinet of the “Kunsthistorisches Museum” in Vienna. WWW.SPINK.COM

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Tibet, Anonymous (1763/4 or 1785), Shri Mangalam Tangka, 5.36g, quatrefoil within a square frame, with small central circle in centre and bead within each petal and between the petals, this within a design of four lozenge-shaped hexagons each containing two floral motifs made up of eight beads and one of the syllables of the legend shri mam ga lam, plain circle with beads around, rev. eight-petalled flower with a bead in central circle and beads between each petal, these within a circular border to which eight petals are attached, each containing one of the syllables of the reverse legend dga’ ldan phyo(gs) las rnam par rgyal ba, short arrows between the upper part of the petals with a plain circle of beads around (YZM. 259 this coin; KM. C#10.1?), in PCGS holder, graded XF40, extremely rare HK$30,000-40,000 (US$4,000-5,000) PROVENANCE: Ex. Karl Gabrisch Collection, Baldwin, Ma Tak Wo, Monetarium & Gillio Auction, Hong Kong, 1 September 2005, lot 136. This Tangka is known as “Shri Mangalam Tangka” owing to its obverse inscription which is “shri mam ga lam”, a Sanskrit term meaning “Good luck”. The reverse inscription: “dga’ ldan phyo(gs) las rnam par rgyal ba” (“Gaden [Palace] completely victorious in all directions”) is a reference to the form of Tibetan Government which was established by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1642. The central part of the reverse has a flower with eight petals which can also be interpreted as representing the eight spokes of the dharma cakra, the Buddhist “wheel of religion” or “wheel of law.” Most of the design elements on this coin were copied from Nepalese coins of the Malla period. The obverse is a very close copy of an undated Mohar in the name of Mahipatendra Malla which was struck in about 1669 (RGV 266). This undated coin has been ascribed to the years 1763/4 or 1785.

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Tibet, Anonymous (1763/4 or 1785), Su Cakra Vijaya Tangka, 5.0g, inscription in Tibetan Seal Script su cakra vijaya within a wheel with eight diamond-shaped spokes, the diamonds not joined to the brackets either side (YZM. 255; KM. C#A10), very fine and rare HK$11,000-14,000 (US$1,500-2,000) This Tangka is referred to as “Su cakra vijaya”-Tangka, according to the inscription which appears in the centre of both obverse and reverse in Tibetan Seal Script (Tibetan: “hor yig”). These Sanskrit words have the meaning “Victorious wheel”. The design of the coin represents the dharma cakra (Tibetan chos ‘khor, “wheel of law” or “wheel of religion”) which has eight spokes, referring to the “eightfold path” an important element of the teachings of the Buddha. This undated coin has been ascribed to the years 1763/4 or 1785

NEPALESE COINS ADAPTED FOR TIBET

6 5 5

Nepal for Tibet, Jaya Prakash Malla, Mohar, 5.27g, NS 856 (AD 1736), Half-Mohar, 3.30g, within central circle trident and legend in four lines: shri 2 ja/ya pra/ka sha/ma lla, eight Buddhist auspicious symbols between inner and outer circle, rev. garlanded sword and legend in five lines within octagonal frame: shri2/ma hi/pa te/ndra ma lla/856, surrounded by eight lotus leaves containing legend (starting at 12 o’clock and reading clockwise): Nepales vara rajendra (RGV 327), about fine (2)

HK$600-800 (US$80-100)

Large quantities of these alloyed silver coins (ca. 66% silver) were exported to Tibet where many of them were cut in order to obtain small change. The Half-Mohurs circulated at the value of 7½-Skar. 6

Nepal for Tibet, Ranjit Malla cut Half-Mohar, 2.76g, NS 842 (AD 1722) legend (only partly visible; within cartouche): Shri, shri jaya ra na ji ta ma lla de va 842, damaru (double drum) above and pseudo-script on either side of the cartouche, rev. trident with ribbon in centre, surrounded by circle; sword and garland (not visible) and pseudo-script between central circle and outer circle of beads (RGV 564 for whole coin), very fine. Huge quantities of this coin type from Bhadgaon were exported to Tibet where they were referred to as nag tam (black Tangka), since owing to their low silver content they turned black with use. This half coin circulated as 7½-Skar coin and has not further been cut down. Since this Mohar does not feature eight fleurets like most other mohars exported by Nepal to Tibet, it was not very suitable for cutting into fractions and is therefore seldom found in the form of cut pieces. WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

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Nepal for Tibet, Pratap Simha, cut fractional Mohars (2), 1.46g and 1.50g, the first in the shape of half moon with five fleurets represents 1-Sho, the second with three fleurets, dated SE 1697 (AD 1755), represents 5-Skar or Half-Sho (YZM -; KM -), very fine (2)

HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

In these examples the first has been halved and then further trimmed around the edge and the middle part cut out, leaving the design of the five fleurets (petals) intact. The second fraction has been cut once and then further reduced in size, by cutting off two corners. The silver parts which were cut off after dividing the mohars were kept by the silver smith as payment for his work. The fractions which were the result of a simple cut and were not further trimmed most probably had the same value as those which had further parts cut away. What counted in order to establish the value of a fragment was the number of fleurets. Three fleurets indicated a piece worth 5-Skar, 4 fleurets a piece worth 7½-Skar and 5 fleurets a piece worth one sho. The whole Mohar which was equal to one Tibetan Tangka was called gchod tam which means “Tangka for cutting” (see next lot no. 8 for a whole Mohar). The Chinese numismatist Wang Haiyan argued that the fragments were assigned different values according to how much they were trimmed after the first division of the Mohar (Wang Haiyan: “Qing dai zai xi zang liu tong de jian sui de ni bo er yin bi” (“The Cut Nepalese Silver Coins Circulated during the Qing Dynasty”). Wen Wu, 1985, issue 11, pp. 92-95). Nicholas Rhodes and the cataloguer have doubts about this assumption, arguing that such a complicated system would have been impractible in the markets (Bertsch, Wolfgang and Rhodes, Nicholas: “The Use of Cut Coins in Tibet”. Tibet Journal, vol. 35, no. 3, autumn 2010, p. 19-40). The journalist Perceval Landon gives a vivid description of how the cut Mohars were used in the market which the Tibetans had set up in August 1904 near the Lhasa camp of the Younghusband Mission: “I was pleased to watch Sikhs and Pathans cheerfully haggling for some coveted sugar plum, sitting down on their heels for half-an-hour to cheapen it an anna, and then, after they had made their bargain, looking a bewildered way at the little irregularly shaped scraps of silver which the voluble Tibetaness had given them in change. For in Lhasa a ‘Tangka’ has a hole gouged in the middle, has its corners filed off, and is then cut across the middle without ceasing to be legal tender” (Landon, Perceval: The Opening of Tibet. An Account of Lhasa and the Country and People of Central Tibet and of the Progress of the Mission sent there by the English Government in the year 1903-04. New York, 1906, p. 370). 8

Nepal for Tibet, Pratap Simha, Mohar, 5.45g, NS 1697, cut fractional Mohars (3) (3.83g, 2.72g and 1.75g), representing the value of 1-Sho (5 petals), 7½-Skar (four petals) and 5-Skar (3 petals) of the same ruler and same date, legend within square: Shri shri shri Pra-/tapa/si-mha/saha deva, date 1697 below, rev. legend: sri sri sri Gorakhanatha (placed in the eight petals) and sri sri Guhyesh vari (within central circle) very fine (4) The fragments are cut in a straight line and are not further trimmed.

HK$750-950 (US$100-120)

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Nepal for Tibet, Pratap Simha, cut fractional Mohars (3) (2.85g, 2.34g and 1.79g), NS 16??, the larger piece with five petals (1-Sho), the second with four petals (7½-Skar), the smaller piece with three petals (5-Skar), all cut straight across, the second with corners also removed, very fine (3)

HK$500-750 (US$70-100)

Nepal for Tibet, Pratap Simha, cut fractional Mohars (3) (2.04g, 1.10g and 0.84g), NS 16??, the larger piece with five petals (1-Sho), the second with four petals (7½-Skar), the smaller piece with three petals (5-Skar), all trimmed around the edge with central parts cut out, the second with corners also removed, very fine (3)

HK$500-750 (US$70-100)

SINO-TIBETAN COINS, ISSUED UNDER JOINT CHINESE AND TIBETAN AUTHORITY The Sino Tibetan coins in the name of Qian Long have the following obverse inscription (reads crosswise, up to down and right to left): qian long bao zang (Tibet money of Qian Long). The reverse legend is a Tibetan transcription of the Chinese legend and reads crosswise: chan lung pa ’u gtsang. Apart from the inscription all the coins of the Qian Long and Dao Guang era and most of the issues of the Jia Qing era bear four design elements on both sides which can be interpreted as “lion’s snout”, stylised clouds or as lingzhi mushrooms (Ganoderma Lucidum). Normally Sino-Tibetan coins of the Qian Long, Jia Qing and Dao Guang eras are struck in medal alignment.

11 11

Tibet, Qian Long (1735-96), Tangka, 5.60g, 58th year, large size (diameter c.29mm), 32 beads, divided into four groups of eight beads on both sides, date reads clockwise, starting at 9 o’clock near the rim: nian wu shi ba (year fifty eight), rev. Tibetan date reads clockwise, starting at 12 o’clock near the rim: lnga bcu nga brgyad (fifty-eight) (YZM 7178; KM. C#73), very fine and rare, seldom found in such a superb condition Tibet, Qian Long, Tangka, 5.61g, 58th year, small size (diameter c.27mm), 24 beads, divided into four groups of six beads on both sides (YZM 67-70; KM. C#73.1), about very fine and rare

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HK$7,500-10,000 (US$1,000-1,300)

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Tibet, Qian Long, Tangka, 5.04g, 58th year, small size (diameter c.27mm), 24 beads, divided into four groups of six beads on both sides (YZM 67-70; KM. C#73.1), fine and rare Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.71g, 58th year, very small size (diameter c.24mm), 24 beads divided into four groups of 6 beads, rev. 28 beads, divided into four groups of seven beads, reverse die struck in inverted position in relation to the obverse die (YZM -; KM. C#72.1 var; LM 638 var), very fine and very rare in this size Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.74g, 58th year, small size (diameter c.24mm), 24 beads, divided into four groups of six beads on both sides (YZM 54-57; KM. C#72.1; LM 638), in PCGS holder, very fine and scarce

HK$7,500-10,000 (US$1,000-1,300)

16 16

Tibet, Qian Long, ¾-Sho (Half-Tangka), 2.57g, 58th year, four groups of six beads on both sides (YZM 52; KM. C#66.1; LM 638A), very fine and rare HK$23,000-30,000 (US$3,000-4,000)

Tibet, Qian Long, ½-Sho, 1.87g, 58th year, 24 beads, rev. 20 beads (YZM -; KM. C#71 var; LM 638B var), a loop has been removed, in PCGS holder, very rare with this bead combination, good very fine HK$38,000-42,000 (US$5,000-6,000) PROVENANCE: Ex Wesley Halpert collection Spink, New York, 11 December 2000, lot 89.

Tibet, Qian Long, ½-Sho, 1.94g, 58th year, 24 beads on both sides (YZM 47-51; KM. C#71; LM 638B), very fine and rare HK$23,000-30,000 (US$3,000-4,000)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.99g, 58th year, large variety (c.26-27mm), 32 beads on both sides, divided into four groups of eight beads (YZM 47-51; KM. C#72; LM 636), some edge weakness, very fine

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.78g, 58th year, large variety (c.26-27mm), 32 beads on both sides, divided into four groups of eight beads (YZM 47-51; KM. C#72; LM 636), very fine

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

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HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.48g, 58th year, large variety (26-27mm), 32 beads on both sides, divided into four groups of eight beads (YZM 47-51; KM. C#72; LM 636), scratched both sides, fine

HK$3,000-4,000 (US$350-550)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.77g, 58th year, small variety (c.25mm), 32 beads on both sides, divided into four groups of eight beads (YZM 47-51; KM. C#72; LM 636), fine

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.67g, 58th year, 32 beads on both sides, divided into four groups of eight beads (YZM 47-51; KM. C#72; LM 636), one obverse scratch, about very fine

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 58th year, large variety (26-27mm), 32 beads on both sides, divided into four groups of seven beads, rev. modern countermark punched with a Tibetan iron seal, reading nor bu (“Jewel”) (YZM 47-51; KM. C#72; LM 636), very fine

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 59th year, large variety (26-27mm), 32 beads on both sides, date reads clockwise, starting at 9 o’ clock near the rim: nian wu shi jiu (year fifty nine), rev. Tibetan date reads clockwise, starting at 12 o’clock near the rim: lnga bcu nga dgu (fifty nine) (YZM 80-83; KM. C#72; LM 638B), very fine. Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.33g, 59th year, large variety (26-27mm), 32 beads on both sides (YZM 80-83; KM. C#72; LM 638B), fine Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.33g, 59th year, large variety (26-27mm), 32 beads on both sides (YZM 80-83; KM. C#72; LM 638B), fine WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.54g, 58th year, small variety (c.25mm), 32 beads on both sides, divided into four groups of eight beads (YZM 47-51; KM. C#72; LM 636), very fine

27 27

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.22g, 58th year, large variety (c.26-27mm), 32 beads on both sides, divided into four groups of eight beads (YZM 47-51; KM. C#72; LM 636), fine

24 24

HK$1,500-2,000 (US$200-250)

HK$6,000-8,000 (US$750-1,000) HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750) HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

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Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.74g, 59th year, small variety (c.25mm), 32 beads on both sides (YZM 80-83; KM. C#72; LM 638B), very fine

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.24g, 59th year, small variety (c.25mm), 28 beads on both sides (YZM 85-88; KM. C#72; LM 638B), reverse planchet crack, with some weak areas, fine

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 59th year, large variety (26-27mm), 28 beads on both sides (YZM 85-88; KM. C#72; LM 638B), very fine

33 33

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.58g, 59th year, large variety (26-27mm), 28 beads on both sides (YZM 85-88; KM. C#72; LM 638B), planchet crack on reverse, fine Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 2.91g, 59th year, smallest variety for this type (c.24mm), 28 beads on both sides (YZM 85-88; KM. C#72; LM 638B), fine

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650) HK$7,500-10,000 (US$1,000-1,300)

The coin is outside the usual weight range and size for this type, but appears to be genuine. 35

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.96g, 59th year, large variety (26-27mm), 28 beads on both sides (YZM 85-88; KM. C#72; LM 638B), very fine/extremely fine

36 36

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.57g, 60th year, 30 beads, divided into two groups of seven and one group of 16 beads, date reads clockwise near the rim, starting at 9 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock: nian liu shi (year sixty), rev. 28 beads, divided into four groups of seven beads, Tibetan date reads clockwise near the rim, starting at 12 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock: dgu cu tham pa (sixtieth) (YZM 92104 var; KM. C#72 var; LM -), very fine Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.81g, 60th year, 30 beads, divided into two groups of seven and one group of 16 beads, rev. 28 beads, divided into four groups of seven beads (YZM 92-104; KM. C#72; LM -), good very fine Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.95g, 60th year, 30 beads, divided into two groups of seven and one group of 16 beads, rev. 28 beads, divided into four groups of seven beads (YZM 92-104; KM. C#72; LM -), with some coloured paste on obverse, about very fine 19

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

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Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.72g, 60th year, 30 beads, divided into two groups of seven and one group of 16 beads, rev. 28 beads, divided into four groups of seven beads (YZM 92-104; KM. C#72; LM -), very fine

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.56g, 60th year, 30 beads, divided into two groups of seven and one group of 16 beads, rev. 28 beads, divided into four groups of seven beads (YZM 92-104; KM. C#72; LM -), reverse planchet crack, good fine

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.75g, 60th year, 30 beads, divided into two groups of seven and one group of 16 beads, rev. 28 beads, divided into four groups of seven beads (YZM 92-104; KM. C#72; LM -), very fine

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.44g, 60th year, large variety (27mm), 24 beads, divided into two groups of six and one group of 12 beads, rev. 24 beads, divided into four groups of six beads (YZM 105-115; KM. C#72.2; LM 640), loop removed from edge, fine Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.97g, 60th year, large variety (27mm), 24 beads, divided into two groups of six and one group of 12 beads, rev. 24 beads, divided into four groups of six beads (YZM 105-115; KM. C#72.2; LM 640), very fine Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.69g, 60th year, large variety (27mm), 24 beads, divided into two groups of six and one group of 12 beads, rev. 24 beads, divided into four groups of six beads (YZM 105-115; KM. C#72.2; LM 640), very fine WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.62g, 60th year, 30 beads, divided into two groups of seven and one group of 16 beads, rev. 28 beads, divided into four groups of seven beads (YZM 92-104; KM. C#72; LM -), about very fine

44 44

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.05g, 60th year, 30 beads, divided into two groups of seven and one group of 16 beads, rev. 28 beads, divided into four groups of seven beads (YZM 92-104, KM. C#72, LM -), fine

42 42

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-650)

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48 (x1.5) 47

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.62g, 60th year, large variety (28mm), 24 beads, divided into two groups of six and one group of 12 beads, rev. 24 beads, divided into four groups of six beads (YZM 105-115; KM. C#72.2; LM 640), very fine

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.49g, 61st year, 24 beads on both sides, date reads clockwise, starting at 9 o’clock near the rim: nian liu shi yi (year sixty-one), rev. Tibetan date reads clockwise, starting at 12 o’clock near the rim: dgu cu re gcig (sixty-one) (YZM 116; KM. C#72.2; LM 640A var), in PCGS holder, graded XF 45, very fine and very rare HK$23,000-30,000 (US$3,000-4,000) The Qian Long Emperor abdicated in favour of his son at the end of the 60th year of his reign. By the time the news about his abdication reached Lhasa, the mint had started to produce coins with the date 61 (Rhodes, 1975). The rare Sino-Tibetan coins of Qian Long, 61st year, form the subject of the short story “Vagabond Spirit” by the Chinese author Ma Yuan (born in 1953). See Ma Yuan: Ballad of the Himalaya: stories of Tibet, translated by Herbert J. Batt, MerwinAsia Publishing, Portland, Me., 2011. See also: http://merwinasia.com/Reviews/balad_of_the_himalayas_excerpts.php

49 49 (x1.5) 49

Tibet, Qian Long, 1-Sho, 3.74g, 61st year, 36 beads on both sides, date reads clockwise, starting at 9 o’clock near the rim: nian liu shi yi (year sixty-one), rev. Tibetan date reads clockwise, starting at 12 o’clock near the rim: dgu cu re gcig (sixty-one) (YZM 117; KM. C#72.2; LM 640A), in PCGS holder, graded XF, very fine and very rare HK$23,000-30,000 (US$3,000-4,000)

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50 50

Tibet, Jia Qing (1796-1820), 1-Sho, 3.69g, 1st year, date near the rim: nian yuan (first year), the first character at 6 o’clock, the second at 12 o’clock), rev. Tibetan date: dang po (first), the first character at 12 o’clock and the second at 6 o’clock (YZM 120, 121 and 124-125; KM. C# 83.1; LM 641 var), very fine and scarce

HK$6,000-9,000 (US$800-1,000)

The Sino Tibetan coins in the name of Jia Qing have the following obverse inscription (reads crosswise, up to down and right to left): jia qing bao zang (Tibet money of Jia Qing). The reverse legend is a Tibetan transcription of the Chinese legend and reads crosswise: bca’ ‘chin pa ’u gtsang. 51

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.71g, 1st year, legends as before (YZM 120,121 and 124-125; KM. C# 83.1; LM 641 var), small obverse flan crack at 11 o’clock, about very fine, scarce

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

52 (x1.5) 52

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.73g, 2nd year, date near the rim: nian er (second year), the first character at 9 o’clock, the second at 3 o’clock), rev. Tibetan date: gnyis pa (second), the first character at 12 o’clock and the second at 6 o’clock (YZM 126; KM. C#83.1; LM 641A; Wang Chun Li, WS0211, this coin), in PCGS holder, graded XF45, extremely rare HK$75,000-100,000 (US$10,000-15,000) Out of three known specimens this is by far the finest in existence.

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53 (x1.5) 53

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.64g, 4th year, date near the rim: nian si (fourth year), the first character at 6 o’clock, the second at 12 o’clock), rev. Tibetan date: bzhi pa (fourth), the first character at 12 o’clock and the second at 6 o’clock (YZM 128; KM. C#83.1; LM 641B), in PCGS holder, graded XF45, very rare HK$60,000-75,000 (US$8,000-10,000) PROVENANCE: Ex. Wesley Halpert collection, Spink, New York, 11 December 2000, lot 95. At that time one of only four known. The coins with the rare dates 4, 5 and 6 of the Jia Qing era were first published by Bertsch, Wolfgang, Gabrisch, Karl and Rhodes, Nicholas: “A Study of Sino-Tibetan Coins of the Chia Ch’ing Era.” Journal of East Asian Numismatics, vol. 2, no. 4, Summer 1995, p. 23-34. Apart from the rare coins in the Rhodes collection a Half-Sho and a Sho of year 3 and a Half-Sho of year 6 of the Jia Qing era exist.

54 54 (x1.5) 54

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.43g, 5th year, date near the rim: nian wu (fifth year), the first character at 6 o’clock, the second at 12 o’clock), rev. Tibetan date: lnga pa (fifth), the first character at 12 o’clock and the second at 6 o’clock (YZM 129; KM. C#83.1; LM 641C), in PCGS holder, very fine and very rare HK$60,000-75,000 (US$8,000-10,000)

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Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.58g, 6th year, date near the rim: nian liu (sixth year), the first character at 9 o’clock, the second at 3 o’clock), rev. Tibetan legend ca’ chin/’khri bzhugs (Jia Qing throne honorable) in three lines in the centre flanked by two columns of Manchurian script: menggun/ningun (“silver money/six”), reading the left column of script first, Tibetan date near the rim: gung lo drug pa (honourable year sixth), the first character at 12 o’clock, the second at 9 o’clock, the third at 3 o’clock and the last at 6 o’clock (YZM 132; KM. C#85; LM 641D), in PCGS holder, graded VF30, fine and very rare HK$45,000-60,000 (US$6,000-8,000) PROVENANCE: Ex. Wesley Halpert collection, Spink, New York, 11 December 2000, lot 97. This is the only Tibetan coin which has legends in three different scripts of three different languages: Chinese, Tibetan and Manchurian. A free translation of the complete Tibetan legend reads “The sixth honorable throne year of Jia Qing.”

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.62g, 8th year, 21 beads, 10 in top section, 11 below, date near the rim: nian ba (eighth year), the first character at 9 o’clock, the second at 3 o’clock, rev. 20 beads, 10 both sides of date, Tibetan legend reads “bca’ ” (three letters) instead of “ca’ ” (two letters), date: brgyad pa (eighth), the first character at 12 o’clock and the second at 6 o’clock (YZM 135 var; KM. C#83.3; LM -), about very fine, rare legend variant HK$15,000-20,000 (US$2,000-2,500) PROVENANCE: Ex G.E.Chapman collection, acquired by Nicholas Rhodes in 1978 (see letter by Nicholas Rhodes to Carlo Valdettaro, dated Kingston-upon Thames 24.3.1978). The coins of year 8, 9, 24 and 25 of the Jia Qing era are known struck from many different dies which can easily be distinguished by counting the number of beads which are placed near the rim on both sides of the coins. The coins of years 8 and 9 do not have the four “cloud” ornaments on the obverse that can be seen on all other Sino-Tibetan coins of the Qian Long, Jia Qing and Dao Guang eras.

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.70g, 8th year, 20 beads, 12 in top section, 11 below, date as before, rev. 25 beads, 12 to left, 13 to right of date, Tibetan legend reads “bca’ ” (three letters) instead of “ca’ ” (two letters), date as before ( YZM 135 var; KM C#83.3; LM -), toned very fine/about very fine, rare legend variant HK$15,000-20,000 (US$2,000-2,500)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.66g, 8th year, 27 beads, 13 in top section, 14 below, date as before, rev. 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, Tibetan legend reads “ca’ ” (two letters), date as before (YZM 136-144; KM. C#83.2; LM 642 var), flan slightly bent, about very fine and scarce, coins of the 8th and 9th year of Jia Qing era are seldom found in such a good condition

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HK$9,000-11,000 (US$1,000-1,200)

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Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.42g, 8th year, 27 beads, 13 in top section, 14 below, date as before, rev. 21 beads, 11 to left and 10 to right of date, Tibetan legend reads “ca’ ” (two letters), date as before (YZM 136-144; KM. C#83.2; LM 642 var), good fine and scarce Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.54g, 8th year, 27 beads, 13 in top section, 14 below, date as before, rev. 25 beads, 13 to left and 12 to right of date, Tibetan legend reads “ca’ ” (two letters), date as before (YZM 136-144; KM. C#83.2; LM 642 var), about fine and scarce Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 8th year, 26 beads, 12 in top section, 14 below, date as before, rev. 24 beads, 12 both sides of date, Tibetan legend reads “ca’ ” (two letters), date as before (YZM 136-144; KM. C#83.2; LM 642 var), a little bent with some rim damage, good fine and scarce

62 62

HK$6,000-7,500 (US$700-900)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.62g, 8th year, 27 beads, 14 in top section, 13 below, date as before, rev. 25 beads, 13 to left and 12 to right of date, Tibetan legend reads “ca’ ” (two letters), date as before (YZM 136-144; KM. C#83.2; LM 642 var), about very fine and scarce Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.62g, 8th year, 27 beads, 14 in top section, 13 below, date as before, rev. 25 beads, 13 to left and 12? to right of date, Tibetan legend reads “ca’ ” (two letters), date as before (YZM 136-144; KM. C#83.2; LM 642 var), some edge weakness, about very fine and scarce

64 64

HK$6,000-7,500 (US$700-900)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 8th year, 27 beads, 14 in top section, 13 below, date as before, rev. 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, Tibetan legend reads “ca’ ” (two letters), date as before (YZM 136-144; KM. C#83.2; LM 642 var), flan a little bent, about very fine and scarce Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.53g, 8th year, 27 beads, 14 in top section, 13 below, date as before, rev. 29 beads, 14? on left and 15 on right side of date, Tibetan legend reads “ca’ ” (two letters), date as before (YZM 136-144; KM. C#83.2; LM 642 var), good fine and scarce Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.76g, 8th year, 28 beads, 14 in both sections, date as before, rev. 27 beads, 13 to left and 14 to right of date, Tibetan legend reads “ca’ ” (two letters), date as before (YZM 136-144; KM. C#83.2; LM 642 var), fine and scarce 25

HK$6,000-7,500 (US$700-900)

HK$5,000-6,000 (US$650-850)

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Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.66g, 9th year, 27 beads, 14 in top section, 13 below, date near the rim: nian jiu (ninth year), the first character at 9 o’clock, the second at 3 o’clock, rev. 31 beads, 16 to left and 15 to right of date, Tibetan date: dgu pa (ninth), the first character at 12 o’clock and the second at 6 o’clock (YZM 145-154; KM. C#83.2; LM 644 var), fine and scarce

HK$5,000-6,000 (US$650-850)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.69g, 9th year, 29 beads, 14 in top section, 15 below, date as before, rev. 27 beads, 14 to left and 13 to right of date, date as before (YZM 145-154; KM. C#83.2; LM 644 var), good fine and scarce

HK$5,000-6,000 (US$650-850)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.55g, 9th year, 29 beads, 14 in top section, 15 below, date as before, rev. 30 beads, 16 to left and 14 to right of date, date as before (YZM 145-154; KM. C#83.2; LM 644 var), very fine and scarce

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.44g, 9th year, 29 beads, 13 in top section, 16 below, date as before, rev. 30 beads, 15 both sides of date, date as before (YZM 145-154; KM. C#83.2; LM 644 var), holed twice at 12 o’clock, good fine and scarce Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 9th year, 27 beads, 14 in top section, 13 below, date as before, rev. 31 beads, 16 to left and 15 to right of date, date as before (YZM 145-154; KM. C#83.2; LM 644 var), a few weak areas, good fine and scarce Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.72g, 9th year, 34 beads, 17 in each section, date as before, rev. 33 beads, 17 to left and 16 to right of date, date as before (YZM 145-154; KM. C#83.2; LM 644 var), good fine and scarce WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$3,000-4,000 (US$350-550)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.85g, 9th year, 28 beads, 14 in both sections, date as before, rev. 31 beads, 16 to left and 15 to right of date, date as before (YZM 145-154; KM. C#83.2; LM 644 var), traces of coloured powder on reverse, good fine and scarce

72 72

HK$5,000-6,000 (US$650-850)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 9th year, 27 beads, 14 in top section, 13 below, date as before, rev. 31 beads, 16 to left and 15 to right of date, date as before (YZM 145-154; KM. C#83.2; LM 644 var), scratch on reverse, very good, scarce

70 70

HK$5,000-6,000 (US$650-850)

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75 75

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.48g, 24th year, 24 beads both sides, six beads in each quarter, date near the rim: nian er shi si (24th year), the first character at 9 o’clock, the second at 12 o’clock, the third at 6 o’clock and the last at 3 o’clock, rev. Tibetan date nyi shu rtsa bzhi (twenty-fourth), reads clockwise around the rim from 12 o’clock (YZM 155-162; KM. C#83.1; LM 645 var), about very fine and scarce

HK$6,000-8,000 (US$700-900)

Probably all coins dated to the 24th year of Jia Qing era have 24 beads on both sides, which are divided into four groups of six beads each. This is the case with the five coins of this date from the collection of Nicholas Rhodes which are struck with four different Chinese (obverse) dies which can easily be distinguished by focusing on the different way of writing the character “qing” (south-position). The coins of Jia Qing era year 24 and 25 have the first Tibetan syllable on reverse spelt with three letters: bca’ 76

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.70g, 24th year, legends as before (YZM 155-162; KM. C#83.1; LM 645 var), some weak areas, about very fine and scarce

77 77

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.63g, 24th year, legends as before (YZM 155-162; KM. C#83.1; LM 645 var), some scratches on reverse, good fine, scarce Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.70g, 24th year, legends as before (YZM 161; KM. C#83.1; LM 645 var), has been folded and re-flattened, fine and scarce

79 79

HK$6,000-8,000 (US$700-900)

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750) HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.66g, 25th year, 24 beads both sides, six beads in each quarter, date near the rim: nian er shi wu (25th year), reads clockwise from 9 o’clock, rev. Tibetan date nyi shu rtsa lnga (twenty-fifth), reads clockwise around the rim from 12 o’clock (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), die crack, otherwise about very fine

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

The coins dated 25th year of Jia Qing era generally feature 24 beads near the rim on the obverse, divided into four groups of six beads each; the same goes for the reverse. The bead in the 2 o’clock position on reverse is mostly elongated (drop shaped) which may be a secret mark. Although they are the most common Sino-Tibetan coins they are rarely found in good condition. 80

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.66g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), very fine 27

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

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81 81

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.66g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), some edge damage at 11 oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock, very fine Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.71g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), about very fine

83 83

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.72g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), very fine Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.64g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), some scratches, about very fine

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.58g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), scratch on reverse, good fine Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), some areas of weakness, very fine

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350) HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.69g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), some adhesion on flan, very fine and rare in this condition Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.73g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), edge crack, good very fine WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

87 87

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

85 85

HK$3,000-4,000 (US$350-450)

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350) HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

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89 89

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.74g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), some edge weakness, good fine Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.74g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), good fine

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.57g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), small scratches on reverse, good fine Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.69g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), toned, good fine Tibet, Jia Qing, 1-Sho, 3.72g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), tiny edge crack at 3 o’clock, very fine

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350) HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350) HK$3,000-4,000 (US$350-450)

Tibet, Jia Qing, 25th year, 1-Sho, 3.70g, 25th year, legends as before (YZM 165-202; KM. C#83.1; LM 646 var), about very fine Tibet, Dao Guang (1821-50), 1-Sho, 3.77g, 1st year, 26 beads, 13 both sides of date, date near the rim: nian yuan (1st year), the first character at 6 o’clock, the second at 12 o’clock, rev. 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, Tibetan date: dang po (first), the first character at 12 o’clock and the second at 6 o’clock (YZM 203-207; KM. C#93; LM 647 var), about very fine and scarce The Sino Tibetan coins in the name of Dao Guang have the following obverse inscription (reads crosswise, up to down and right to left): dao guang bao zang (Tibet money of Dao Guang). The reverse legend is a Tibetan transcription of the Chinese legend and reads crosswise: rda’o kwong pa ’u gtsang. 29

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

HK$6,000-8,000 (US$700-900)

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Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.66g, 1st year, 26 beads, 13 both sides of date, rev. 28 beads, 14 both sides, legends as before (YZM 203-207; KM. C#93; LM 647 var), good fine and scarce Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.73g, 1st year, 26 beads, 13 both sides of date, rev. 28 beads, 14 both sides, legends as before (YZM 203-207; KM. C#93; LM 647 var), very fine and scarce

98 98

HK$6,000-8,000 (US$700-900)

100

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.71g, 1st year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, one bead above the lower right stroke of the character yuan, rev. 28 beads, 14 both sides, legends as before (YZM 203-207; KM. C#93; LM 647 var), very fine and scarce Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.76g, 2nd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, date near the rim: nian er (2nd year), the first character at 6 o’clock, the second at 12 o’clock, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, Tibetan date: gnyis pa (second), the first character at 12 o’clock and the second at 6 o’clock (YZM 208-225; KM. C#93; LM 648 var), good fine

HK$6,000-8,000 (US$700-900)

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

Nearly all coins of this date feature an elongated dot (drop shape) on reverse at the 3 o’clock position. 100

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.64g, 2nd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 208-225; KM. C#93; LM 648 var), very fine

101 101

102

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.65g, 2nd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 208-225; KM. C#93; LM 648 var), very fine Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 2nd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 208-225; KM. C#93; LM 648 var), very fine

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HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

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103 103

104

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.62g, 2nd year, 27 beads, 14 on left and 13 on right of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 208-225; KM. C#93; LM 648 var), holed at 12 o’clock, good fine Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.69g, 2nd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 208-225; KM. C#93; LM 648 var), very fine

105

106

107

104

106

108

109

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

107

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 2nd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 208-225; KM. C#93; LM 648 var), fine Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.78g, 2nd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 208-225; KM. C#93; LM 648 var), about very fine Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.71g, 2nd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 208-225; KM. C#93; LM 648 var), flan a little bent, good fine

108

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

HK$4,200-5,200 (US$550-750)

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

109

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.57g, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 208-225; KM. C#93; LM 648 var), fine Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.78g, 3rd year, 30 beads, 15 both sides of date, nian san (3rd year), the first character at 6 o’clock, the second at 12 o’clock, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, Tibetan date: gsum pa (third), the first character at 12 o’clock and the second at 6 o’clock (YZM 226-233; KM. C#93; LM 649 var), fine Many coins of this date have an elongated dot (drop shape) in the 1 o’clock position of the reverse. 31

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

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110 110

111

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.75g, 3rd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 226-233; KM. C#93; LM 649 var), good very fine

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.76g, 3rd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, small cross to the right of the character dao, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 230; KM. C#93; LM 649 var), in PCGS holder, graded XF45, rare HK$15,000-20,000 (US$2,000-2,500) Very dangerous forgeries of this rare variety have been sold on e-bay during the last two years.

112 112

113

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.73g, 3rd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, standard legends (YZM 226-233; KM. C#93; LM 649 var), some corrosion on obverse, very fine Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.80g, 3rd year, 30 beads, 15 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 226-233; KM. C#93; LM 649 var), about very fine

114 114

115

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

115

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.81g, 3rd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 226-233; KM. C#93; LM 649 var), fine Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.65g, 3rd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 226-233; KM. C#93; LM 649 var), good fine

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HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

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116 116

117

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.61g, 3rd year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 226-233; KM. C#93; LM 649 var), about very fine Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.62g, 3rd year, 26 beads, 13 both sides of date, on both sides, legends as before (YZM 226-233; KM. C#93; LM 649 var), fine

118 118

119

121

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

119

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.67g, 4th year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, nian si (4th year), the first character at 6 o’clock, the second at 12 o’clock, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, Tibetan date: bzhi pa (fourth), the first character at 12 o’clock and the second at 6 o’clock (YZM 234-239; KM. C#93; LM 649A var), good fine and scarce Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.64g, 4th year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 234-239; KM. C#93; LM 649A var), some damage near the rim, good fine and scarce

120

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$450-650)

HK$7,500-10,000 (US$1,000-1,300)

HK$6,000-8,000 (US$700-900)

121

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.84g, 4th year, 28 beads, 14 both sides of date, rev. 26 beads, 13 both sides, legends as before (YZM 234-239; KM. C#93; LM 649A var), with loop attached, fine, scarce

HK$3,000-4,500 (US$400-600)

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.12g, 15th year, 25 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 13 in lower half, date nian shi wu (15th year) reads clockwise starting at 9 o’clock near rim, rev. 27 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 15 in lower half, the Tibetan syllable at 6 o’clock is spelt krong instead of kwong, Tibetan date: bco lnga pa (fifteenth), reads clockwise starting at 12 o’clock (YZM 240-242 var; KM. C#93; LM 650 var), about very fine and rare HK$11,000-14,000 (US$1,400-1,800) The coins of this date have no elongated dot on the reverse. 33

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122

123

122

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.27g, 15th year, 25 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 13 in lower half, rev. 28 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 16 in lower half, the Tibetan syllable at 6 o’clock is spelt krong instead of kwong (YZM 240-242 var; KM. C#93; LM 650 var), small part of edge missing between 3 and 4 o’clock, about very fine and rare HK$10,000-13,000 (US$1,300-1,700)

123

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.69g, 15th year, 27 beads, 7 and 6 beads in each upper segment, 14 in lower half, rev. 27 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 15 in lower half, the Tibetan syllable at 6 o’clock is spelt kwong as normal (YZM 240-242; KM. C#93; LM 650 var), very fine and rare HK$11,000-14,000 (US$1,400-1,800)

124 124

125

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.76g, 15th year, 27 beads, 7 and 6 beads in each upper segment, 14 in lower half, rev. 28 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 16 in lower half, the Tibetan syllable at 6 o’clock is spelt kwong as normal (YZM 240-242; KM. C#93; LM 650 var), edge ragged, about very fine and rare Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.73g, 15th year, 25 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 13 in lower half, rev. 28 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 16 in lower half, the Tibetan syllable at 6 o’clock is spelt kwong as normal (YZM 240-242; KM. C#93; LM 650 var), good fine/fine and rare

HK$9,000-11,000 (US$1,100-1,400)

126 126

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.76g, 16th year, 22 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 10 in lower half, date nian shi liu (16th year) reads clockwise starting at 9 o’clock near rim, rev. 26 beads, 5 in each upper segment, 16 in lower half, Tibetan date: bcu dgu pa (sixteenth), reads clockwise starting at 12 o’clock (YZM 243-247; KM. C#93; LM 651 var), very fine and rare HK$11,000-14,000 (US$1,400-1,800) The coins of this date have no elongated dot on the reverse.

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127

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.74g, 16th year, 22 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 10 in lower half, rev. 27 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 15 in lower half, legends as before (YZM 243-247; KM. C#93; LM 651 var), about very fine and rare

HK$9,000-11,000 (US$1,100-1,400)

128

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.72g, 16th year, 26 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 14 in lower half, rev. 28 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 16 in lower half, legends as before (YZM 243-247; KM. C#93; LM 651 var), a little crimped, good fine and rare

129

130

HK$9,000-11,000 (US$1,100-1,400)

130

Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.72g, 16th year, 25 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 13 in lower half, rev. 26 beads, 6 and 5 in each upper segment, 15 in lower half, legends as before (YZM 243-247; KM. C#93; LM 651 var), some edge weakness, very fine and rare Tibet, Dao Guang, 1-Sho, 3.62g, large flan, 16th year, 24 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 12 in lower half, rev. 27 beads, 6 in each upper segment, 15 in lower half, legends as before (YZM 243-247; KM. C#93; LM 651 var) holed with loop removed from edge, good fine, rare This coin is struck on a large flan of 30mm, whereas other coins of this date have a diameter of about 28mm. 35

HK$9,000-11,000 (US$1,100-1,400)

HK$7,000-9,000 (US$900-1,100)

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KONG PAR TANGKAS The supply of Nepalese Mohars was disrupted during the conflict between Tibet and Nepal between 1788 and 1791. Therefore the Chinese authorities in Tibet authorised a temporary coin issue which was to be of the same weight standard and struck from silver of about the same fineness (about 66% silver) as the Nepalese Mohars. The first Kong Par Tangkas were struck in a mint located in Kongbo district east of Lhasa, hence their name “Kong Par Tangkas” which means “Tangkas struck in Kong(bo)”. Initially they were issued to members of the Chinese army who were instructed to change into Kong Par Tangkas the silver ingots which they carried from China as advance payment. In spring 1791 the Chinese army had entered Tibet in order to drive out the Nepalese army which had invaded parts of southern Tibet and the Kong Par Tangkas issued to its members were partly spent in Lhasa for buying supplies and subsequently were used as circulating coins along with the old Nepalese Mohars. The first series of Kong Par Tangkas bears the dates 13-45 (AD 1791), 13-46 (1792) and 13-47 (1793). While considerable quantities of the first two dates were struck it appears that the coins dated 13-47 were only struck in the beginning of that year after which the production of Kong Par Tangkas was suspended. The reason for this was that the Chinese authorities had decided to strike coins of fine silver with the reign name “Qian Long” which were to replace both the Nepalese Mohars and the Kong Par Tangkas. The Sino-Tibetan coins in the name of Qian Long, Jia Qing and Dao Guang were struck between 1792 and 1840 with periods of various lengths of disruption. After 1840 the Chinese influence on Tibetan affairs had weakened considerably and the Tibetan government decided to resume the striking of Tangkas in the style of the Kong-Par Tangkas to the same weight standard and in silver of the same fineness as the first series of Kong Par Tangkas. However, the Tibetan authorities did not inscribe the new series of Kong Par Tangkas with the actual date, but continued to use the old date 13-46 which in numismatics is referred to as “frozen date”. The second series of Kong Par Tangkas was struck around 1840 and is characterized by having a pointed “date arch” on obverse. The third series of Kong Par Tangkas was struck in about 1850, again with the frozen date 13-46. These issues can be identified by their large petals on reverse and the improved quality of striking. A substantial number of Kong Par Tangkas of the third series has survived and therefore they are the second most common Tibetan silver coins of the 19th Century after the Ganden Tangkas which were first struck in about 1840. A fourth series of Kong Par Tangkas was struck in 1890 and 1891; this time the coins bear a new date which corresponds to the actual year when they were struck, i.e. 15-24 and 15-25. They were struck at a reduced weight standard.

The first Issue of Kong Par Tangkas

131

132

133 131

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangka, 4.93g, 13-47, the date and arch above the date within a double square instead of a single square (KM -; YZM -), very good with flan crack, but extremely rare

HK$1,500-2,000 (US$200-250)

PROVENANCE:

Acquired from Alexander B. Lissanevitch. The cataloguer is aware of only one other specimen of this variety; both coins are crudely struck but appear to be genuine. 132

133

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangka, 5.16g, 13-45 (YZM 11; KM. C #60), very fine and scarce, exceptional condition for this issue Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, 13-45, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 5.01g & 5.61g, date within central square with arch above, surmounted by moon and sun, ornaments around the square which have been interpreted as being “lotus hands,” circle of pearls within border around, rev. lotus flower in centre within double circle to which eight petals are attached, each containing one of the eight Buddhist auspicious emblems, circle of pearls within border around, the first with fishes swimming clockwise within petal at 1 o’clock, the second with fishes anticlockwise (YZM 11 & 12; KM. C #60), about very fine and scarce (2) WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

HK$750-900 (US$100-120)

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134 134

135

136

135

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangka, 4.82g, 13-45, rev. fishes swimming clockwise, double circle in centre (YZM 11; KM. C #60), traces of verdigris both sides, about fine, scarce Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangka, 5.22g, 13-46, rev. fishes swimming anti-clockwise, double circle in centre (YZM 11; KM. C #60), fine, scarce

136 Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 5.86g, 5.05g, 1346, rev. single circle in centre (YZM 14 & 15; KM. C #60.1), about fine, scarce (2)

137 137

138

139

HK$300-400 (US$40-50)

HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-150)

138

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 5.53g, 5.22g, 1346, rev. single circle in centre (YZM 14 & 15; KM. C #60.1), fine, scarce (2) Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 5.29g, 5.11g, 1346, rev. single circle in centre (YZM 14; KM. C #60.1), the first fine, the second very fine, both scarce (2) Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangka, 5.01g, 13-46, rev. single circle in centre (YZM 14; KM. C #60.1), flan a little irregular, some staining, good fine 37

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-150)

HK$350-500 (US$60-80)

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140

141

142

143

141 Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangka, 5.47g, 13-46, rev. single circle in centre (YZM 14; KM. C #60.1), well centred, good fine Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (3), 13-46, rev. single circle in centre (YZM 14; KM. C #60.1), about fine to fine (3)

142 Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (3), 13-46 (2), date unclear, possibly 13-47 (1), rev. single circle in centre (YZM 14, 15, 16-22; KM. C #60.1), about fine to fine (3)

143 Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (3), 13-46, rev. single circle in centre (YZM 14, 15, 16-22; KM. C #60.1), about fine to fine (3) WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$400-500 (US$60-80) HK$900-1,200 (US$120-160)

HK$900-1,200 (US$120-160)

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144 144

145

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 13-46, 13-47?, rev. single circle in centre (YZM 14, 16-22; KM. C #60.1), about fine and good fine (2) Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 5.28g, 13-47, Kong Par Tangka, 5.04g, date unclear (YZM 16-22; KM. C #60.1), the first fine, rare, the second very good (2)

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-150)

HK$900-1,200 (US$120-160)

146 146

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, fractional Kong Par Tangka, 0.74g, no date, three petals representing 5-Skar (YZM -; KM. C # -), fine, very rare

HK$300-400 (US$40-60)

PROVENANCE:

Ex E.H.C. Walsh collection (illustrated in his article â&#x20AC;&#x153;The coinage of Tibetâ&#x20AC;?). The cataloguer has not seen another piece which could compare to this one.

The second Issue of Kong Par Tangkas The coins of this group stand out by having a pointed date arch on the obverse. Although dated 13-46, it is believed that these coins were struck in about AD 1840. It is very difficult to find coins from this group which are in very fine or better condition.

147 147

148

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 5.51g, 5.27g, 1346 (YZM 24-30; KM. C #60.5), very good to fine (2) Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 5.42g, 5.54g, 1346 (YZM 24-30; KM. C #60.5), very good to fine (2) 39

HK$700-900 (US$90-120) HK$700-900 (US$90-120)

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149

150 149

150

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangka, 5.45g, 13-46 (YZM 24-30; KM. C #60.5), one weak area but generally good fine Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 5.14g, 5.31g, 1346 (YZM 24-30; KM. C #60.5), very good to good fine (2)

151 151

152

HK$400-500 (US$50-70) HK$700-900 (US$90-120)

152

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 5.54g, 5.63g, 1346 (YZM 24-30; KM. C #60.5), very good to fine (2) Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 4.88g, 5.28g, 1346 (YZM 24-30; KM. C #60.5), the first stained, very good, the second fine (2)

HK$700-900 (US$90-120) HK$600-900 (US$80-120)

153 153

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangka, 5.45g, 13-46, â&#x20AC;&#x153;pointed date arch,â&#x20AC;? rev. order of emblems reversed (YZM 31; KM -), fine, very rare The cataloguer is only aware of two further specimens of this very rare variety: one in the British Museum (bequest of Carlo Valdettaro de la Rocchetta) and the one illustrated by Yin Zheng Min as no. 31. In recent years modern forgeries of this variety were discovered in Lhasa. WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-400)

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The third Issue of Kong Par Tangkas The coins of this group have larger figures on obverse and larger auspicious symbols on reverse than the coins of the first and second issue of Kong Par Tangkas. Although dated 13-46, it is believed that these coins were struck in about AD 1850 at a slightly reduced weight standard ranging from 3.73 to 5.26g among the coins from the Rhodes collection.

154 154

155

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous (Third series, from 1850), Kong Par Tangkas (3), 13-46, larger petals on reverse design (YZM 32-38; KM 60.3), fine (3) Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous (Third series), Kong Par Tangkas (3), 1346, larger petals on reverse design (YZM 32-38; KM 60.3), fine to good fine (3)

HK$450-600 (US$40-60) HK$450-600 (US$68-80)

156 156

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous (Third series), Kong Par Tangkas (2), 5.15g, 5.26g, 13-46, larger petals on reverse design (YZM 32-38; KM 60.3), good fine and good very fine (2)

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

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The fourth Issue of Kong Par Tangkas

158

157 159 157

158

159

Tibetan and Chinese authority, Anonymous, Kong Par Tangkas (2), 4.34g, 4.33g, 1524 (1890), two types with large and small figures, rev. different south-west symbols (YZM 369-375; KM. C#13.1), very fine (2) Tibetan and Chinese authority, anonymous, Kong Par Tangka, 4.00g, 15-25 (1891) (YZM 376-379; KM. C#13.1), very fine Tibetan and Chinese authority, anonymous, Kong Par Tangka, 4.67g, 15-25 (1891) (YZM 376-379; KM C#13.1), very fine

HK$300-450 (US$40-60) HK$230-360 (US$30-50) HK$230-360 (US$30-50)

TANGKAS WITH RANJANA SCRIPT The Tangka coins of this series are known as “Ranjana-Tangkas” (or “Rañjana-Tangkas”) referring to the type of script which is used on both sides. This type of ornamental script is also known as Lantsa-script. The legend represents an invocation of Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and good luck. variants of the obverse legends have been noted. All the coins of this type are dated, but some of the dates do not make sense. It is believed that these coins were struck in the late 19th and early 20th Century in Tibet by Nepalese merchants, and that they circulated at the same value as the Kong Par- and Gaden-Tangkas (see Bertsch, Wolfgang: “The Tibetan Tangka with Rañjana Script”. Oriental Numismatic Society, Newsletter, no. 185, autumn, 2005, pp. 1831). The basic design of these coins is copied from the Mohars struck in Kathmandu in the name of Pratap Simha which were exported to Tibet.

160 160

161

162

161

Tibet, Anonymous (meaningless date), Ranjana-Tangka, 4.58g, date given in Nepalese figures can be read as 16-72 (YZM 359; KM. C#27), good very fine Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 4.87g, date given in Nepalese figures can be read as 16-16 (YZM 360; KM. C#27), very fine Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 4.44g, date given in Nepalese figures can be read as 16-61 (YZM 362/363; KM. C#27), very fine

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162

HK$500-650 (US$70-90) HK$500-650 (US$70-90) HK$500-650 (US$70-90)

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163

164

163 164 Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 4.82g, date given in Nepalese figures can be read as 16-61 (YZM 362/363; KM. C#27), very fine

HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

Tibet, Anonymous, cut Ranjana-Tangkas (2), dates only partly visible, but probably 15-40 and 16-61 (YZM -; KM -), very fine (2)

HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

Cut pieces showing five fleurets on reverse circulated at the value of 1-Sho.

165

166

165 166 Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 4.70g, date given in Nepalese figures can be read as 16-64 or 16-67 (YZM 362/363; KM. C#27), possible edge mount, very fine Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 4.64g, date given in Nepalese figures can be read as 16-72 (YZM 359; KM. C27), very fine

167 167

168

170

171

HK$500-650 (US$70-90)

168

Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 4.52g, date given in Nepalese figures can be read as 16-72 (YZM 359; KM. C#27), very fine

HK$500-650 (US$70-90)

Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 4.74g, date in Nepalese figures is uncertain (YZM -; KM. C#27), very fine

169 169

HK$500-650 (US$70-90)

170

Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 4.84g, dated 15-28 (YZM 353; KM. C#27), very fine Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 5.33g, dated 15-30 (YZM 354; KM. C#27), very fine Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 4.36g, dated 15-40 (YZM 356; KM C#27.1), very fine

HK$500-650 (US$60-80)

171 HK$500-650 (US$70-90) HK$500-650 (US$70-90) HK$500-650 (US$70-90)

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172 172

173

Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 5.21g, dated 15-46, swastika instead of sun above the central square right (YZM 357; KM. C#27.2), scarce variety, very fine

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-400)

Tibet, Anonymous, cut Ranjana-Tangka, 3.17g, dated 15-40 (YZM -; KM -), some staining, very fine

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

This cut piece has five fleurets on reverse and represents 1-Sho 174

Tibet, Anonymous (meaningless date), cut Ranjana-Tangkas (4) (YZM -; KM -), very fine (4)

HK$500-650 (US$70-90)

The cut pieces with three fleurets on reverse represent 5-Skar (⅓ Tangka), those with 4 fleurets on reverse represents 7½-Skar (Half-Tangka)

COINS ADAPTED WITH BOW AND ARROW

175 175

Nepal, Pratap Simha (1775-77), Mohar, 5.49g, SE 1699 (1777), with bow and arrow design added to reverse (cf. RGV. 644), very fine and rare

HK$1,800-2,300 (US$250-300)

“These pieces and other similar Nepalese coins altered in this way (with bow and arrow design skilfully engraved), were used as talismans in Tibet. It was believed that the owner of such a piece would be blessed with a boy child. They were regarded as very valuable as few were made. Coins altered in this way were called Da-shu-ma Kem-pa by the Tibetans.” (RGV, 1989, p. 210). “Da-shu-ma” (mda’ gzhu ma) means “with arrow and bow”. According to Carlo Valdettaro the bow and arrow design was carefully welded on to the coin wheras Nicholas Rhodes thought that it was engraved. We believe that both methods were used in order to produce this auspicious design; the outline of the design was engraved first, then thin silver wire was welded into the groove left by the engraving.

176 176

177

178

177

Nepal, Ranjit Malla, Mohar, 5.22g, Bhaktapur, dated N.S. (Nepal Samvat) 842 (AD 1722) ( RGV.564/565), with bow and arrow design engraved and welded to reverse (RGV T2), fine and rare Tibet, Anonymous, Ranjana-Tangka, 4.77g, 16-61 with bow and arrow design welded to reverse (YZM - ; KM -), very fine and rare Nepal, Malla, Srinivasa Malla, Mohar, 5.45g, Patan, dated N.S. 786 (AD 1666) (cf. RGV. 382), with bow and arrow engraved and welded on reverse, fine and rare WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250) HK$2,300-2,800 (US$300-350) HK$2,700-3,000 (US$350-400)

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CHINESE ISSUES FOR TIBET: SICHUAN RUPEES This series of coins is known as Sichuan or Tibet Rupees. These coins were produced by the Chinese in imitation of the British Indian Rupees with the portrait of Queen Victoria. The portrait of the queen was replaced by one which most authorities believe to be the portrait of Emperor Guang Xu. The Sichuan Rupees were minted for exclusive use in Tibet and areas with Tibetan population in western China. One can distinguish between four major varieties: 1. Small head without collar (1902-1911 Chengdu mint) with reverse horizontal or vertical rosette 2. Small head with collar (1912-1916 Chengdu mint) 3. Small head with collar/flat nose (1930-1935 Kangding mint) 4. Big head (1936-1942 Kangding mint) According to Y.K.Leung Sichuan Rupees were struck until 1944 (33rd year of the Republic). See: http://ykleungn.tripod.com/szeRupee.htm The reverses of the Sichuan Rupees struck in Chengdu feature a Chinese character si which has two short vertical strokes within an open square. On the reverses of the Sichuan Rupees of the Kangding mint the two strokes of the character si are curved sidwards at their lower ends. The Sichuan Rupees can briefly be described as follows: Obverse: portrait of Emperor Guang Xu Reverse: horizontal or vertical rosette in centre. Four Chinese characters to be read crosswise up to down and from right to left; si chuan sheng zao (â&#x20AC;&#x153;made in Sichuanâ&#x20AC;?). Branches with cusps and/or flowers around, a feature which was copied from the British Indian Rupees with the portrait of Queen Victoria which were first issued in 1840.

180

179 179

180

China, issued for Tibet (1902-1911), Sichuan Rupee, 11.45g, undated, small head without collar, rev. horizontal rosette (KM 3.1), good fine and scarce China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.48g, undated, small head without collar, rev. horizontal rosette (YZM 445-447; KM 3.1), very fine/good fine and scarce

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750) HK$6,000-8,000 (US$700-900)

181 181

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.28g, undated, small head without collar, rev. horizontal rosette (YZM 445-447; KM 3.1), scratches on obverse and reverse, fine and scarce

183

182 182

183

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.44g, undated, small head without collar, rev. horizontal rosette (YZM 445-447; KM 3.1), good fine and scarce China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.55g, undated, small head without collar, rev. vertical rosette, small branch with three leaves in north-east position (YZM 448-449; KM 3), very fine and scarce 45

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

HK$6,000-8,000 (US$700-900)

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184

185

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.43g, undated, small head without collar, rev. vertical rosette, small branch with three leaves in north-east position (YZM 448-449; KM 3), about very fine and scarce China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.28g, undated, small head without collar, rev. vertical rosette, without branch with three leaves in north-east (YZM 450; KM 3 var), about very fine and scarce

186

187

189

China, issued for Tibet (1912-16), Sichuan Rupee, 11.06g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.35g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), dirty surfaces both sides, very fine

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

189

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.19g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, with leaf in north-east position (YZM 471-472; KM 3.2), toned very fine/good fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.41g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in north-east position (YZM 471-472; KM 3.2), toned very fine WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

187

188 188

HK$6,000-8,000 (US$700-900)

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

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191

190

191

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.46g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), very fine China, issued for Tibet, forgery of Sichuan Rupee, 9.66g, undated, small head with collar, the string of pearls below the collar is composed of only 13 pearls, instead of the usual 14, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in north-east position (YZM - ; KM 3.2 for type), very good/fine

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

Most probably a contemporaneous cast forgery.

192

193

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.44g, undated, small head with collar, the string of pearls below the collar is composed of only 13 pearls, instead of the usual 14, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), very fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.50g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), weakly struck, fine

194

195

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

195

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.40g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, with leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), very fine/extremely fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.22g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, with leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), fine

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750) HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

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196 196

197

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.41g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), weakly struck, very fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.24g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, with leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), about fine

199

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.19g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, with leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), good fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 10.94g, undated, small head with collar, large eye, rev. vertical rosette, with leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), about very fine

200 200

201

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

201

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.31g, undated, small head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 15 pearls, instead of the usual 14, rev. vertical rosette, with leaf in northeast position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.58g, undated, small head with collar, short lower eye-line, rev. vertical rosette, with leaf in north-east position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), fine

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HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

199

198 198

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

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202

203

202

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.22g, undated, small head with collar, rev. vertical rosette, with flower in the shape of a butterfly in northeast position (YZM 451472; KM 3.2), in PCGS holder, graded XF40, rare HK$15,000-20,000 (US$1,800-2,200)

203

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.33g, undated, small head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, instead of the usual 14, rev. vertical rosette, with flower in the shape of a butterfly in northeast position (YZM 451-454 and 457-472; KM 3.2), in PCGS holder, very fine and rare HK$15,000-20,000 (US$1,800-2,200)

204 204

China, issued for Tibet (1930-35), Sichuan Rupee, 10.72g, undated, small head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 15 pearls, instead of the usual 14, rev. horizontal rosette, with leaf in north-east position (YZM 455-456; KM 3.5), in PCGS holder, graded AU50, very rare

205 205

206

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

206

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.66g, undated, small head with collar, flat nose, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 473-479; KM 3.4), fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.23g, undated, small head with collar, flat nose, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 15 pearls, instead of the usual 14, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 473-479; KM 3.4), fine

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-140)

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207 207

208

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 10.80g, undated, small head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 15 pearls, instead of the usual 14, rev. vertical rosette, with leaf in northeast position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), weakly struck, about very fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.43g, undated, small head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 16 pearls, instead of the usual 14, rev. vertical rosette, with leaf in northeast position (YZM 451-472; KM 3.2), about very fine

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

209 209

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.48g, undated, small head with collar, flat nose, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 15 pearls, instead of the usual 14, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 473-479; KM 3.4), fine

210 210

211

China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 10.86g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), very fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.46g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), obverse scratches, fine

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HK$750-1,000 (US$100-140)

HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

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212 212

213

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 10.34g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.02g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 14 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), damaged rim, fine

HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

214

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.74g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 15 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), very fine

215 215

216

HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

216

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.28g, undated, small head with collar, flat nose, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 14 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 473-479; KM. Y #3.4), fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.63g, undated, small head with collar, flat nose, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 15 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 473-479; KM. Y #3.4), fine

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-140)

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217 217

218

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.15g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 14 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 10.74g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 14 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), fine

HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

219 219

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.64g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 12 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), a little dirty, fine

220 220

221

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 10.47g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 12 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), rather dirty, fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 10.23g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 12 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), rather dirty, good fine

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HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

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222 222

223

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 9.51g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.34g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), fine

HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

224 224

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.57g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 11 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), weakly struck, good fine and scarce

225 225

226

HK$1,500-2,000 (US$200-250)

226

China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 12.16g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 14 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), very fine China, issued for Tibet, Sichuan Rupee, 11.89g, undated, large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 480-484; KM. Y #3b), very fine

HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

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227 227

228

China, issued for Tibet, Half-Sichuan Rupee, 5.64g, undated (YZM 443-444; KM. Y #2), rather dirty, very fine and scarce

HK$7,500-10,000 (US$1,000-1,500)

According to Wang Chengzhi (“Sichuan Zang yang”, “Tibetan Silver coins of Sichuan”, China Numismatics, 1983.3, p. 12-18 and plate 54) the Half Rupee coins were struck by the Chengdu mint in 1904, 1905, 1907 and 1912. 228

China, issued for Tibet, Half-Sichuan Rupee, 5.72g, undated (YZM 443-444; KM. Y #2; LM361), in PCGS holder, graded AU53, scarce HK$11,000-15,000 (US$1,500-2,000)

229 229

China, issued for Tibet, Half-Sichuan Rupee, 5.71g, undated (YZM 443-444; KM. Y #2), in PCGS holder, graded XF45, scarce

230

HK$7,500-10,000 (US$1,000-1,400)

231

230

China, issued for Tibet, Quarter-Sichuan Rupee, 2.77g, undated, rev. without small leaf to the left of the character “zao” (9 o’clock position) (YZM - ; KM. Y #1 var; LM 362), in PCGS holder, graded AU50, very rare reverse type HK$15,000-20,000 (US$2,000-2,500) In recent years clever forgeries of this rare variety were offered on ebay and in auctions. To the best of our knowledge the specimen from the Rhodes collection is genuine; it was acquired a long time before modern forgeries made their appearance in the collector’s market. According to Wang Chengzhi (“Sichuan zang yang”, “Tibetan Silver coins of Sichuan”, China Numismatics, 1983.3, p. 12-18 and plate 54) a total of only 110,000 pieces of Quarter-Rupee coins were struck by the Chengdu mint in 1904, 1905 and 1912. The fact that most of them were converted to buttons and jewellery items explains the rarity of these coins nowadays.

231

China, issued for Tibet, Quarter-Sichuan Rupee, 2.86g, undated, rev. with small leaf to the left of the character “zao” (9 o’clock position) (YZM 441-442 , KM Y #1 var; LM 362), die crack on obverse, in PCGS holder, graded MS63, rare

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HK$7,500-10,000 (US$1,000-1,400)

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SICHUAN RUPEES COUNTERMARKED IN EASTERN TIBET The Sichuan Rupees which were struck in Kangding of alloyed silver are occasionally found with countermarks in Tibetan and/or Chinese script and marks consisting of Western figures or the English word “one”. The meaning of most of these marks remains uncertain, but we can presume that they were applied to the coins by local authorities, such as monasteries or dzong dpon (district officials) in order to enforce the circulation of the Sichuan Rupees made of low grade silver in a specific area of Tibet. In contrast to the well known Chinese chops which are found on both Western and Chinese silver coins and were applied in order to guarantee that the chopped coin was of fine silver, the countermarks on the Sichuan Rupees do not give such a guarantee. Most of the known countermarks which were used in Tibet were described by Karl Gabrisch and Wolfgang Bertsch: “Chopmarks on Sichuan Rupees and Coins from Tibet”, Numismatics International Bulletin, vol. 26, no. 3, Dallas, March 1991, pp. 57-65.

232 232

China, issued for Tibet (1930-35), Sichuan Rupee, 11.61g, undated, countermark “sa” in lobed depression and “li yong lam” in rectangular depression (Gabrisch and Bertsch, 1 and I), on type with small head with collar, flat nose, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 15 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 495496; KM -), very fine and scarce

HK$1,800-2,300 (US$250-300)

The countermark “li yong lam” (to be read from right to left) consists of two Chinese characters and one Tibetan syllable and has tentatively been attributed to the Litang monastery in Eastern Tibet (Gabrisch and Bertsch, 1991, p. 60 based on Yue Shi: “Si chuan lu bi jia gai jun yong ping ying bi bian?” - “Is the Sichuan Rupee with the countermark jun yong ping for military use?”, China Numismatics, no. 28, 1990.1, p. 74.). Should this attribution be correct the Chinese characters could be translated as follows “for use in Li (tang)”. The Tibetan syllable “lam”, spelt with anusvãra (small circle placed above the letter “la” to indicate the final “m”), normally means “way” or “road”. The complete inscription may therefore be interpreted as “for use on the road to Litang”, which could be understood as having the wider sense “for use in the Litang area”. Gabrisch and Bertsch suggested that the legend could be interpreted as “for use by the Lamas of Litang”. The present cataloguer now thinks that this reading is impossible, since Lama has the spelling bla ma in Tibetan and could only be abbreviated as bla and not as lam. Many monasteries in Tibet acted also as money lending institutions. The countermark should guarantee to the debitor that he could pay back his credit and interests with the Rupees bearing the monastery’s mark. However, this guarantee was not always respected by the monastic authorities.

233 233

China, issued for Tibet (1930-35), Sichuan Rupee, 11.79g, undated, very clear striking of the countermark “li yong lam” in rectangular depression (Gabrisch and Bertsch, I), on type with small head with collar, flat nose, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 14 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 487-488; KM -), very fine and scarce

HK$2,700-3,000 (US$350-400)

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234 234

235

China, issued for Tibet (1930-35), Sichuan Rupee, 11.01g, undated, countermark “5” in rectangular depression and “one” (Gabrisch and Bertsch, E and A. Wang Chun Li: “Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Gold & Silver Coins; 1791-1949” (Zhong guo jin yin bi mu lu), Zhong guo shang ye chu ban she (China Trade Publishing House), Beijing 2012, p. 200, no. WS0768), on type with small head with collar, flat nose, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 15 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM -; KM -), about fine, countermark “one” rare China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 11.50g, undated, countermarks “5” and “li yong lam”, both in rectangular depression (Gabrisch and Bertsch, E and I), on type with large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM - ; KM -), fine and scarce

236 236

237

239

China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 11.86g, undated, countermark “sa” within lobed depression (the mark is placed upside down; Gabrisch and Bertsch, 1), on type with large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar composed of 15 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 491-492; KM -), very fine China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 10.47g, undated, countermark “5” and Chinese character, both marks in rectangular depression (Gabrisch and Bertsch, E and a), on type with large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 494; KM -), very fine and scarce

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

239

China, issued for Tibet (1930-35), Sichuan Rupee, 11.61g, undated, two types of the countermark “5”, both in a rectangular depression (Gabrisch and Bertsch, E), on type with small head with collar, flat nose, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 495-496; KM -), very fine and scarce China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 11.06g, undated, rectangular countermark which cannot be read, but may be a variant of the mark “li yong lam” on type with large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM - ; KM -), fine WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

237

238 238

HK$2,700-3,000 (US$350-400)

HK$1,800-2,300 (US$250-300)

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

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240 240

241

China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 10.88g, undated, countermark “5” (Gabrisch and Bertsch, E), on type with large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 496; KM -), fine and scarce China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 10.55g, undated, countermark “3” (Gabrisch and Bertsch, C), on type with large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 14 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 493; KM -), some verdigris, fine, countermark rare

242 242

243

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

HK$1,800-2,300 (US$250-300)

243

China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 11.14g, undated, two variants of the countermark “5”, both in rectangular depression (Gabrisch and Bertsch, E), on type with large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM - ; KM -), fine and scarce China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 10.48g, undated, countermark “one” (Gabrisch and Bertsch, A), on type with large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 14 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM 485-486; KM -), about fine, countermark rare

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

HK$2,700-3,000 (US$350-400)

244 244

China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 10.75g, undated, countermark “4,” on type with large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar has 13 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without leaf in northeast position (YZM -, KM -), obverse beautifully struck very fine, countermark very rare Countermark “4” is discussed in Gabrisch and Bertsch, D; Wang Chun Li: “Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Gold & Silver Coins; 1791-1949” (Zhong guo jin yin bi mu lu), Zhong guo shang ye chu ban she (China Trade Publishing House), Beijing 2012, p. 200, no. WS0770; also Zhang Cheng Guang (responsible editor), Zhao Weng Sheng, Tu Hong Qiu, Zhang Ming Cong and Wang Tian Fu (authors): Sichuan Zangyang. Si kron bod dngul (Sichuan Tibet money = Sichuan Rupee), Zhong guo guo ji wen yi chu ban she (China International Art Publishing House), n.p. (Beijing?), 2011, p.157) 57

HK$3,000-4,000 (US$400-500)

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245 245

China, issued for Tibet, cut Sichuan Rupees of the early type (2), 5.93g and 4.90g (KM. Y#B5) very fine (2)

HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

The minor Indian denominations had never been popular in Tibet, and the minor denominations of the Sichuan Rupee were similarly rejected as coins, but were often used as buttons or to produce silver jewellery. In order to obtain small change the full Rupees were cut into fractions, mostly into halves and less frequently into quarters, often with a sword and the blow of a hammer. Surviving cut pieces nearly always are the result of dividing the Emperor’s portrait vertically; pesumably the Tibetans did not wish to offend the feelings of the Chinese by cutting the portrait horizontally, which would have been interpreted as “symbolic beheading” of the Emperor. The cataloguer has seen only very few examples which make exception to this rule (Bertsch, Wolfgang and Rhodes, Nicholas: “The Use of Cut Coins in Tibet”. Tibet Journal, vol. 35, no. 3, autumn 2010, p. 19-40).

246 246

China, issued for Tibet, cut Sichuan Rupees of the early type (2), 5.47g and 4.54g (KM. Y#B5) very fine (2)

247 247

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-150)

248

China, issued for Tibet (1936-42), Sichuan Rupee, 10.98g, undated, round countermark “rnam” in Tibetan script, this a modern fabrication, probably punched in Northern India with a Tibetan iron seal (Gabrisch and Bertsch, 5), on type with large head with collar, string of pearls below the collar is composed of 14 pearls, rev. vertical rosette, without small leaf in northeast position (YZM -; KM -), the host coin genuine, about very fine

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

According to the cataloguers own experience and to a collector from Kathmandu Sichuan Rupees with this countermark were never found in Lhasa. 248

China, issued for Tibet (1902-11), Sichuan Rupee, 11.56g, undated, two countermarks in Tibetan which are not punched but engraved, certainly modern addition, produced with a fairly crude chisel, that to the left of the portrait can be read as bod (“Tibet”), on coin type with small head without collar, rev. horizontal rosette (YZM 445-447; KM 3.1 for coin type without countermark), very fine and scarce This type of early Sichuan Rupee is not known with genuine Tibetan countermarks. WWW.SPINK.COM

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THE GADEN TANGKAS The undated Gaden Tangkas received their name by Western collectors based on the first two syllables of the inscription on the obverse. These intriguing coins were struck from about 1840 until 1930 with different weight standards and include an almost endless number of variants. The Tibetans referred to these coins as Tangka dkar po (“white Tangka”), because after striking, the coins were left in a solution of borax which gave them a white appearance - at least for some time - as opposed to the Nepalese Mohars, most of which turned black with use and were therfore called nag tam (“black Tangka”) (Bertsch, Wolfgang: “The ‘Whitening’ of Tibetan Tangkas in the Dode Mint” Journal of the Oriental Numismatic Society, no. 197, autumn 2008, p. 47). The best classification, of these silver coins was published by Nicholas Rhodes who based his findings on previous research which was made by the Italian collector of Tibetan coins Carlo Valdettaro de la Rocchetta who was a friend of Rhodes for many years and whose Tibetan coin collection is now housed in the coin department of the British Museum. Rhodes grouped the Gaden Tangkas taking the marks which are placed between the outer parts of the petals on both sides of the coins. He presented the eight groups to which he assigned the letters A to H in a convincing chronological order and catalogued the variants of the coins in each group by focussing on the change of design details among the eight Buddhist auspicious emblems. Since Rhodes’ classification has stood the test of time and since he arranged the coins in his collection according to his classification the cataloguer thought that the Gaden Tangkas presented in this auction will best be listed according to Rhodes’ system. Rhodes’ article on the Gaden Tangkas is now also available on the internet: Rhodes, Nicholas: The Gaden Tangka of Tibet. Oriental Numismatic Society, Occasional Paper, no. 17, January 1983. http://gorila.netlab.cz/coins/Tibet/ONS_TangkaTibet.pdf The Gaden Tangka can be described as follows: Obverse: Lotus in centre, surrounded by an inner circle to which eight petals are attached, each of them containing one of the eight auspicious emblems of Buddhism. In an article, entitled “Loan-Words in Tibetan” Berthold Laufer reports that the obverse design of the Gaden Tangka was explained to him by a Lama as dpag bsam ljon shing (“wish-granting tree”). Laufer, Berthold: Sino-Tibetan Studies, vol. 2, New Delhi, 1987, p. 514. Reverse: Three comma-shaped devices in the centre represent the nor bu dga’ khyil (“the whorling jewel of joy”) The central part of the design can be understood as flower or as wheel with eight spokes which end in a circle and are seperated from each other by straight lines. The cataloguer is in favour of interpreting the design as wheel, i.e. as dharma cakra (Tibetan chos ‘khor), since the central norbu dga’ kyhil often appears as the axis of this wheel in traditional Tibetan art, as can be seen above the main gates of Tibetan monasteries, where often the chos ‘khor (“wheel of religion”) is to be found, flanked by a pair of deer. The central design is placed within a circle consisting of eight joined arches encompassed by a curved octogon. Near the rim eight separate petals each of which contains one of the eight syllables of the legend dga`ldan pho brang phyo(gs) las rnam rgyal (“the Ganden Palace victorious in all directions”) which is the standard phrase describing the Tibetan government as it was created by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1642 while still residing in the Ganden Palace within the Drepung monastery which is located about 8 km west of Lhasa.

Gaden Tangkas of A-group (1840-50). Dod-pal (dod dpal) Mint The coins of this group have the obverse with three beads between the outer part of the eight petals and the reverse with small arches between the outer part of the petals. There is no water line below the lotus on obverse The Dod-pal mint was located below the Potala (winter residence of the Dalai Lamas).

249 249

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1840-50), Gaden Tangka, 5.23g, undated, three straight stalks of lotus, rev. Solid buds (what Rhodes describes as “buds” are the final round parts of what we consider as spokes of a wheel) ( Rhodes Ai; KM. A 13.1), fine

HK$500-750 (US$70-100)

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250 250

251

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangkas (2), 5.19g, 5.39g, undated, three stalks of lotus slightly bent to the right, rev. hollow buds (Rhodes Ai; KM. A 13.1), fine and good fine (2) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangkas (2), 5.21g, 5.08g, undated, the first with three straight stalks of lotus, the second with single stalk and north-east symbol with fishes swimming clockwise, rev. hollow buds (Rhodes Ai; KM. A 13.1), fine (2)

HK$400-600 (US$60-90)

253

252

253

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangkas (2), 4.69g, 5.22g, undated, lotus with single stalk, the first coin with this bent right, north-east symbol with fishes swimming clockwise and anti-clockwise, rev. hollow buds (Rhodes Aii; KM. A 13.2), fine and good fine (2) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangka, 4.92g, undated, lotus with single stalk, north-east symbol with fishes swimming anti-clockwise, rev. hollow buds (Rhodes Aii; KM. A 13.2), fine

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HK$200-300 (US$30-50)

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Gaden Tangkas of B-Group (1880-94). Dod-pal Mint The coins of this group have the obverse with three beads between the outer part of petals and the reverse with wavy lines between the outer part of the eight petals. There are two water lines below the lotus on obverse.

254 (x 85%) 254

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1880-94), Gaden Tangkas (4), undated, the third with fishes swimming clockwise in north-east symbol (Rhodes Bi, Biii, Biiia, Biv; KM. B 13.2, 13.3, 13.4), fine to very fine (4)

HK$400-600 (US$60-90)

255 (x 85%) 255

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangkas (4), undated (Rhodes Bi, Biii, Biv; KM. B 13.1, 13.3, 13.4), fine to very fine (4)

HK$400-600 (US$60-90)

257 256 (x 85%) 256

257

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangkas (4), undated, one with conch variety as west symbol (Rhodes Biii, Biv; KM. B 13.3, 13.4), fine to very fine (4) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangka, 4.96g, undated, small hook of the upper part of conch (west-symbol) pointing left (Rhodes Biva, KM. B 13.4), very fine, scarce variety 61

HK$400-600 (US$60-90)

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-150)

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Gaden Tangkas of C-Group The coins of this group have the obverse with three beads between the outer part of petals and the reverse with wavy lines between the outer part of the eight petals. There is only one water line below the lotus on obverse. Most of the eight auspicious symbols have changed place when compared with coins of group A and B. They remain in this new order for the coins of groups D through H.

258

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1895-96), Gaden Tangkas (5) (Rhodes Ci, Cii, Biv; KM. C 13.1, 13.2), fine to very fine (5)

HK$500-700 (US$70-100)

Gaden Tangkas of D-Group The coins of this group have both the obverse and the reverse with three beads between the outer part of the petals.

259 (x 85%) 259

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1896-99), Gaden Tangkas (4), undated (Rhodes Di, Dii, Diii, Div; KM. D 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4), about very fine or better (4)

HK$400-600 (US$60-90)

260 (x 85%) 260

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangkas (4), undated (Rhodes Dii, Diii; KM. D 13.2, 13.3), about very fine or better (4)

HK$400-600 (US$60-90)

261 261

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1896-99), machine struck Gaden Tangka, 4.74g, undated (Rhodes Dv; KM. D 13.5), good very fine, rare WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-400)

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Gaden Tangkas of E-Group The coins of this group have the obverse with wavy lines between the outer part of petals and the reverse with three beads between the outer part of the eight petals.

262 (x 85%) 262

263

264

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1899-1907), Gaden Tangkas (4), undated (Rhodes Ei, Eii, Eiii, Eiv; KM. E 13.1, 13.2, 13.2a, 13.4a), fine to very fine (4) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangkas (4), undated (Rhodes Ei, Eii, Eiii, Eiv; KM. E 13.1, 13.2, 13.2a, 13.4a), fine to very fine (4) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangkas (5), undated (Rhodes Ei, Eiii, Evi, Evii; KM. E 13.1, 13.2a, 13.-), fine to very fine (5)

265 265

266

268

HK$400-600 (US$60-90) HK$500-750 (US$0-100)

266

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1899-1907), Gaden Tangka, 4.94g, undated, the eight auspicious emblems rotated clockwise by one position (45 degrees) in relation to the centre (Rhodes Eiiia; KM. E 13.3), good fine, very scarce obverse variety Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1899-1907), Gaden Tangka, 4.57g, undated, as previous lot (Rhodes Eiiia; KM. E 13.3), good very fine, very scarce obverse variety

267 267

HK$400-600 (US$60-90)

HK$1,000-1,500 (US$150-250) HK$1,000-1,500 (US$150-250)

268

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1899-1907), Gaden Tangka, 4.58g, undated, small circle around lotus design and of finer style than the other Tangkas of this group (Rhodes Ev; KM. E 13.4), in PCGS holder, graded XF40, very scarce obverse variety Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1899-1907), Gaden Tangka, 4.15g, undated, small circle around lotus design and of finer style than the other Tangkas of this group (Rhodes Ev; KM. E 13.4), in PCGS holder, graded XF45, very scarce obverse variety 63

HK$1,500-2,000 (US$200-300)

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269 269

270

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1899-1907), Gaden Tangka, 4.32g, undated, small circle around lotus design and of finer style than the other Tangkas of this group (Rhodes Ev; KM. E 13.4), in PCGS holder, good very fine, very scarce obverse variety Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangkas (5), undated (Rhodes Eiv, Evii; KM. E 13.4a, 13.-), fine to very fine (5)

HK$1,500-2,000 (US$200-300) HK$500-750 (US$70-100)

Gaden Tangkas of F-Group (c.1907-22, 1924-25), Dode Mint The coins of this group were struck in the Dode (dog bde) mint which was located in the valley of the same name, about 15 km north-east of Lhasa. They have the obverse with one dot between the outer part of petals and the reverse with three beads between the outer part of the eight petals.

271 (x 70%) 271

272

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1907-12), Gaden Tangkas (4), undated (Rhodes F, Fiii, Fiv, Fvi; KM. F 13.1), fine to very fine (4) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangkas (4), undated (Rhodes Fi, Fiii, Fiv, Fvi; KM. F 13.1), fine to very fine (4)

273 (x 70%) 273

274

HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

274 (x 70%)

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (issued 1907-18), Gaden Tangkas (4), undated (Rhodes Fi, Fiv, Fvi, Fvii; KM. F 13.1), fine to very fine (4) Tibetan Government, Anonymous (issued 1907-22), Gaden Tangkas (4), undated, one with one bead each side of the lotus (Rhodes Fi, Fviii, Fx (c), Fxi; KM. F 13.1), about very fine to good very fine (4) WWW.SPINK.COM

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276

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (issued 1907-22), Gaden Tangkas (4), undated, one with one bead each side of the lotus (Rhodes Fi, Fviii, Fx (c), Fxi; KM. F 13.1), fine to very fine (4) Tibetan Government, Anonymous (issued 1907-22), Gaden Tangkas (4), undated, one with one bead each side of the lotus, another with no beads by lotus (Rhodes Fi, Fviii, Fxi, Fxi (a); KM. F 13.1), very fine or better (4)

277 277

278

279

278

HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

279

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1907-1912), Gaden Tangka, 5.20g, undated, north-east symbol has small circle instead of dot between the fish, rev. with solid buds (Rhodes Fii var), about very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangka, 4.87g, undated, north-east symbol has small circle instead of dot between the fish, south symbol (conch) is different from that of previous coin, rev. with solid buds (Rhodes Fii var), about very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangka, 4.62g, undated, north-west symbol has small cross instead of dot in its centre (Rhodes Fiv var), very fine, very scarce obverse variety

HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

HK$500-650 (US$60-90)

280

283

281 280

281

282

283

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangka, 4.65g, undated (Rhodes Fv), very fine and scarce Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Gaden Tangka, 4.84g, undated (Rhodes Fv), very fine and scarce Tibetan Government, Anonymous (issued 1907-22), Gaden Tangkas (4), undated, one with no beads by lotus, another with conch (south symbol) curled on right side (Rhodes Fi, Fviii, Fxi (a), Fxi (c); KM. F 13.1), about very fine to good very fine (4) Tibetan Government, Anonymous (issued 1912-22), Gaden Tangkas (3), undated, one with no beads by lotus, conch (south symbol) with single bead, another with conch curled on left side (Rhodes Fviii, Fxi (b), Fxi (c)), about very fine (3) 65

HK$300-450 (US$40-60) HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

HK$500-750 (US$70-100)

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285 284 (x 85%) 284

285

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (issued 1912-25), Gaden Tangkas (4), undated, one with four beads instead of three between fishes (north-east symbol), another with conch (south symbol) curled on right side (Rhodes Fviii, Fxi (c), Fxii), one of the Fviii coins with a bulging area on both sides, about very fine to good very fine (4) Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1924-25), Gaden Tangka, 4.63g, large flan (31mm), undated (Rhodes Fxii (a)), very fine and rare

HK$500-750 (US$70-100) HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

Gaden Tangkas of G-Group. Serkhang (gser khang) Mint The Tangkas of this group are the only ones which do not have any distinguishing marks between the outer part of the eight petals. They were struck at the Serkhang mint which was located west of the Norbu Lingka (summer residence of the Dalai Lamas), and share the peculiar shape of the combined letter “rn” in the syllable “rnam” of the obverse legend with the 20 Srang gold coins which were struck at the same mint. It appears that after the the striking of Tibetan gold coins had been suspended early in T.E. 15-55 (AD 1921), it was decided to strike Gaden Tangkas in this mint in order to make further use of the coin presses.

286 286

287

288

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1921), Gaden Tangka, 4.51g, undated (Rhodes G, YZM 342-343, KM. Y#G13), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1921), Gaden Tangka, 4.40g, undated (Rhodes G, YZM 342-343, KM. Y#G13), good very fine

HK$230-400 (US$30-50) HK$230-400 (US$30-50)

Gaden Tangkas of H-group (c.1929-30), Dode Mint 288

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1929-30), Gaden Tangka, 4.17g, undated, rev. the syllable in northwest position is spelt “la rgya” instead of “rgyal” (Rhodes Hi var, YZM 350, KM. Y#H13.2), in PCGS holder, graded AU50, rare

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HK$1,500-2,000 (US$200-300)

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289 289

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1929-30), Gaden Tangkas (2), 4.00g, 4.35g, undated (Rhodes Hi, Hii; YZM 345, 346, 347; KM Y# H13.1), good very fine (2)

290 290

291

HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

291

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1912), Double-Tangka, 10.47g, undated, with tails of two fishes not joined (northeast-symbol) (YZM 366; KM. Y#15), very fine and rare Tibetan Government, Anonymous (c.1912), Double-Tangka, 9.35g, undated, with tails of two fishes joined (north-east symbol) (YZM 367; KM. Y#15), edge weakness, about very fine and rare

HK$6,000-7,500 (US$750-950)

292 292

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, brockage of Gaden Tangka, 4.18g, undated, rev. obverse design struck incuse and reversed (YZM -; KM -), very fine and rare

HK$3,000-4,000 (US$400-500)

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SPECIAL TANGKAS (“MONK TANGKA”) 1910 This coin is known in Tibetan as Kelsang Tangka and is said to have been distributed to monks during the Mönlam Festival (Great Prayer Festival) which took place after New Year Day which in Tibet normally is in February according to the Western calendar. Possibly the distribution ceremony took place in the bskal bzang pho brang (“Kelsang Palace”) which is located in the Norbu Lingka and was constructed by order of, and named after, the 7th Dalai Lama (1708-57). The British Resident in Nepal, Manners-Smith, reported the following: “On Monday 10th Falgun (21.2.1910) charity at the rate of 20 Mohars for each monk and 4 Masas of silver for each beggar was distributed on behalf of the Potala Lama. The money thus expended must have come to about 6 lakh Mohars” (India Office Library & Records; File L/P&S/10/138). One could deduce from this that the impressive number of 600,000 Tangkas of this type were struck, supposing that only this coin type was used for the distribution ceremony. Although the weight standard of these coins is below that of the Gaden Tangkas, they could circulate at the same value, since they have about the same intrinsic value, being struck of fine silver, while the Gaden Tangkas on average contained only two thirds of silver. Today this type of Tangka is scarce, as most of these coins must have been melted down. This is in contrast to the Gaden Tangkas of which considerable numbers have survived. The obverse design of the “Monk Tangkas” is very similar to that of the 1 Srang coins which were struck in the name of Xuan Tong in 1909, the design of which was largely copied from the Mohars struck in the name of Pratap Singha which widely circulated in Tibet. However, on the obverse the designer of the Monk Tangkas replaced the reference to the Chinese emperor by the standard phrase which describes the Tibetan Government and he omitted the eight auspicious emblems which were shifted to the reverse which is closely copied from that of the contemporary Gaden Tangkas. Numerous obverse varities of the Kelsang Tangka have been noted. These can be identified by focussing on the legend of the obverse which is placed into four trapeziums. The two syllables in each trapezium have either two beads, placed at the beginning of the first and at the end of the second syllable or they have only one bead at either of these places or they are written without the addition of one or two beads. Thus the obverse varieties can be described by recording these beads, starting with the upper trapezium and going clockwise. (Bertsch, Wolfgang: “The Silver Coin Presented by the 13th Dalai Lama to Monks in 1910 A.D.” Tibet Journal, vol. 24, no. 4, winter 1999, pp. 22-34)

293 293

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (1910), Kelsang Tangka, 4.06g, undated, obv. bead type: 1/2/0/0 (YZM? ; KM Y#14), good very fine and scarce

HK$500-600 (US$70-90)

294 294

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (1910), Kelsang Tangka, 4.38g, undated, obv. bead type: 1/2/2/1 (YZM 352; KM. Y#14), very fine and scarce

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295 295

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (1953/54), Second issue Monk Tangka, 4.28g, undated (YZM 514-515; KM. Y#31), extremely fine

HK$300-400 (US$40-50)

Formerly it was assumed that the Tangkas were distributed to monks on behalf of the 14th Dalai Lama in the late 1940s. The Chinese work by Zhu Jin Zhong et. al., published in 2002 includes illustrations of several pairs of dies and master dies for this type of Tangka. Some dies are inscribed with a Tibetan date on the shaft (Zhu Jinzhong (chief editor), Wang Haiyan, Wang Jiafeng, Zhang Wuyi, Wu Hanlin, Wang Dui [dbang ´dus] and Tsering Pincuo: Zhong guo xi zang qian bi [The Money of Chinese Tibet] Xi zang zi zhi ou qian bi xue hui [Tibet Autonomous Region Numismatic Society], Zhong hua shu ju, Beijing 2002, pp. 225-231). The Tibetans referred to this Tangka as Tangka dkarpo sarpa (“new white Tangka”) in order to distinguish it from the normal Gaden Tangkas. This coin circulated for some time at the value of 5-Srang which shows the high inflation rate which was prevailing in Tibet in the 20th Century. In the 19th Century 6⅔ Tangkas were equivalent to 1-Srang which corresponded to slightly more than 37 grams of silver. Taking the circulating value of this Monk Tangka as a base, 1-Srang was equal to about 33⅓ Tangkas in 1953/54.

296 296

Tibetan Government, Anonymous (1912), Machine struck Gaden Tangka, 5.71g, undated (YZM 514-515; KM. Y#F 13.3), in PCGS holder, graded AU58, very rare Acquired through exchange from Wolfgang Bertsch. This coin is struck from the same or similar dies as the double Tangka KM Y#15. A small group of these Tangkas were purchased by the cataloguer in Kathmandu in about 1983; thereafter this coin type was never available again. The machine struck Tangka of this type in the Halpert sale (lot 117), in the Gabrisch sale (lot 166), the one formerly in the Valdettaro collection (now in the British Museum, accession number: 1989,0904.274), and this coin were all part of this small group. The only other specimen which we are aware of is in the collection of the American Numismatic Society and was donated by Charles Panish (accession no. 1973.217.36).

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$500-600)

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TIBETAN PATTERN COINS The Tibetan pattern coins of the 20th Century are among the rarest and most desirable items a collector of Tibetan coins can hope to acquire for his collection. Some of them were struck in England, while others were struck in Tibet and are inspired by British prototypes and yet others are of pure Tibetan design. Most of them were described and illustrated by Nicholas Rhodes and Wolfgang Bertsch and were more recently illustrated in Chinese publications, such as those edited by Zhu Jinzhong (and others, 2002), Cao Gang (1999), and more recently in the catalogues by Wang Haiyan (2007), Ying Zheng Min (2004) and Wang Chun Li (2012). For more details on these publications see the bibliography in the introductory part of this catalogue. Most of the Tibetan pattern coins were also listed with illustrations in the older editions of the Standard Catalog of World Coins 1901-2000 of Krause Publications; however, the illustrations were omitted for no obvious reasons in more recent editions of these catalogues. The Rhodes collection includes the largest group of Tibetan pattern coins ever to be offered at a public auction.

297

Tibet, Anonymous (c.1910), 10-Tam pattern, 27.4g, undated, norbu within central square panel within a second square divided by diagonal lines, legend (starting in the upper trapezium and continuing clockwise) dga’ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal (the Gaden Palace, victorious in all directions), denomination near the rim at 12 o’clock and 6 o clock: tam bcu (“ten Tam”) only the letter “t” of the word “tam” is visible, rev. five symbols within a circular panel, surrounded by the eight auspicious symbols within a lotus-petal design (YZM 381; KM Pn 3), in PCGS holder, graded SP63, very fine and extremely rare HK$120,000-150,000 (US$15,000-20,000) PROVENANCE: Ex. Karl Gabrisch collection. Baldwin, Ma Tak Wo, Monetarium & Gillio Auction, Hong Kong, 1 September 2005, lot 176. The weight standard of this pattern coin seems to be modelled on Chinese silver Taels, which again followed the weight standard of the South American and Mexican 8-Reales silver coins. The obverse of the coin shows the same design and inscription as the well-known Monk Tangka (KM Y#14). The double arches attached to the trapeziums are copied from the Nepalese Mohars struck in the name of Pratap Simha which were specially struck for export to Tibet. The denomination tam bcu (“ten Tam”) has only the letter “t” of the word “tam” visible, as the final letter “m” is probably indicated by a small circle (in Sanskrit known as anusvãra) placed above the letter “t”, off flan. The reverse design is only found on this coin. It represents the five symbolic objects which stimulate the senses (Tibetan: ´don yon sna lnga): The mirror (me long) symbolizes the physical forms (gzugs) that appeal to the eye. The two peaches (shing tog) on either side of the mirror are pleasing to the taste (ro). The pair of cymbals (sil snyan) below the mirror represent the sounds (sgra) which reach the ear. The pieces of cloth that are attached to the cymbals excite the sense of touch (reg bya). The conch shell (dung) below the cymbals is supposed to contain a fragrant liquid which stimulates the faculty of smell. No example of this pattern seems to exist in China. The illustration in the catalogue of YZM (no. 381) has been copied (without indicating the source) from Gabrisch, Karl: Geld aus Tibet. Sammlung Dr. Karl Gabrisch, Winterthur and Rikon, 1990, plate 21, no. 90. The same coin from a European collection (not the specimen from the Rhodes collection) is illustrated by Wang Chun Li: “Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Gold & Silver Coins; 1791-1949” (Zhong guo jin yin bi mu lu), Zhong guo shang ye chu ban she (China Trade Publishing House), Beijing 2012, p. 89, no. WS0275. There exists a smaller coin (29.2mm) of the same design the obverse of which is inscribed near the rim with the syllables tam lnga (five tam) and is illustrated by YZM as no. 387.

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297

297 (x2)

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298

Tibet, Anonymous, Forgery 10-Tam pattern, 21.84g, undated, see previous coin (YZM 380; KM -), very fine

HK$3,000-4,000 (US$400-500)

PROVENANCE:

Ex. Karl Gabrisch collection. Baldwin, Ma Tak Wo, Monetarium & Gillio Auction, Hong Kong, 1 September 2005, lot 176 (with previous lot) Probably produced in Nepal in the late 1960s. The forger engraved the eight Buddhist emblems of the reverse in reversed order and instead of the peaches and the conch he engraved some meaningless lines. YZM who illustrates this forgery as no. 380 does not mention that this coin is fake. In the late 1990s one of these apparently rare forgeries was offered for a very high price to the cataloguer by a dealer from Lhasa. It had been brought by a Tibetan trader from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Most probably this is the specimen which YZM illustrates in his catalogue as no. 380.

299

Tibet, Anonymous, Forgery 10-Tam pattern, 12.99g, undated, struck from the same dies as previous coin, but to a different weight standard (YZM 380; KM -), very fine

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HK$3,000-4,000 (US$400-500)

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300

Tibet, Anonymous, 20-Tam Srang pattern struck in brass, 7.48g, 15-57 (1923), crouching lion of European style, facing left, legend rab byung 15 (“cycle 15”) and lo 57 (“year 57”) below, eight auspicious emblems of Buddhism between inner and outer circles, rev. central legend tam srang 20, around this dga’ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal (“the Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions”). (YZM - ; KM Pn 8), in PCGS holder, graded SP63, rare HK$15,000-20,000 (US$2,000-2,500) Examples of this pattern were send to Tibet by the British firm Taylor & Challen who had sold coin presses to Tibet in the 1920s.

301 301

Tibet, Anonymous, Shokang pattern struck in brass, 4.98g, 15-57 (1923), standing lion of European style, facing left and looking backwards with sun above, the legend dga’ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal (“the Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions”) around, rev. central legend zho gang (“one Sho”), surrounded by string of pearls, the legend: rab byung 15 lo 57 (cycle 15 year 57”) around this, the syllables being seperated by an ornament which the European die engraver copied from the regular 1-Sho copper issues of the Tibetan Government (YZM 769; KM Pn 6), in PCGS holder, graded SP63, rare HK$15,000-20,000 (US$2,000-2,500) PROVENANCE: Ex. Spink, 1977. Spink had purchased this coin in the U.S.A. A letter by Nicholas Rhodes to Carlo Valdettaro, dated Kingston-upon-Thames 11th October 1977 refers to this. A second letter to Carlo Valdettaro, dated 24 March 1978 concerns the two pattern Shokang coins (lot 301 and lot 307), and the 5-Sho pattern coin (lot 304) in which he wrote: “The two 1-Sho coins came from Spinks, who bought them in America. The one dated 15-57 was almost certainly struck by Taylor & Challen in Birmingham, and was the companion piece to our brass 20 srang piece of the same date. Ringang must have bought the coin press in England in that year, while he was purchasing the hydro-electric machinery, and these patterns were produced as examples of what the machine could strike. The machine could not be used in Tibet until 1928, when the hydro-electric plant was finally working and it is my opinion that the first coin struck was the ¡ 5-Sho (Y 32), which has identical milling to my brass pattern 20Srang. The two 1-Sho have plain edges. The 15-57 piece has a matt surface, whereas the 16-1 piece has a proof surface. I have no idea where this latter piece was made, but the design is very similar to the 16-4 ¡ 5-Sho pattern.” Actually Taylor & Challen must have sent as well (or only) the dies for the Shokang dated 16-4 and for the 5-Sho pattern of the same date. Three of the dies must have been kept in the Tibetan mint and are illustrated by Zhu Jinzhong, Wang Hai Yan, Wang Jia Feng, Zhang Wu Yi, Wu Han Lin, Wang Dui and Tse ring Pin cuo: Zhong guo Xi zang Qian bi (Chinese Tibet’s Money). Xi zang zi zhi ou qian bi xue hui (Tibet Autonomous Region Numismatic Society). Zhong hua Shu ju, ISBN 7-101-03360-4/Z.449, Beijing, 2002, p. 199, no. 3-20 and p. 200, no. 3-21 and 3-22. 73

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302

302 (x2)

302

Tibet, Anonymous (c.1928-30), 10-Tam Srang pattern, 12.26g, standing snow lion facing left within a circular border, an emblem referred to in Tibet as nor bu dga’ kyil (“whorling jewel of joy”) above the lion, surrounded by four small jewels and streamers, below the lion the same device in a simpler version, the eight Buddhist auspicious emblems between this and outer beaded circle, rev. the legend tam 10 in the centre of an ornamental cartouche with four small crosses, the standard legend which refers to the Tibetan Government: dga’ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal around, the legend’s syllables not seperated by the usual beads (Tibetan tsheg = “syllable marker”) but by small crosses, this surrounded by a circle composed of cloud-shaped elements connected by arches, between each pair of which there is a bead, all within a beaded circular border (YZM 499; KM Pn.11), in PCGS holder, graded SP45, extremely rare HK$75,000-100,000 (US$10,000-12,000) PROVENANCE: Ex. Wesley Halpert collection, Spink, New York, 11 December 2000, lot 176. This pattern was probably among the first coins to be struck in the Dode mint between 1928 and 1930 with the imported coining presses from the British firm Taylor & Challen. This pattern, along with the 5-Sho pattern of similar design (lot 304) is the most beautiful example of the skill of Tibetan designers and die engravers. It is the only example on which this peculiar shape of the tsheg is present.

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303

303 (x2)

303

Tibet, Anonymous (c.1928-30), 10-Tam Srang pattern, 8.26g, undated, crouching snow lion, facing left, looking diagonally upwards right with sun and three ornaments above and small mountain below, within a circular border to which eight lotus petals are attached, each containing one of the eight Buddhist auspicious emblems, with circle and beaded border around, rev. legend tam 10 within an ornamental cartouche, standard legend around dgaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ldan pho brang phyo(gs) las rnam rgyal each syllable being enclosed by the upper part of a petal, within a beaded circular border (YZM 500; KM Pn. 12), in PCGS holder, graded SP45, extremely rare HK$75,000-100,000 (US$10,000-12,000) PROVENANCE: Ex. Wesley Halpert collection, Spink, New York, 11 December 2000, lot 177. This pattern was probably among the first coins to be struck in the Dode mint between 1928 and 1930 with the imported coining presses from the British firm Taylor & Challen.

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304

304 (x1.5) 304

Tibet, Anonymous (c.1928-30), 5-Sho pattern, 6.26g, undated, similar to the 10-Tam pattern (lot 302), except that lotus on obverse (5 o’clock position) has a bead and small circle in the centre, rev. legend in centre reads zho lnga (“five Sho”) (YZM 497; KM.Pn A12), in PCGS holder, extremely fine and very rare HK$60,000-75,000 (US$8,000-10,000) In older editions of KM this coin was listed as a regular issue (as Y # 32), but it is now believed that it is a pattern coin struck between 1928 and 1930 in the Dode mint with the imported coining presses from the British firm Taylor & Challen.

305 305 (x1.5)

305

Tibet, Anonymous (c.1928-30), 1-Tam Srang pattern, 6.04g, undated, same as previous coin, rev. flower shaped wheel with eight spokes and norbu dga’ kyil (“whirling jewel of joy”) in centre, surrounded by eight arches and a circle, the legend: dga’ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal tam srang 1 (“the Gaden Palace, victorious in all directions 1 Tam Srang”) around, within a beaded circular border (YZM 498; KM Pn 10), in PCGS holder, graded SP64, extremely rare HK$60,000-75,000 (US$8,000-10,000) This pattern was probably among the first coins to be struck in the Dode mint between 1928 and 1930 using the imported coining presses from the British firm Taylor & Challen. The obverse appears to have been struck from the same obverse die as the previous coin, lot 304. The reverse design is inspired by that of the 20 Tam gold coins.

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306 306 (x1.5) 306

Tibet, Anonymous, 5-Sho pattern, 4.44g, 16-4 (1930), crouching snow lion, facing left, looking diagonally upwards, norbu dga’ kyil (“whirling jewel of joy”), three ornaments above and small mountain below, within a circular border to which eight lotus petals are attached, each containing one syllable of the standard legend dga’ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal, rev. central legend zho lnga (“five Sho”) within circle around which runs legend: rab byung 16 lo 4 (“cycle 16 year 4”), the syllables being separated by lotus flowers with eight petals (YZM 425; KM Pn 13), in PCGS holder, graded SP66, very rare HK$60,000-75,000 (US$8,000-10,000) PROVENANCE: Ex. Carlo Valdettaro collection (1987). The reverse of this coin seems to have been struck from the altered reverse die of the following coin, lot 307 (Rhodes, Nicholas G.: “Two Tibetan Pattern Coins,” Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter, no. 105, March-April 1987).

307 307

Tibet, Anonymous, brass Shokang pattern, 4.34g, 16-1, crouching lion of European style, facing left, similar to that on the 20 Tam Srang pattern coin (lot 300), otherwise similar to previous lot, rev. as previous lot but central legend reads zho gang (“one Sho”) with peripheral legend: rab byung 16 lo 1 (“cycle 16 year 1”), (YZM 770; KM Pn 9), in PCGS holder, graded SP64, very rare HK$18,000-23,000 (US$2,500-3,000) PROVENANCE: Acquired from Spink together with lot 301 in 1977. Spink had purchased this coin in the U.S.A. Only two other specimens are known. These were offered in a fixed price list by Girija E.Brilliant and Lawrence B. Brilliant: Himalayan Numismatics, Winter 1983, p.14, lot 71. The Brilliants mention that one of their two specimens came from the collection of H. Chang (author of The Silver Dollars and Taels of China) and the other from the collection of proofs and patterns of the Birmingham mint. Most probably the dies used for striking these coins were sent to Tibet by the British firm Taylor & Challen of Birmingham. According to Nicholas Rhodes “the dies for this pattern 1-Sho piece were sent to Tibet, perhaps from Birmingham, and were subseqently ground down and re-engraved by the Tibetans, and used to strike the silver 5-Sho coins” (Rhodes, Nicholas G.: “Two Tibetan Pattern Coins”. Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter, no. 105, March-April 1987). The cataloguer would prefer to state that originally at least two pairs of dies existed out of which one pair was only partly ground down before being re-engraved, while the other pair was left in the original state and is illustrated by Zhu Jinzhong, Wang Hai Yan, Wang Jia Feng, Zhang Wu Yi, Wu Han Lin, Wang Dui and Tse ring Pin cuo: Zhong guo Xi zang Qian bi (Chinese Tibet’s Money). Xi zang zi zhi ou qian bi xue hui (Tibet Autonomous Region Numismatic Society). Zhong hua Shu ju, ISBN 7-101-03360-4/Z.449, Beijing, 2002, p.200, no. 3-21 and 3-22. A reverse die for striking of the 5-Sho pattern, dated 16-4 is illutrated in the same work, p.199, no. 3-20. A master die for the production of the shokang pattern, dated 16-1, also existed and is illustrated by Cao Gang: Zhong guo xi zang di feng huo bi (Chinese Tibet’s Regional Currency), Sichuan Minzi Chubanshe, Chengdu, 1999, p.76. 77

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308 308

Tibet, Anonymous, Æ 5-Ngul Srang pattern, 6.17g, (rab lo 927), snow lion with mount Kailash (Tibetan gangs rin po che or gangs ti se) sun above, surrounded by the standard legend: dga’ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal, with denomination srang lnga (“five Srang”) below, rev. Wheel of Law (Sanskrit: dharma cakra; Tibetan chos ‘khor) in centre, surrounded by “flaming jewel”, moon and sun, ribbons and lotus flower below, two branches on either side, this surrounded by a string of pearls with legend around: gangs ljongs chos srid gnyis ldan rab lo 927 (cycle year 927 of the both religious and worldly [government] of the Snow Country) (YZM 529; KM Pn 20), very fine and scarce

HK$5,000-6,000 (US$650-850)

PROVENANCE:

Purchased by Nicholas Rhodes in Nepal in 1967. This pattern is also known in silver (or billon). Some of the copper issues may have entered circulation (see Zhu Jinzhong, Wang Hai Yan, Wang Jia Feng, Zhang Wu Yi, Wu Han Lin, Wang Dui and Tse ring Pin cuo: Zhong guo Xi zang Qian bi (Chinese Tibet’s Money). Xi zang zi zhi ou qian bi xue hui (Tibet Autonomous Region Numismatic Society). Zhong hua Shu ju, ISBN 7-101-03360-4/Z.449, Beijing, 2002, coin no. 1-344 to 1-348, p. 140). (Rhodes, Nicholas G.: “Two Tibetan Pattern Coins”. Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter, no. 105, March-April 1987)

20TH CENTURY SINO-TIBETAN COINS UNDER CHINESE AUTHORITY

309 309

Tibet, Xuan Tong (1909-11), 2-Sho, 7.32g, undated (c.1910), lotus design in centre, Chinese inscription (to be read crosswise) Xuan Tong bao zang (Tibetan money of the Xuan Tong era), rev. dragon in centre, surrounded by a string of pearls and Tibetan inscription: shon thong bod kyi rin khor khu phon zho do (Xuan Tong, precious coin of two sho, (struck) to the kuping standard) (YZM 433-437; KM. Y#6; LM 652), fine “rin khor” is most probably a phonetic spelling of “rin sgor” which means “precious coin”. Kuping (transcribed as khu phon in Tibetan) “treasury standard” or “treasury scale” refers to the Kuping Tael, the standard weight which was fixed at 37.3121 in the late Qing Dynasty for payment of government taxes.

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310 310

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 2-Sho, 8.13g, undated (c.1910), lotus design in centre, Chinese inscription, Xuan Tong bao zang, rev. as previous coin (YZM 433-437; KM. Y#6; LM 652), die crack visible on reverse, very fine

311 311

312

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 2-Sho, 6.84g, undated (c.1910), lotus design in centre, Chinese inscription, Xuan Tong bao zang, rev. as previous coin (YZM 433-437; KM. Y#6; LM 652), fine Tibet, Xuan Tong, 2-Sho, 7.27g, undated (c.1910), lotus design in centre, Chinese inscription, Xuan Tong bao zang, rev. as previous coin (YZM 433-437; KM. Y#6; LM 652), adjustment marks on reverse, fine

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-400)

HK$1,800-2,400 (US$250-350)

314

313

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-400)

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 1-Sho, 4.07g, undated (c.1910), five-petalled lotus design in centre, surrounded by a string of pearls, Chinese inscription, Xuan Tong bao zang, rev. dragon in centre, surrounded by a string of pearls, Tibetan inscription: shon thong bod kyi rin khor khu phon zho gang (Xuan Tong, precious coin of 1-Sho, (struck) to the Kuping standard) (YZM 426-432; KM. Y#5; LM 653/4), very fine

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-400)

Obverse variety: pearls connected by string. One Tibetan Sho is equivalent to 1â &#x201E; 10 th of a Srang or Tael (Liang), hence the weight standard intended for the 1sho coins of the Xuan Tong era is 3.73g. 314

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 1-Sho, 3.81g, undated (c.1910), five-petalled lotus design in centre, surrounded by a string of pearls, Chinese inscription, Xuan Tong bao zang, rev. as previous coin (YZM 426-432; KM Y#5; LM 653/4), obverse die crack, very fine, exceptionally nice condition for issue Obverse variety: pearls not connected by string. 79

HK$4,000-5,000 (US$500-700)

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315 315

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 1-Sho, 3.68g, undated (c.1910), five-petalled lotus design in centre, surrounded by a string of pearls, Chinese inscription, Xuan Tong bao zang, rev. as previous coin (YZM 426-432; KM. Y#5; LM 653/4), die crack on obverse, adjustment marks both sides, very fine

HK$1,700-2,200 (US$250-300)

Obverse variety: pearls not connected by string.

316 316

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 1-Sho, 4.08g, undated (c.1910), five-petalled lotus design in centre, surrounded by a string of pearls, Chinese inscription, Xuan Tong bao zang, rev. as previous coin (YZM 426-432; KM Y#5; LM 653/4), very fine

HK$3,000-4,000 (US$350-450)

Obverse variety: only two pearls connected by string.

317 317

Tibet, Xuan Tong, Æ 1-Skar, 6.41g, undated (c.1910), four-petalled lotus design in centre, surrounded by a string of pearls, Chinese inscription, Xuan Tong bao zang, rev. dragon in centre, surrounded by a string of pearls, Tibetan inscription: shon thong bod kyi rin ´khor Skar gang (Xuan Tong, precious coin of one Skar) (YZM 635; KM. Y#4), about very fine and scarce

HK$6,000-7,500 (US$750-950)

318 318

Tibet, Xuan Tong, Æ Half-Skar, 3.44g, undated (c.1910), four-petalled lotus design in centre, surrounded by a string of pearls, Chinese inscription, Xuan Tong bao zang, rev. dragon in centre, surrounded by a string of pearls, Tibetan inscription: shon thong bod kyi rin khor Skar che (Xuan Tong, precious coin of Half-Skar) (YZM 633 [under no. 634 YZM describes a Half-Skar, but the illustration shows a forgery of a 1-Sho coin, struck in copper]; KM Y#A4), in PCGS holder, graded XF45, rare HK$11,000-15,000 (US$1,400-1,900) PROVENANCE: Ex G.E.Chapman collection, acquired by Nicholas Rhodes in 1978 (see letter by Nicholas Rhodes to Carlo Valdettaro, dated Kingston-upon Thames 24.3.1978). The syllable che in Skar che means “half” and is normally spelt phyed in Tibetan as can be seen on the 2½ and 7½-Skar copper coins. WWW.SPINK.COM

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319 319 (x1.5)

319

China for Tibet, Anonymous (c.1902/03), “Lukuan”(lu guan) Rupee, 11.70g, undated (YZM 438; KM. Y#A1.1; LM 655), in PCGS holder, graded XF, small scratch and two edge nicks on obverse, very rare HK$75,000-100,000 (US$10,000-13,000) According to the obverse inscription this rare coin is known as Lukuan (lu guan) Rupee. It was struck in the Kangding mint in western Sichuan. This Rupee can be considered as the forerunner of the Sichuan Rupee. It is believed that in 1902AD “Liu Ding Shu”, Sub-Prefect of Ta Chien Lu (now Kangding district) ordered the minting of “Lu Guang” silver coins in order to eliminate the circulation of foreign coins, particularly of British-Indian Rupees, in Szechuan Province. Liu used the silver being transported to Tibet for military expenses to mint the coin (http://ykleungn.tripod.com/szeRupee.htm). Nicholas Rhodes (Rhodes, Nicholas: “A Sino-Tibetan Rupee”. Spink’s Numismatic Circular, vol. 85, London, 1977, p.107-108) has attempted to read the legends as follows: Obverse legend (to be read from right to left): “Lu guan tsu yin ?” (“Tachienlu Customs enough silver”). The syllable “lu” could be interpreted as the last syllable of Da jian lu, the former Chinese name of Kangding, from which the western version “Tachienlu” is derived. The reverse Tibetan legend: nged gsum zho dar (“three sho of Tachienlu enough silver”). The syllable dar may be understood as being the first syllable of Dar rtse mdo, the traditional Tibetan name of present day Kangding.

320 320

China for Tibet, Anonymous (c.1902/03), “Lukuan”(lu guan) Rupee, 11.64g, undated, as previous coin except rev. Tibetan script around the central circle of beads is upside down and reversed when compared with the normal issue (YZM 438 var; KM Y#A1.2; LM 655 var), weakly struck in places, in PCGS holder, graded AU50, very rare HK$60,000-70,000 (US$8,000-9,000) PROVENANCE: Ex Erving Goodman collection, Superior Galleries, 1991, lot 1802.

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OTHER COINS IN THE NAME OF XUAN TONG

321 321

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 1-Tam Srang, 19.99g, first year (1909), shon thong (upper trapezium)/khri (trapezium to the left)/lo 1 (trapezium to the right)/srang gang (lower trapezium), “One Srang of the first year of Xuan Tong”, the eight auspicious Buddhist emblems (Tibetan bkra shis rtag brgyad) placed around the central square, rev. legend placed inside eight lotus petals: dga’ ldan pho brang phyo(gs) las rnam rgyal (“the Ganden Palace victorious in all directions”) (YZM 386; KM. Y#9; LM 657), in PCGS holder, graded AU58 HK$11,000-14,000 (US$1,400-1,800) Numerous obverse variants of the 1-Srang coins dated to the first year of Xuan Tong exist. The features on the obverse which differ are the ornaments placed outside the larger square in the north-west and south-east position and the norbu in the centre. The reverse legend is an expression referring to the Tibetan government as it was created by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1642, while he was still residing in the Ganden Palace within the Drepung monastery.

322

323

322

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 1-Tam Srang, 19.22g, first year (1909) (YZM 385; KM. Y#9; LM 657), in PCGS holder, graded AU55 HK$11,000-14,000 (US$1,400-1,800)

323

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 1-Tam Srang, 18.58g, first year (1909) (YZM 385; KM. Y#9;. LM 657), with some scratches, in PCGS holder, graded VF30

HK$6,000-7,500 (US$750-950)

324 324

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 1-Tam Srang, 17.93g, first year (1909) (YZM 382; KM. Y#9; LM 657), in PCGS holder, graded AU58 HK$11,000-14,000 (US$1,400-1,800) WWW.SPINK.COM

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325 325

Tibet, Xuan Tong, 5-Sho, 10.41g, first year (1909), inscription similar to previous lot except that legend in the lower trapezium gives the denomination: zho lnga (“five zho”) (YZM 388; KM. Y#8; LM -), in PCGS holder, graded AU53, very rare HK$38,000-45,000 (US$5,000-7,000)

326 326

327

Tibet, Xuan Tong, Æ Quarter-Sho, 9.11g, first year (1909), inscription similar to previous lot except that legend in the lower trapezium gives the denomination: zho ‘i 4 ⁄ 1 (“¼ of the Sho”) (YZM 630/631; KM. Y#B7), very fine

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-350)

Note that in Tibetan language fractions are written with the denominator placed above and the numerator below which is the opposite to the Western way of writing fractions. 327

Tibet, Xuan Tong, Æ Quarter-Sho, 8.58g, first year (1909), zho ‘i 4 ⁄ 1 (“¼ of the Sho”) (YZM 630/631; KM Y#B7), very fine

328

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-400)

329

Tibet, Xuan Tong, Æ ⅛-Sho, 4.00g, first year (1909), two syllables of the legend in the upper trapezium read shon thong (Tibetan transcription of Xuan Tong) separated with a small vertical stroke, legend in lower trapezium reads: zho ‘i 8⁄ 1 (“⅛ of the Sho”) (YZM 628; KM. Y#A7), fine and scarce

HK$3,000-4,500 (US$400-600)

The two coins offered include both the two known obverse variants. This small vertical stroke found separating the legend in the upper trapezium is the syllable divider, called tsheg in Tibetan. It is normally in the form of a dot. The correct spelling of the legend shon thong should be with tsheg as is the case with the 1-Srang, 5-Sho and quarter-Sho coins of the Xuan Tong era. 329

Tibet, Xuan Tong Æ ⅛-Sho, 4.36g, first year (1909), two syllables of the legend in the upper trapezium reading shon thong not separated, legend in lower trapezium reads: zho ‘i 8⁄ 1 (“⅛ of the Sho”) (YZM -; KM. Y#A7), fine and scarce

HK$3,000-4,500 (US$400-600)

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COINAGE OF THE 13TH DALAI LAMA Early Coins dated 15-43 (1909)

330 330

Tibet, Anonymous (1909), 1-Tam Srang, 19.13g, 15-43, snow lion looking back, ornaments above lion’s back, within circle to which eight lotus petals are attached, each containing one syllable of the legend dga ldan pho brang phyo(gs) las rnam rgyal (“the Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions”), rev. triratna (triple gem) in centre surrounded by circle around which the following legend is found (starting at 12 o’clock and reading clockwise): rab byung 15 lo 43 tam srang gang (“cycle 15, year 43, one tam srang”), this surrounded by a circle to which eight lotus petals are attached, each containing one of the eight Buddhist auspicious emblems (YZM 391 rev. var; KM. Y#12; LM 656), in PCGS holder, small planchet fault on reverse, very fine and scarce HK$30,000-40,000 (US$4,000-5,000) The traces red puja powder found on the coin indicates that it had been used for some religious ceremony. The figure “3” on reverse is written in a peculiar way; the lower stroke being separate from the upper part of the figure. The triratna or “triple gem” (Tibetan; nor bu, “jewel” or dkon mchog gsum “the three rare ones”), refers to buddha, sangha and dharma, i.e. “the enlightened”, “the community” and “the teaching” or “religion.”

331 331

Tibet, Anonymous, 1-Tam Srang, 19.85g, 15-43, snow lion looking back, as previous coin, rev. as before but vertical (instead of horizontal) stroke in the north symbol (YZM -; KM. Y#12 var), in PCGS holder, graded AU58, rare variant HK$30,000-40,000 (US$4,000-5,000)

332 332

Tibet, Anonymous, 1-Tam Srang, 18.49g, 15-43, snow lion looking back, as previous coin, rev. as before but horizontal stroke in north symbol (YZM 390; KM. Y#12), in PCGS holder, graded XF45, scarce HK$30,000-40,000 (US$4,000-5,000) WWW.SPINK.COM

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333

333 (x1.5) 333

Tibet, Anonymous, 1-Tam Srang, 18.25g, 15-43, snow lion looking back, as previous coin, rev. as before (YZM 390; KM. Y#12), in PCGS holder, graded AU58, scarce HK$45,000-55,000 (US$6.000-7,000)

334

Tibet, Anonymous (1909), Æ 7½-Skar, 9.79g, 15-43, snow lion looking back, as previous coin, rev. as before but legend (starting at 12 o’clock and reading clockwise): rab byung 15 lo 43 Skar phyed brgyad (“cycle 15, year 43, seven and half Skar”; literally: “cycle 15, year 43, take half off eight Skar”) (YZM 626; KM. Y#11), very fine and scarce

334

335

Tibet, Anonymous (1909), Æ 5-Skar, 5.44g, 15-43, snow lion looking back, as previous coin, rev. as before but legend (starting at 12 o’clock and reading clockwise): rab byung 15 lo 43 Skar lnga (“cycle 15, year 43, five Skar”) (YZM 625; KM. Y#A10), very fine and scarce

336 336

337

HK$4,000-4,500 (US$500-600)

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$550-750)

337

Tibet, Anonymous, (1909), Æ 2½-Skar, 4.42g, 15-43, snow lion looking back, as previous coin, rev. as before but legend (starting at 12 o’clock and reading clockwise): rab byung 15 lo 43 Skar phyed gsum (“cycle 15, year 43, two and half Skar”; literally: “cycle 15, year 43, take half off three Skar”) (YZM 624; KM. Y#10), fine and scarce Tibet, Anonymous, Æ 2½-Skar?, 3.28g, 15-43, snow lion looking back, as previous coin, rev. as for Shokang (YZM -; KM -), fine and rare It appears that a 2½-Skar coin was overstruck on reverse with a Shokang die in order to revalue the coin by the factor 4 (1 Shokang = 10 Skar). 85

HK$3,000-4,000 (US$400-500) HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

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Later Coins post 1912

338

338 (x1.5) 338

Tibet, Anonymous, 1-Tam Srang, 18.52g, 15-48 (1914), snow lion looking upwards, ornaments above back, rev. as previous Tam-Srangs (lots 330-333), but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 48 tam srang gang (cycle 15, year 48, one Tam Srang) (YZM 397; KM. Y#A18), in PCGS holder, graded VF35, very rare HK$75,000-100,000 (US$10,000-14,000)

339

340

339

Tibet, Anonymous, 1-Tam Srang, 19.39g, 15-52 (1918) snow lion looking upwards, ornaments above back, rev. as previous, but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 52 tam srang gang (cycle 15, year 52, one Tam Srang) (YZM 398; KM. Y#A18.1), in PCGS holder, graded XF45, very rare HK$60,000-75,000 (US$8,000-10,000)

340

Tibet, Anonymous, 1-Tam Srang, 19.39g, 15-53 (1919), snow lion looking upwards, ornaments above back, rev. as previous, but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 53 tam srang gang (cycle 15, year 53, one Tam Srang) (YZM 399; KM. Y#A18.1), in PCGS holder, graded AU58, rare HK$50,000-60,000 (US$7,000-8,000)

WWW.SPINK.COM

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341 341

342

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 9.63g, Dode mint, 15-47 (1913), snow lion looking upwards with sun and three ornaments within circle to which eight lotus petals are attached, each contains one syllable of the legend dga’ ldan pho brang phyo(gs) las rnam rgyal (The Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions), rev. triratna (triple gem) in centre surrounded by circle with legend around (starting at 12 o’clock and reading clockwise: rab byung 15 lo 47 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 47, 5-Sho), this surrounded by a circle to which eight lotus petals are attached, each containing one of the eight Buddhist auspicious emblems (YZM 400; KM. Y#18), very fine Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 9.80g, Dode mint, 15-48 (1914), snow lion looking upwards, as previous lot but lion’s tail has nine strands, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin, but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 48 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 48, 5-Sho) (YZM 401-402; KM. Y#18), about very fine

343 343

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

344

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 9.44g, Dode mint, 15-49 (1915), snow lion looking upwards, as previous lot but lion’s tail has ten strands, thick line above sun, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin, but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 49 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 49, 5-Sho) (YZM 403; KM. Y#18), very fine and scarce

HK$2,300-2,800 (US$300-350)

The thick line above the sun is due to an engraving error, not a planchet fault, since various coins with this feature are known. 344

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 9.66g, Dode mint, 15-49 (1915), snow lion looking diagonally upwards, as previous lot but lion’s tail has nine strands, rev. triratna, symbols and legend as previous coin (YZM 403; KM. Y#18), about very fine

345 345

346

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

346

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.35g, Dode mint, 15-50 (1916), snow lion looking upwards, tail has nine strands as previous lot, but lion fatter with large circle around, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 50 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 50, 5-Sho) (YZM 404-5; KM. Y#18), some areas of dirt, very fine Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 7.85g, Dode mint, 15-50 (1916), snow lion looking upwards, as previous lot, rev. triratna, symbols and legend as previous coin (YZM 404-5; KM. Y#18), very fine 87

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

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347 347

348

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.48g, Dode mint, 15-50 (1916), snow lion looking upwards, as previous lot, tail has eight strands and lion ‘thin’ with small circle around, rev. triratna, symbols and legend as previous coin (YZM 404-5; KM. Y#18), very fine Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 7.86g, Dode mint, 15-50 (1916), snow lion looking upwards, similar to previous lot, rev. triratna, symbols and legend as previous coin, but with a countermark in Seal Script (Tibetan hor yig) (coin YZM 404-5; KM. Y#18), about very fine

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

HK$2,300-2,800 (US$300-350)

The countermark is probably a modern addition, produced in Northern India with a Tibetan iron seal

349 349

350

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 9.43g, Dode mint, 15-59 (1925), snow lion looking upwards, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 59 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 59, 5-Sho) (YZM -; KM. Y#18), in PCGS holder, EF45, rare

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.95g, Dode mint, 15-60 (1926), snow lion looking upwards, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 60 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 60, 5-Sho) (YZM -; KM. Y#18), in PCGS holder, EF45, very rare HK$15,000-18,000 (US$1,200-2,500)

351 351

352

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 7.41g, Dode mint, 15-60 (1926), snow lion looking backwards, flower above composed of seven beads, three beads instead of small mountain below lion, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 52 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 52, 5-Sho) (YZM 406; KM. Y#18.2), very fine and rare Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.95g, Mekyi mint, 15-49 (1915), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, but cross-shaped ornament above back (known in Tibetan as a nor bu dga ‘kyil, “precious joyful whorl” or “whorling jewel of joy”), sun has 11 rays, and three ornaments, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin, but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 49 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 49, 5-Sho) (YZM 408-411; KM. Y#18.1), very fine WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$7,500-9,000 (US$1,000-1,200)

HK$9,000-12,000 (US$1,200-1,500)

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

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353 353

354

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.75g, Mekyi mint, 15-49 (1915), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, with cross-shaped ornament above back, rev. triratna, symbols and legend as previous coin, but also two countermarks: one in Tibetan script reading rgyal and one in Chinese script, reading shou, within a circle of beads (YZM 408-411 var; KM. Y#18.1), obverse has a flattened area due to countermark, very fine

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

Most probably the countermarks are modern additions applied with Tibetan iron seals. 354

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 9.62g, Mekyi mint, 15-49 (1915), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, with cross-shaped ornament above back, sun has nine rays and three ornaments, rev. triratna, symbols and legend as previous coin, but without countermarks (YZM 408-411; KM. Y#18.1), good fine

355 355

356

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 9.16g, Mekyi mint, 15-50 (1916), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, with cross-shaped ornament above back, sun has six or seven rays and three ornaments, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 50 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 50, 5-Sho) (YZM 412-415; KM. Y#18.1), about fine Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.72g, Mekyi mint, 15-50 (1916), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, â&#x20AC;&#x153;thinâ&#x20AC;? lion with cross-shaped ornament above back, sun has seven rays and three ornaments, rev. triratna, symbols and legend as previous coin (YZM 412-415; KM. Y#18.1), very fine

357 357

358

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

358

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 9.02g, Mekyi mint, 15-52 (1918), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, with cross-shaped ornament and six rays and three ornaments, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 52 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 52, 5-Sho) (YZM 417-418, KM. Y#18.1), good fine Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.71g, Mekyi mint, 15-52 (1918), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, with cross-shaped ornament and seven rays and three ornaments, rev. triratna, symbols and legend as previous coin (YZM 417-418; KM. Y#18.1), about very fine 89

HK$1,800-2,200 (US$250-300)

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359 359

360

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.53g, Mekyi mint, 15-53 (1919), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, with cross-shaped ornament and seven or eight rays and three ornaments, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 53 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 53, 5-Sho) (YZM 419; KM. Y#18.1), good fine and rare Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), Æ 5-Sho, 6.66g, Mekyi mint, 15-53 (1919), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, with cross-shaped ornament and seven or eight rays and three ornaments, rev. triratna, symbols and legend as previous coin (YZM -; KM. Y#18.1), in PCGS holder, graded XF, rare

HK$7,500-9,000 (US$1,000-1,200)

HK$9,000-12,000 (US$1,200-1,500)

Owing to silver being in short supply, the mint was experimenting with 5-Sho coins struck in copper. Some pieces are known in copper which is coated with silver (“silver-washed”).

361 361

362

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 9.10g, Mekyi mint, 15-56 (1919), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, with cross-shaped ornament and six rays and three ornaments, tail has nine strands, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 56 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 56, 5-Sho) (YZM 420-421; KM. Y#18.1), good fine and scarce Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.47g, Mekyi mint, 15-56 (1919), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, with cross-shaped ornament and seven or eight rays and three ornaments, tail has eight strands, rev. triratna, symbols and legend as previous coin (YZM 420-421; KM. Y#18.1), about very fine and scarce

363 363

364

HK$6,000-9,000 (US$800-1,200)

364

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.54g, Mekyi mint, 15-59 (1925), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, with cross-shaped ornament and six rays and three ornaments, tail has nine strands, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 59 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 59, 5-Sho) (YZM 422; KM. Y#18.1), in PCGS holder, graded VF30, very rare

HK$9,000-11,000 (US$1,200-1,500)

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 7.63g, Mekyi mint, 15-60 (1926), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 15 lo 60 zho lnga (cycle 15, year 60, 5-Sho) (YZM 423; KM. Y#18.1), in PCGS holder, graded XF45, about fine and very rare HK$11,000-15,000 (US$1,500-2,000) WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$6,000-9,000 (US$800-1,200)

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365 365

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), 5-Sho, 8.12g, Mekyi mint, 16-1 (1927), snow lion looking backwards, as previous lot, rev. triratna and symbols as previous coin but legend reads: rab byung 16 lo 1 zho lnga (cycle 16, year 1, 5-Sho) (YZM 424; KM. Y#18.1) in PCGS holder, graded XF40, about very fine and rare

366 366

HK$9,000-11,000 (US$1,200-1,500)

367

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), Æ 2½-Skar, 2.16g, 15-52 (1918), snow lion within central cartouche, legend rab byung 15 lo 52 (“cycle 15, year 52”) and five flowers composed of five beads each around, rev. norbu (triple gem) in centre with legend and ornaments around: Skar/phyed gsum (“two and half Skar”; literally: “half off three Skar”) (YZM 678-679; KM. A19), very fine and scarce

HK$2,300-2,800 (US$300-350)

The word gsum is spelled with anusvãra (small circle above the letter “s”) which indicates the letter “m” in final position. Obviously this type of abbreviated spelling, which does not occur on other coins struck in Tibet, was used in order to be able to fit the legend on the small planchet. 367

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), Æ 2½-Skar, 1.90g, 15-53 (1919), snow lion within central cartouche, legend rab byung 15 lo 53 (“cycle 15, year 53”) and five flowers composed of five beads each around, rev. norbu in centre with legend Skar/phyed gsum (YZM 680-681; KM. A19), very fine and scarce

HK$2,300-2,800 (US$300-350)

368 368

Tibet, Anonymous (13th Dalai Lama), Æ 2½-Skar, 1.91g, 15-55 (1920), snow lion within central cartouche, legend rab byung 15 lo 55 (“cycle 15, year 55”) and five flowers composed of five beads each around, rev. norbu in centre with legend Skar/phyed gsum (YZM 682; KM. A19), very fine and rare Most of the coins of this rare date are found in very good or fine condition. The coin of the Rhodes collection is one of the best existing.

HK$4,000-4,500 (US$500-600)

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THE 3-SRANG SILVER COINS These beautiful silver coins were struck in the government mint Trabshi. This mint initially was an arsenal which was established in 1914 and later expanded to include a mint. The whole factory was modernised in 1931 with coin presses which had been imported from the UK or British India. Older machinery which was recuperated from the various mints existing in and near Lhasa until then was used in the new mint along with modern machinery. The modernised mint was officially opened in the presence of the 13th Dalai Lama on Nov. 11th 1931 and served as the only Tibetan Government Mint until 1959. The full Tibetan name of this factory was Grwa-bzhi glog-´phrul las-khungs (“Trabshi electrical machine factory”). The first issue of 3-Srang silver coins was only struck during two years (1933 and 1934) and replaced by a newly designed issue. The reason for this was that the 13th Dalai Lama had died in December 1933 and the design of the first issue of the 3-Srang coins was being considered inauspicious.

369

370

The 3-Srang Silver Coins, First Issue 369

370

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.71g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-7 (1933), snow lion facing left with norbu dga’ khyil and ornaments above and below, legend dga’ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal (“the Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions”) in eight syllables between inner circle and an outer circle of pearls arranged in groups of two syllables, separated by Buddhist endless knot emblems, rev. denomination in two lines: srang gsum (“three Srang”), flanked by two ornaments, with small cross in the centre, legend, rab byung bcu drug lo bdun (“cycle sixteen, year seven”) starting from 12 o’clock between inner and outer circle of beads arranged in three groups of two syllables seperated by Buddhist endless knots (YZM 501; KM. Y#25; LM 659), in PCGS holder, graded MS67 Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 12.35g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-7 (1933), as previous coin (YZM 501; KM. Y#25; LM 659), very fine

371 371

372

HK$600-900 (US$80-120)

372

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.71g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-7 (1933), as previous coin (YZM 501; KM. Y#25; LM 659), very fine/extremely fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 12.45g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-7 (1933), as previous coin (YZM 501; KM. Y#25; LM 659), in PCGS holder, extremely fine

WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$900-1,200 (US$100-150)

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-140) HK$900-1,100 (US$120-150)

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373 373

374

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 12.69g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-7 (1933), as previous coin, rev. with dubious countermark in Tibetan seal script (YZM 501; KM. Y#25; LM 659), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.90g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-8 (1934), as previous coin, rev. legend: rab byung bcu drug lo brgyad (“cycle sixteen, year eight”) (YZM 502; KM. Y#25; LM -), extremely fine

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-130)

HK$900-1,100 (US$120-150)

The 3-Srang Silver Coins, Second Issue The 3-Srang coins with altered design were struck in the Trabshi mint between 1935 and 1938 during the regency of Reting Rinpoche and again in 1946 during the regency of Taktra Rinpoche. Among the coins dated 16-9 and 16-10 two reverse varieties exist: the scroll ornamentto the right of the vase can have a small hook at its lower end which is missing on some coins. Several obverse varieties can be identified for most dates: the two suns can have different numbers of rays, the device placed between the two fishes (north-east postion) can be a small single arch or a small double arch and the number of strands attached to the lion’s legs can vary. Many of these varieties are represented in the Rhodes collection.

375

376

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 12.07g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-9 (1935), snow lion facing left in centre with Himalayan range behind with two suns above and ornament below, legend dga’ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal in eight syllables between inner circle and an outer circle of pearls arranged in groups of two syllables, separated by Buddhist emblems: pair of fish, conch, endless knot and parasol, rev. vase containing foliage with scroll ornaments either side and below, legend: rab byung bcu drug lo dgu srang gsum (“cycle sixteen, year nine, three Srang”) reading clockwise from 12 o’clock, separated by four of the auspicious symbols: the banner of victory (north), lotus (east and west) and wheel (south) (YZM -; KM. Y#26; LM -), very fine

HK$900-1,100 (US$120-150)

Scarce reverse variety without hook at the lower end of the ornament to the right of the vase. 376

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.98g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-9 (1935), as previous lot, but normal reverse (YZM 503; KM. Y#26; LM -), very fine

HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

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377 377

378

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.24g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-9 (1935), as previous lot (YZM 503; KM. Y#26; LM -), about extremely fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.98g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-9 (1935), as previous lot (YZM 503; KM. Y#26; LM -), good very fine

379 379

380

382

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 12.82g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot, but normal reverse type (YZM 504; KM. Y#26; LM 658), very fine

384

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.57g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot (YZM 504; KM. Y#26; LM 658), good very fine

HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

HK$450-600 (US$60-90) HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

384

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.96g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot (YZM 504; KM. Y#26; LM 658), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.53g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot (YZM 504; KM. Y#26; LM 658), about extremely fine WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$600-800 (US$80-110)

382

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.57g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot (YZM 504; KM. Y#26; LM 658), good very fine

383 383

HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

380

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.65g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot, rev. legend: rab byung bcu drug lo bcu srang gsum (“cycle sixteen, year ten, three Srang”), without hook at the lower end of the ornament to the right of the vase (YZM -; KM. Y#26; LM -), very fine, scarce reverse type

381 381

HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

HK$450-600 (US$60-90) HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

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385 385

386

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.85g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot (YZM 504; KM. Y#26; LM 658), good very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 12.57g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot (YZM 504; KM. Y#26; LM 658), good very fine

387 387

388

HK$450-600 (US$60-90) HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

388

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.27g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot (YZM 504; KM. Y#26; LM 658), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.06g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot (YZM 504; KM. Y#26; LM 658), good very fine

HK$450-600 (US$60-90) HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

389 389

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.18g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-11 (1937), as previous lot, rev. legend: rab byung bcu drug lo bcuig srang gsum (“cycle sixteen, year eleven, three Srang”) (YZM 505; KM. Y#26; LM -), extremely fine

390 390

391

HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

391

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.63g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-11 (1937), as previous lot (YZM 505; KM. Y#26; LM -), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.59g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-12 (1938), as previous lot, rev. legend: rab byung bcu drug lo bcuis srang gsum (“cycle sixteen, year twelve, three srang”) (YZM 506; KM. Y#26; LM -), minor edge fault, about extremely fine

HK$450-600 (US$60-90)

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393

392 392

393

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.07g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-12 (1938), as previous lot, rev. legend reads srang gsam instead of srang gsum (the u-sign below the letter “s” (north-west position) is missing) (YZM 506; KM. Y#26; LM -), about very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 12.06g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-20 (1946), as previous lot, rev. legend rab byung bcu drug lo nyi shu srang gsum (“cycle sixteen, year twenty, three Srang”), dot after syllable “shu” of the word nyi-shu (south-west position) (YZM 507; KM. Y#26; LM -), in PCGS holder, graded MS63, rare date

394 394

395

HK$1,100-1,400 (US$150-200)

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

395

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.57g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-20 (1946), as previous lot, rev. without dot after syllable “shu” of the word nyi-shu (YZM 507; KM. Y#26; LM 658A), in PCGS holder, graded MS63, very fine, rare date Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 3-Srang, 11.93g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-20 (1946), as previous lot, rev. without dot after syllable “shu” of the word nyi-shu (YZM 507; KM. Y#26; LM 658A), in PCGS holder, graded MS62, rare date

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

The 1½ Srang Silver Coins These coins were struck with the same design as the second issue of the 3-Srang silver coins. Since 11⁄ 2 -Srang is equivalent to 10Tam (Tangka), the Tibetans also referred to these coins as bcu sgor which means “coin of ten.”

396 396

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 1½-Srang, 5.72g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), snow lion facing left in centre with Himalayan range behind with two suns above and ornament below, legend dga’ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal in eight syllables between inner circle and an outer circle of pearls arranged in groups of two syllables, separated by Buddhist emblems, pair of fish, conch, endless knot and parasol, rev. vase containing foliage with scroll ornaments either side and below, legend: rab byung bcu drug lo bcu srang 1/5 (“cycle sixteen, year ten, 1½ srang”) reading clockwise from 12 o’clock, separated by four of the auspicious symbols: the banner of victory (north), lotus (east and west) and wheel (south) (YZM 509; KM. Y#24; L&M -), very fine The expression indicating the denomination srang 1/5 (1 over 5) has to be understood as meaning srang-gang zho lnga (“one Srang and five Sho”). WWW.SPINK.COM

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397 397

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 1½-Srang, 5.55g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-10 (1936), as previous lot (YZM 509; KM Y#24; L&M -), very fine

398 398

399

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 1½-Srang, 5.89g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-11 (1937), as previous lot, rev. legend: rab byung bcu drug lo bcuig srang 1/5 (“cycle sixteen, year eleven, 1½ Srang”) (YZM 510; KM. Y#24; L&M -), very fine

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 1½-Srang, 5.92g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-11 (1937), as previous lot (YZM 510; KM. Y#24; L&M -), good fine

400 400

401

402

403

HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

401

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 1½-Srang, 5.81g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-11 (1937), as previous lot (YZM 510; KM. Y#24; L&M -), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 1½-Srang, 5.79g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-12 (1938), as previous lot, rev. legend: rab byung bcu drug lo bcuis srang 1/5 (“cycle sixteen, year twelve, 1½-Srang”) (YZM 511; KM. Y#24; LM 660), good fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 1½-Srang, 5.75g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-12 (1938), as previous lot (YZM 511; KM. Y#24; LM 660), about very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 1½-Srang, 6.01g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-20 (1946), as previous lot, rev. legend: rab byung bcu drug lo nyi shu srang 1/5 (“cycle sixteen, year twenty, 1½-Srang”) (YZM 512; KM. Y#24; LM 660A), in PCGS holder, graded AU58, rare date

HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

HK$450-600 (US$60-80) HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

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The 10-Srang Coins (Trabshi mint)

404 404

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.61g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-22 (1948), snow lion facing left in centre with mount Kailash behind with two suns above, ornaments and two tufts of grass below, surrounded by a circle to which eight lotus-petal panels are attached, each containing one syllable of the legend dga’ ldan pho brang phyo(gs) las rnam rgyal (“the Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions”), rev. a pair of Mongoose facing a banner of victory over disharmony, the year and denomination above in two lines: lo 22/srang 10 (year 22, 10-Srang”), this surrounded by a circle to which eight lotus petals panels are attached, each containing one syllable of the legend (starting at 12 o’clock): chos srid gnyis ldan rab byung bcu drug (“the religious and political government, cycle sixteen”) (YZM 516; KM. Y#29 [wrong illustration]; LM 663), extremely fine/uncirculated

HK$900-1,200 (US$120-150)

The reverse design has been described by the 14th Dalai Lama or by one of his advisors as follows: “The design depicts a pair of Mongoose facing a banner of victory over disharmony. The pair of Mongoose represents prosperity, with each vomiting precious stones into a tray. The banner consists of three animals - one animal represents the offspring of the Sea Shell and the Crocodile, another the offspring of the Fish and the Otter, and the third, the offspring of the Garuda and the Snow Lion. Each offspring symbolizes the perpetuation of harmony and unity over the forces of discord, represented by each of the three pairs of animals, which are natural enemies.” (Barrie Newman: “The Australian story behind two Tibetan facsimile ‘re-strikes’: 1950 ten srang and 1957 five sho”, Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia (JNAA), vol. 20 ([2009] 2010), p. 82-89 http://naa-online.com/pdfjournal/Vol20/Article207.pdf The combined animals, i.e. the mythical chu srin (Sanskrit makara, a creature which is normally represented as being composed of fish and crocodile and having an elephant trunk) issuing from a sea shell, otter with fish-head and snow lion with garuda-head are seen on the coin going from the lower end of the banner upwards.

405 405

406

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.34g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-22 (1948), as previous lot (YZM 516; KM. Y#29 [wrong illustration]; LM 663), in PCGS holder, graded MS64 Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.84g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-22 (1948), as previous lot (YZM 516; KM. Y#29 [wrong illustration]; LM 663), very fine

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407 407

408

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.69g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-22 (1948), as previous lot (YZM 516; KM. Y#29 [wrong illustration]; LM 663), about very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 17.31g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-22 (1948), as previous lot (YZM 516; KM. Y#29 [wrong illustration]; LM 663), very fine

409 409

410

411

413

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

410

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.46g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-22 (1948), as previous lot (YZM 516; KM. Y#29 [wrong illustration]; LM 663), about very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.98g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-23 (1949), as previous lot, rev. legend: lo 23/srang bcu (denomination in words instead of figures) (YZM 517; KM. Y#29.1; LM 662), in PCGS holder, extremely fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.74g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-23 (1949), as previous lot, rev. denomination in words (YZM 517; KM. Y#29.1; LM 662), very fine

412 412

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

HK$900-1,200 (US$120-150)

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-130)

413

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.75g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-23 (1949), as previous lot, rev. denomination in words (YZM 517; KM. Y#29.1; LM 662), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.21g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-23 (1949), as previous lot, rev. denomination in words (YZM 517; KM. Y#29.1; LM 662), very fine 99

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

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414 414

415

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.26g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-23 (1949), as previous lot, rev. denomination in words (YZM 517; KM. Y#29.1; LM 662), good fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.05g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-23 (1949), as previous lot, rev. denomination in words (YZM 517; KM. Y#29.1; LM 662), about extremely fine

416 416

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

HK$750-900 (US$40-60)

417

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.28g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-23 (1949), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. denomination in words (YZM 519; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), good fine and rare

HK$1,800-2,200 (US$250-300)

Out of the series of 10-Srang coins this is the rarest variety which is missing in most collections. Apparently during most of the year 16-23 (AD 1949) only the variety with two suns on obverse was struck and the new variety with moon and sun on obverse was only introduced towards the end of that year, perhaps as late as January 1950. 417

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 17.38g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-24 (1950), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. legend: lo 24/srang bcu, no dot after bcu (end of second line), the figure “4” of the date overstruck on another figure (YZM -; KM. Y#29a; LM 662), about very fine

418 418

419

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.63g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-24 (1950), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. as previous, no dot after bcu, the figure “4” of the date overstruck (YZM -; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), good fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.34g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-24 (1950), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. dot after bcu (YZM 521; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), a little dirty, good fine WWW.SPINK.COM

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420 420

421

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.21g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-24 (1950), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. no dot after bcu, the figure “4” of the date overstruck (YZM -; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), good fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.62g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-24 (1950), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. dot after bcu (YZM 521; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), very fine

422 422

423

HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

423

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.37g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-24 (1950), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. dot after bcu (YZM 521; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), very fine Tibet, Government in Exile, Cu.Ni. Proof 10-Srang, 13.10g, Valcambi mint, T.E.1624 (1950), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. no dot after bcu, the figure “4” of the date overstruck (YZM -; Bruce X #4), uncirculated

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

HK$600-900 (US$80-120)

This is a modern restrike produced in the Valcambi mint (Switzerland) after having been authorised by the 14th Dalai Lama. Restrikes of this coin type in silver and gold also exist (for more details see Barrie Newman: “The Australian story behind two Tibetan facsimile ‘re-strikes’: 1950 ten srang and 1957 five sho”, Journal of the Numismatic Association of Australia (JNAA), vol. 20 ([2009] 2010), p. 82-89. http://naa-online.com/pdfjournal/Vol20/Article207.pdf

424 424

425

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 15.44g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-25 (1951), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. legend: lo 25/srang bcu, no dot after bcu (YZM 522; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), in PCGS holder, graded MS63 Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 15.82g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-25 (1951), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. dot after bcu (YZM 522; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), very fine 101

HK$750-900 (US$100-120)

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

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426 426

427

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.91g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-26 (1952), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. legend: lo 26/srang bcu, no dot after bcu (YZM 524; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.85g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-26 (1952), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. no dot after bcu (YZM 524; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), about very fine

428 428

429

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

429

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.77g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-26 (1952), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. dot after bcu (YZM 525; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), about very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 17.84g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-26 (1952), with moon and sun above mountain, rev. no dot after bcu (YZM 524; KM. Y#29a; LM 662 for type), very fine

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

430 430

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang (2), 17.53g, Trabshi mint, T.E.16-26 (1952), rev. dot after bcu, 16.20g, Dugรถ Lekhung T.E.16-25 (1951), (YZM 525, 527; KM. Y#29a, 30; LM 661 var, 662), the first about very fine, the second very fine with mount removed from obverse (2) WWW.SPINK.COM

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The 10-Srang Coins, issued by the Dugö Lekhung (‘du- ‘god las-khungs) Originally these 10-Srang coins were struck by the ‘du- ‘god las-khungs to pay Tibetan army members. This office was located within the compound of the Tibetan army at Trabshi to the west of the Government factory and mint. The syllables ‘du- ‘god have the meaning “affairs” or “dealings” and the expression ‘du- ‘god las-khungs refers to an office which was dealing with the salaries of soldiers. This type of 10-Srang coins was struck only during two years and must have circulated along with the regular government issues.

431 431

432

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 15.97g, Dugö Lekhung, T.E.16-24 (1950), snow lion facing left in centre with mount Kailash behind with two suns above, ornaments and two tufts of grass below, surrounded by a circle to which eight lotus petal panels are attached, each containing one syllable of the legend dga’ ldan pho brang phyo(gs) las rnam rgyal (“the Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions”), rev. date and denomination in the centre in three lines: rab byung bcu/drug lo nyer bzhi/dngul srang bcu (“cycle sixteen, year twenty-four, ten silver Srang”), without a dot after bzhi (four) at the end of the second line, this surrounded by a circle to which eight lotus petal panels are attached, each containing one syllable of the legend: ‘du ‘dgod bde skyid ‘dod rgu ‘khyil ba (affairs, happiness, objects of desire, turning around) (YZM 527; KM. Y#30; LM 661), in PCGS slab, extremely fine

HK$500-700 (US$70-90)

According to D.W.Shakabpa (Shakabpa, W.D.: “Tibetan Currency” Tibet House Bulletin, vol. 7, no. 1, Spring 1992, pp. 2-3) the meaning of the reverse legend is “finance, happiness, wealth and prosperity”. The cataloguer thinks that this legend represents the complete name of the office which issued these coins, suggesting that it is dealing with (turning around) the worldly necessities (objects of desire) and the welfare (happiness) [of army members]. 432

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.60g, Dugö Lekhung, T.E.16-24 (1950), as previous lot, rev. date and denomination as before, a dot after bzhi at the end of the second line (YZM 527; KM. Y#30; LM 661 var), in PCGS holder, graded MS64

433 433

434

HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

434

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 14.87g, Dugö Lekhung, T.E.16-24 (1950), as previous lot, rev. date and denomination as before, no dot after bzhi (YZM 527; KM. Y#30; LM 661 var), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, 10-Srang, 16.80g, Dugö Lekhung, T.E.16-25 (1951), as previous lot, rev. legend: rab byung bcu/drug lo nyer lnga/dngul srang bcu (“cycle sixteen, year twenty-five, ten silver Srang”), (YZM 527; KM. Y#30; LM 661 var), very fine 103

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

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COPPER COINS OF THE 20TH CENTURY

435 435

436

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 2½-Skar, 3.17g, Dode mint, T.E.15-48 (1914), standing lion facing left and looking back, sun and three ornaments above and small mountain below, surrounded by a circle to which eight lotus petal panels are attached, each containing one syllable of the legend dga’ ldan pho brang phyo(gs) las rnam rgyal (“the Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions”), rev. three concentric circles representing the axis of a wheel, with bead in centre and eight beads in other circles, this surrounded by a string of pearls (the number of which can vary between 28 and 36 for this series), between this and the outermost circle legend: rab byung 15 lo 48 Skar phyed gsum (“cycle 15, year 48, two and half Skar”) (YZM 640-542; KM. Y#16.2), fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 2½-Skar, 3.60g, Dode mint, T.E.15-48 (1914), crouching lion looking back, otherwise as previous lot (YZM 639; KM. Y#16.3), fine

437 437

438

440

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 2½-Skar, 4.75g, Dode mint, T.E.15-47 (1913), crouching lion looking diagonally upwards, rev. legend: rab byung 15 lo 47 Skar phyed gsum (“cycle 15, year 47, two and half Skar”), otherwise as previous lot (YZM 639; KM. Y#16.1(wrong illustration)), fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 2½-Skar, 3.97g, Dode mint, T.E.15-48 (1914), crouching lion looking diagonally upwards, rev. legend: rab byung 15 lo 48 Skar phyed gsum (“cycle 15, year 48, two and half Skar”), otherwise as previous lot (YZM 638; KM. Y#16.1(wrong illustration)), fine

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

440

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 2½-Skar, 5.47g, Dode mint, T.E.15-49 (1915), crouching lion looking diagonally upwards, rev. legend: rab byung 15 lo 49 Skar phyed gsum (“cycle 15, year 49, two and half Skar”), otherwise as previous lot (YZM 643; KM. Y#16.1(wrong illustration)), reverse struck slightly off-centre, fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 2½-Skar, 4.63g, Dode mint, T.E.15-50 (1916), crouching lion looking diagonally upwards, rev. legend: rab byung 15 lo 50 Skar phyed gsum (“cycle 15, year 50, two and half Skar”), otherwise as previous lot (YZM 644-45; KM. Y#16.1(wrong illustration)), fine

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438

439 439

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441 441

442

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 2½-Skar, 4.34g, Dode mint, T.E.15-51? (1917), crouching lion looking diagonally upwards, rev. legend: rab byung 15 lo 51 Skar phyed gsum (“cycle 15, year 51, two and half Skar”), otherwise as previous lot (YZM 646; KM. Y#16.1(wrong illustration)), the last digit of date very faint and only partially visible, fine and rare

HK$900-1,200 (US$120-170)

The coin with the date 15-51 is the rarest in this series. The date on this specimen is very faint, buyers are recommended to view this coin in person before bidding. 442

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 2½-Skar, 5.53g, Dode mint, T.E.15-52 (1918), crouching lion looking diagonally upwards, rev. legend: rab byung 15 lo 52 Skar phyed gsum (“cycle 15, year 52, two and half Skar”), otherwise as previous lot (YZM 647-49; KM. Y#16.1(wrong illustration)), very fine

HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

The 5-Skar coins 443

444

445

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 5-Skar (9), Dode mint, T.E.15-48 to 15-52 (1914 - 1918), a complete date set of the 5-Skar coins with the snow lion looking backwards, including five major variants dated 15-48 (style of lion and design in the centre of the reverse vary considerably) (YZM 653-660, 663-667, 669-670, 673,676; KM. Y#17.1, Y 17.3), selected coins, far better than normal for this issue, fine to very fine (9) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 5-Skar (6), Dode mint, T.E.15-47 to 15-52 (1913 - 1918), a complete date set of the 5-Skar coins with the lion looking upwards (YZM 650-651, 661-662, 668, 671-672 & 674-675; KM. Y#17), selected coins, far better than normal for this issue, fine to very fine (6) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 5-Skar (8), Dode mint, T.E.15-52 to 15-56 (1918 - 1922), a complete date set of the 5-Skar coins of type Y # 19 (21mm), including two variants of 15-54 date and two variants of the rare coin, 15-56 date (engraver’s error, reverse legend written retrograde) (YZM 683-686, 688-689 & 691-692; KM. Y#19), very fine or better (8)

HK$900-1,200 (US$120-150)

HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

HK$1,100-1,400 (US$150-200)

446 446

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 5-Skar (2), Dode mint, T.E.15-55, 15-56 (1921, 1922), rev. with extra bead above denomination Skar lnga (YZM 687, 690; KM. Y#19.1), very fine to extremely fine, both scarce types (2) According to Kempf (Kempf, Fred: A Primary Report on Native Tibetan Coins, Seattle, Washington 1961) the Dode mint consisted of two parts, the upper part and the lower part, located within the same compound. “In 1921 and 1922 the upper Dokde mint put a dot on it’s 5 Kar coins to distinguish them from those of the lower mint.” Kempf gleaned this information from exiled Tibetans, primarily from the former Government official Wangchen Surkhang. 105

HK$750-900 (US$100-120)

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The 7½-Skar coins 447

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 7½-Skar (9), Dode mint, T.E.15-52 to 15-56 & 15-60 (1918 - 1922 & 1926), a complete date set of the 7½-Skar coins struck on a eightlobed flan, rev. several varieties, including those with central three comma-shapes (norbu dga’ kyil) running anti-clockwise (YZM 693-720; KM. Y#20), including the key date 1560, fine or very fine (9)

HK$1,100-1,400 (US$150-200)

The copper Shokang issues

448 448

449

450

451

452

449

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho, large flan (25mm), 3.94g, Dode mint, T.E.15-52 (1918), lion looking diagonally upwards (YZM 723-724; KM. Y # 21), about very fine and scarce Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho, large flan (25mm), 4.26g, Dode mint, T.E.15-52 (1918), lion looking backwards (YZM 721-722; KM. Y # 21b), some green discolouration, very fine and very scarce Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (24mm), 6.01g, Dode mint, T.E.15-56? (1922), lion looking upwards, rev. bead in arabesques (YZM -; KM. Y # 21.2 for type), double struck on both sides on a heavy and unusually large flan, about very fine and rare Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (14), Mekyi mint, T.E.15-52 to T.E.162 (1918-1928), complete date set of obverse type “lion looking backwards,” including variants of date 15-55 (2) and 15-57 (3), rev. without bead in arabesques (YZM 725-735; KM. Y #21.1a), fine to very fine (14) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (11), Dode mint, T.E.15-54 to T.E.16-2 (1920-1928), complete date set of obverse type “lion looking upwards,” including variants of date 16-1 (2), one with numeral “1” counterstamped over “60,” rev. bead in arabesques (YZM 736-742, 752, &755-764; KM. Y#21.2), fine to very fine (11)

450

HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

HK$500-600 (US$70-90)

HK$600-900 (US$80-120)

HK$500-750 (US$70-100)

453 453

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (2), Dode mint, T.E.15-54 (1920), this with error date 54-54, the second with uncertain date, both lion looking upwards, rev. bead in arabesque (YZM 751), the first very fine and very scarce, the second struck over 21⁄ 2-Skar coin of the type Y #16, fine (2)

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456

454

455

456

455

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (2), Dode mint, T.E.15-54 (1920), the first with error date 51-54, the second with rev. legend rab byung lo 15 (plus weakly struck figure 54) instead of usual date, both lion looking upwards, rev. bead in arabesques (YZM 746-748), fine and very scarce (2) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (2), Dode mint, T.E.15-54 (1920), the first with rev. legend rab byung lo 15-54, instead of rab byung 15 lo 54, the second with rev. error legend and unusual “filled” letters zho gang in centre, both lion looking upwards, rev. bead in arabesques (YZM 743-744), fine and very scarce (2) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho, 4.41g, Dode mint, uncertain date, obverse brockage of 1-Sho coin of the obverse variety “lion looking upwards” (YZM -; KM. Y#21.2 for type), very fine and rare

457 457

458

459

460

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-130)

HK$1,000-1,500 (US$150-200)

458

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho, 4.87g, Dode mint, T.E.16-2 (1928), mule with mismatched dies, obv. “lion looking backwards,” rev. “bead in arabesques” (YZM -; obv. KM. Y # 21a, rev. KM. Y # 21.1b), fine and rare Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho, 5.85g, Dode mint, T.E.16-1 (1927), reverse brockage of 1-Sho coin of the variety “bead in arabesques” (YZM -; KM. -), about very fine and rare Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (2), Dode mint, uncertain date, the first mis-struck, the second of type “lion looking upwards”, rev. bead in arabesques, rab byung 15 lo 4, the figure “5” of the date apparently missing (YZM -; KM. Y# 21a & KM. Y#21.2 for types), fine and scarce (2) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (7), Dode mint, T.E. 15-54, 15-55, 1557 and 15-58, all of the type “lion looking upwards”, the 3 coins dated 15-54 are possibly contemporaneous forgeries showing the figure 54 in different styles, one coin showing a retooled figure 15 may be struck over another coin, the two coins dated 15-55 are two major variants, the coin dated 15-57 appears to be missing the figure “5” in “57” (KM Y 21.2 for type), a group of coins which deserves further study by a specialist collector, fine to very fine (7)

107

HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

HK$1,000-1,500 (US$150-200)

HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

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462

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (12), Dode mint, T.E.15-56 to T.E.16-2 (1922-1928), complete date set “lion looking upwards” type, rev. legend zho gang arranged vertically in centre, including variants of dates 15-56, 15-57 & 15-60 (YZM 771-781, 785-787, 789-790 &792; KM. Y #21a), one of the 15-57 coins with clashed reverse die (part of the obverse legend is visible on reverse), fine to very fine (12) Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (15), Trabshi mint, T.E.16-6 to T.E.1612 (1932- 1938), date run including all dates, except 16-16, and most varieties (secret marks placed in the middle of reverse ornament, above the inscription zho gang in the centre) (YZM 793-817; KM. Y # 23), very fine to about uncirculated, the scarce early dates 16-6 & 16-8 about uncirculated and rare thus (15)

HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

463 463

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 1-Sho (3), Dode Mint, “lion looking up,” punched with figure 10, rev. bead in arabesques; Trabshi mint, 16-11, also punched with figure 10 on reverse, Trabshi mint, 16-12, with small arrow as secret mark on reverse (the first KM. Y # 21.2; the last YZM 816-817), fine to very fine, the last scarce (3)

HK$500-600 (US$70-90)

The two coins punched with figure 10 were probably converted into tokens after 1959.

The 3-Sho coins

464 464

465

466

465

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 3-Sho, 9.40g, Trabshi Mint, T.E.16-20 (1946), double cloud line on obverse (YZM 819-820; KM. Y# 27.2), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 3-Sho, 7.29g, Trabshi Mint, T.E.16-20 (1946), cloud line behind the mountains ends in a small cloud placed far right (YZM 835; KM. Y# 27.1), very fine, scarce obverse type Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 3-Sho (4), Trabshi Mint, T.E.16-20 (1946), rev. including conch (northwest symbol) types with one or four dots and two dashes and one dot (YZM 829, 830; KM. Y# 27.1), fine to very fine (4)

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HK$450-600 (US$60-80)

HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

HK$900-1,200 (US$120-150)

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467 467

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 3-Sho, 8.65g, Trabshi Mint, T.E.16-20 (1946), rev. conch (north-west symbol) with four beads above (YZM 821-828; KM Y# 27.1), about uncirculated and nicely toned, rare thus

HK$600-900 (US$80-120)

The 5-Sho Copper coins

468 468

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 5-Sho, 8.54g, Trabshi Mint, T.E.16-21 (1947), two mountains on obverse (YZM 836; KM. Y# 28), about uncirculated with lustre

HK$300-450 (US$40-60)

469 469

470

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 5-Sho, 8.88g, Trabshi Mint, T.E.16-22 (1948), cloud is missing from, or merged with, middle summit (YZM 839; KM. Y# 28.2), very fine Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 5-Sho (20), Trabshi Mint, T.E.16-21 to 16-24 (1947-1950), a complete date set of this type with two suns above the mountains, including date 16-21 (2), rev. date over-strikes: 16-23 with “3” cut into figure below, 1624 with “4” cut into figure below, all varieties between 16-22 and 16-24 with or without dot after “16” (at start of second line of script) are represented (YZM 838, 840-845; KM Y# 28.1), very fine to extremely fine (20)

HK$500-600 (US$70-90)

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

Obverse varieties of this type can be discovered by focussing on the number of rays of each sun and the position of the norbu dga’ khyil below the lion’s right front paw. 471

Tibetan Government, Anonymous, Æ 5-Sho (19), Trabshi Mint, T.E.16-23 to 16-27 (1949-1953), a complete date set of this type with moon and sun above the mountains including two obverse varieties with moon cut over sun and cloud merged with middle summit, reverse overdates 16-24, 16-25 & 16-27, also a brass 5-Sho, 16-24 (YZM 846857; KM, Y# 28a), fine to very fine (19) 109

HK$900-1,200 (US$120-160)

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20-TAM SRANG GOLD COINS Most if not all Tibetan gold coins of 20 Tam Srang were struck between 1918 and 1921 in the gser khang mint, which was located in the western part of Lhasa near the summer residence of the Dalai Lama, the Norbu Lingka. The meaning of gser khang is “gold house”. In his unpublished diary Charles Bell noted the folowing: “27.8.20 Tsarong Shape makes a large profit out of his work at the gold mint. The gold coin ser-trang ranks as equal to 20 ngusangs, but actually equals 16 only. Thus on every Ser-trang the Tibetan Government makes a profit of 4 ngu-sang (= Rs. 6). People say that 10,000 ser-trangs are being coined daily at this mint. I doubt personally whether the number is so large; possibly only 1000 are coined daily. Tsarong is allowed to bring some of the gold that he buys himself and pass it into the currency, and take a similar profit on it for himself. I would think HK that for every thousand coins coined from the Government gold he is allowed to coin one hundred or so from his own gold and take the profit on these 4 ngu-sangs per ser-trang.” There exist gold coins of the dates 15-52 and 15-54 which feature a small bead in the centre of the reverse and others which are without this bead. It is possible that this mark served to distinguish the issues which were struck by Tsarong Shape from those which were struck by the Tibetan Government. By the time the last gold coins with the date 15-55 (AD 1921) were struck, the intrinsic value exceeded the face value which is the reason why the issue of gold coins was suspended after a very small number of coins with the date 15-55 had been produced.

472

472 (x1.5)

472

Tibet, Anonymous, 20-Tam Srang, 10.83g, 15-52, snow lion facing left, the words rab byung 15 (“cycle 15”) above and lo 52 (“year 52”) below, this surrounded by a circle around which the eight Buddhist auspicious emblems are arranged in the following order (starting at 12 o’clock and going clockwise): parasol, pair of golden fishes, treasure vase, lotus flower, conch, endless knot, banner of victory, wheel of dharma, rev. without dot in centre of central circle, stylised wheel with eight spokes in centre, surrounded by circle, outer circle contains the following legend (starting at 12 o’clock and reading clockwise): dga’ ldan pho brang phyo(gs) las rnam rgyal/tam srang 20 (“the Ganden palace, victorious in all directions/20 Tam Srang”) (YZM 1 , KM Y22, LM 1064), in PCGS holder, graded MS65, scarce HK$30,000-40,000 (US$4,000-5,000)

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473 473 (x1.5) 473

Tibet, Anonymous, 20-Tam Srang, 11.28g, 15-52, snow lion facing left, the words rab byung 15 (“cycle 15”) above and lo 52 (“year 52”) below, rev. as previous coin but with dot in centre of central circle (YZM 5; KM. Y22), in PCGS holder, graded cleaned AU, scarce HK$30,000-40,000 (US$4,000-5,000) PROVENANCE: Ex. Collection of Margaret (Peggy) D. Williamson. Author of “Memoirs of a Political Officer’s wife in Tibet, Sikim and Bhutan” (in collaboration with John Snelling), Wisdom Publications, London, 1987. In the early 1930s her husband Frederick (Derrick) Williamson was political officer in Sikkim for the British Indian Government. In 1935, during a third visit to Tibet, her husband died in Lhasa. She accompanied her husband on all official visits to Tibet and Bhutan. In matters regarding the minting of Tibetan coins Nicholas Rhodes helped Mrs. Williamson with the parts in her book which deal with this subject. Undoubtedly the gold coin, dated 15-52 was presented to the Williamsons during one of their three visits to Lhasa.

474 474 (x1.5) 474

Tibet, Anonymous, 20-Tam Srang, 10.82g, 15-53, snow lion facing left, the words rab byung 15 (“cycle 15”) above and lo 53 (“year 53”) below, rev. as previous coin but without dot in centre of central circle (YZM - ; KM. Y22; LM -), in PCGS holder, graded edge repaired UNC, scarce HK$30,000-40,000 (US$4,000-5,000)

475 475 (x1.5) 475

Tibet, Anonymous, 20-Tam Srang, 10.94g, 15-54, snow lion facing left, the words rab byung 15 (“cycle 15”) above and lo 54 (“year 54”) below, rev. as previous coin, without dot in centre of central circle (YZM 8; KM. Y22; LM 1063), in PCGS holder, graded MS63, very fine and scarce HK$30,000-40,000 (US$4,000-5,000) 111

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476

476 (x2) 476

Tibet, Anonymous, 20-Tam Srang, 11.15g, 15-55, snow lion facing left, the words rab byung 15 (“cycle 15”) above and lo 55 (“year 55”) below, rev. as previous coin, without dot in centre of central circle (YZM 9; KM. Y22), in PCGS holder, graded UNC cleaning, extremely rare HK$90,000-110,000 (US$12,000-15,000) PROVENANCE: Ex. Carlo Valdettaro collection Only one other specimen of this date was ever offered at a public auction. This was lot 200 of the Gabrisch collection (Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd, Ma Tak Wo Numismatic Co. Ltd, Monetarium (S) Pte Ltd and Ronals G. Gillio Auction, Hong Kong, 1 September 2005)

477 477

478

Tibet, Anonymous, forgery of a 20-Tam Srang, struck in silver, 7.34g, 15-54 (YZM - ; KM -), about extremely fine and scarce

HK$6,000-7,500 (US$800-1,000)

Forgery made in China (Rhodes, Nicholas G. “A Tibetan Forgery, Spink, Numismatic Circular, Vol. 86, London 1978, pp. 364-365). The coin still has the ink marks applied by Nicholas Rhodes in order to point out the areas which identify it as forgery. 478

Tibet, Anonymous, forgery of 20-Tam Srang, struck in copper, 6.10g, 15-54 (YZM - ; KM -), toned good extremely fine and scarce Apparently struck from the same pair of dies as the previous coin.

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HK$5,000-6,000 (US$700-900)

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CHINESE REPUBLIC FOR TIBET

480

479 479

480

China for Tibet, Anonymous (c.1908), 1-Tael, 36.21g, undated, inscription (to be read from right to left) xi zang yuan Liang (Tibet, one Liang) (Kann 441), about extremely fine and rare

Sichuan Province, Anonymous, (1911), 5 cash, 4.79g, 1st year of the republic (KM. Y # 441), very fine and scarce

HK$6,000-7,500 (US$800-1,000)

HK$3,000-4,500 (US$400-600)

According to S. Semans this coin was “said to commemorate an expedition to Tibet led by Hsiung K’e-wu” (Semans, Scot: The Daniel K. Ching Sale, Seattle, Washington, June 2, 1991, lot 865)

481 481

482

Chinese Republic for Tibet (c.early 1950s), Yuan Shikai Dollar, 26.46g, dated 3rd year of the Republic, rev. closed “triangle” in the upper part of the character for yuan (KM 329 var), fine

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

According to N.Rhodes (Rhodes, Nicholas: “A Communist Chinese Restrike”. Spink’s Numismatic Circular, vol. 83, 1975, p. 239-240) this variety with a closed “triangle” in the upper part of the character for yuan on reverse was struck in China for use in Tibet in the early 1950s. This variety of the Yuan Shikai Dollar is said to have been struck in the Chengdu mint from silver which was obtained from objects made of precious metal that were collected in Eastern Tibet and Western Sichuan (former Xikang province). It was used by the Chinese to buy the goodwill of influential Tibetans and pay Tibetan workers involved in road construction. During the Mönlam Festival (“Great Prayer Festival”) in 1952 the Chinese distributed a considerable amount of these coins to the monks of important monasteries in and near Lhasa. Owing to their high silver content these coins became quite popular in Tibet where they were called dayan. They were also used by Tibetan traders to pay for imports from India. For further discussions regarding this variety see the following webpage: http://www.zeno.ru/showphoto.php?photo=16199 482

Chinese Republic for Tibet (c.early 1950s), Yuan Shikai Dollar, 26.32g, dated 3rd year of the Republic, rev. closed “triangle” in the upper part of the character for yuan (KM 329 var), very fine

113

HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

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483 483

Chinese Republic for Tibet (c.early 1950s), Yuan Shikai Dollar, 27.00g, dated 3rd year of the Republic, rev. closed “triangle” in the upper part of the character for yuan (KM 329 var), very fine

485

484 484

485

HK$1,800-2,200 (US$250-300)

Chinese Republic for Tibet (c.early 1950s), Yuan Shikai Dollar, 26.74g, dated 3rd year of the Republic, rev. closed “triangle” in the upper part of the character for yuan (KM 329 var), some black spots on obverse, very fine Chinese Republic for Tibet (c.early 1950s), Yuan Shikai Dollar, 26.63g, dated 3rd year of the Republic, rev. closed “triangle” in the upper part of the character for yuan (KM 329 var), some discolouration on both sides, fine

HK$1,200-1,500 (US$150-200)

FANTASY COINS

486 486

487

Tibet, Qian Long, forgery of Half-Sho, 1.50g, 58th year (YZM -; KM -; LM -), very fine, scarce

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$600-800)

This coin has already been identified as forgery by Edward Kann (Kann, F 1460). It was probably produced in China for the collector’s market. In some editions of KM it served as plate specimen for the genuine Half-Sho issue of this ruler. Meanwhile this error has been corrected. 487

Tibet, Jia Qing, fantasy of 1-Sho, 3.50g, (6th year?) (YZM -; KM -; LM -), very fine, not common This fantasy was first found in Nepal in the 1960s. A genuine coin of year 6 of the Jia Qing era in this style does not exist, therefore we refer to this coin as fantasy, rather than forgery. WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$750-900 (US$100-120)

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488 488

Tibet, Qian Long, forgery of 1-Sho, 3.15g, 59th year (YZM -; KM -; LM -); Tibet, Jia Qing, forgery of 1-Sho, 2.94g, 1st year (YZM -; KM -; L M -; Kann F1464) While the Chinese inscription is of good style, the Tibetan inscription is faulty. This indicates that this forgery most probably was produced in China for the collector’s market, both very fine, the second scarce (2)

HK$4,500-6,000 (US$600-800)

The first was found in Nepal in the 1970s, but it is not known where it was made. The fact that it was struck in a collar and has a weight which is below the standard weight gives it away as forgery.

489

490

Tibet, Jia Qing, dubious issue of Half-Sho, 1.83g, 8th year, (YZM -; KM -; LM -; Dong Wenchao, no. 1279, very fine and very rare

HK$6,000-9,000 (US$800-1,200)

PROVENANCE:

Ex. Wesley Halpert collection, Spink, New York, 11 December 2000, lot 109. Ex The Money Company, Public Auction, Hong Kong, September 1986, lot 897 This coin was bought by the American collector Gilbert Richardson who sold it to Wesley Halpert. It was discussed by Nicholas Rhodes in the following publication: Rhodes, Nicholas: “Some Sino-Tibetan Forgeries,”Numismatics International Bulletin, vol. 20, no. 11, 1975, p. 254-257. Note that the letter “rgya” in the Tibetan word for eight (brgyad) is written reversed. 490

Tibet, Dao Guang, forgery of 1-Sho, 3.22g, 1st year, (YZM 243-247; KM -; LM -), very fine The fact that this coin was struck in a collar and has a weight which is below the standard weight gives it away as forgery.

115

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-150)

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491

492

Tibet, Dao Guang, dubious issue of ½-Sho, 1.94g, 1st year (YZM -; KM -; LM -), very fine and very rare

493

HK$7,000-10,000 (US$900-1,200)

PROVENANCE:

Ex. Wesley Halpert collection, Spink, New York, 11 December 2000, lot 110 Ex The Money Company, Public Auction, Hong Kong, September 1986, lot 896. This coin was bought by the American collector Gilbert Richardson who sold it to Wesley Halpert. It was discussed by Nicholas Rhodes in the following publication: Rhodes, Nicholas: “Some Sino-Tibetan Forgeries”. Numismatics International Bulletin, vol. 20, no. 11, 1975, p. 254-257. 492

Tibet, Xian Feng, forgery of 1-Sho, 3.23g, 3rd year (YZM 243-247; KM -; LM -; Kann B78), very fine

HK$900-1,400 (US$120-180)

The fact that this coin was struck in a collar and has a weight which is below the standard weight gives it away as forgery. A similar coin is illustrated as WS0232 in the following catalogue: Wang Chun Li: Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Gold & Silver Coins 1791-1949. Zhong Guo Shang Ye Chu Ban She, Beijing, 2012, p. 79. However, the coin illustrated by Wang Chun Li appears to be struck on a wavy flan without the use of a collar, similar to those found among genuine Sino-Tibetan coins. Yet the dies which were used to strike this piece seem to be the same as those used to strike the fake coin included in the present lot. 493

Tibet, Xian Feng, dubious issue of ½-Sho, 1.79g, 3rd year (YZM 243-247; KM -; LM -), very fine and very rare PROVENANCE:

Ex. Wesley Halpert collection, Spink, New York, 11 December 2000, lot 111 Ex. The Money Company, Public Auction, Hong Kong, September 1986, lot 895. This coin was bought by the American collector Gilbert Richardson who sold it to Wesley Halpert. This coin was discussed by Nicholas Rhodes in the following publication: Rhodes, Nicholas: “Some Sino-Tibetan Forgeries”. Numismatics International Bulletin, vol. 20, no. 11, 1975, p. 254-257. Although Nicholas Rhodes is inclined to consider the HalfSho coins of Xian Feng, 3rd year, of Dao Guang, 1st year (lots 490, 491) and of Jia Qing, 8th year (lot 489) as forgeries, he mentions the following “theory” in his article: “Another possible theory is that these pieces were made in China for presentation to the Emperor, as examples of the coins that were being issued (in theory, but not in practice) in various parts of the Empire. A number of fine brass cash of this nature are known, but if this were the case, surely these silver pieces for Tibet would have been recorded in Chinese sources, along with the similar brass cash? Indeed a number of silver Sino-Tibetan coins, reputedly presented to the Emperor, were in the Peking Old Palace Museum, but none of the coins described above were there.”

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494 494

495

Qian Long, ¡ fantasy Coin, 7.07g, undated, Pagoda with inscription around (reading the right column of script first) Qian Long bao zang, rev. design copied from the Tibetan Gaden Tangka (Kann B74; Bruce XM420), very fine and scarce Qian Long, fantasy Dollar, 18.17g, undated, facing bust of Panchen Lama, Chinese script to left: Hou Tsang (Eastern Tibet), to right: Pan Ch’an (Panchan Lama), rev. vi´svavajra (double vajra) with eight-spoked wheel in centre, legend: Qian Long in Tibetan and Chinese scrip (Kann B76; Dong Wenchao, 1277), very fine and scarce

HK$1,500-2,300 (US$200-300)

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-400)

This fantasy is often referred to as “Lama Dollar” and according to some authorities the obverse features a portrait of the Panchen Lama. H.F. Bowker (Bowker, H.F.: “Notes on Asian Numismatics. The Lama Dollar of Tibet”. The Numismatic Scrapbook Magazine, vol. 22, 1956, p. 2134-2136) suggested that this piece may have been an official issue struck by the Chengdu Mint. Nowadays all experts agree that this piece is a fantasy.

496 496

China, Anonymous, fantasy Sichuan Rupee, 22.71g, large size, bust of Guang Xu (Bruce XM 442; Dong Wenchao, 1323), very fine and scarce

HK$2,300-3,000 (US$300-400)

The cataloguer cannot rule out the possibility that this coin is a modern copy of an old fantasy.

497 497

498

China, Anonymous, fantasy Sichuan Rupee, 13.13g, undated, facing portrait of the Dowager Empress Cixi (1835-1908), rev. design based on the Sichuan Rupee (Kann B 27), very fine and scarce Guang Xu, ¡ fantasy Coin, 4.59g, undated, four Chinese characters, rev. Chinese inscription framed by a dragon, fine 117

HK$1,800-2,300 (US$250-350) HK$400-500 (US$50-70)

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499 499

500

China for Tibet, anonymous (c.1875-1908), fantasy 1- Tael, 23.86g, undated, Chinese legend: xi zang yuan Liang (“Tibet, one Liang”) (Bruce X #T1), very fine Tibet, Anonymous, forgery of 1-Tam Srang, 18.82g, (15-43), vertical stroke in north symbol on reverse (YZM -, KM -), very fine

HK$300-450 (US$40-60) HK$1,500-1,800 (US$200-250)

This coin appears to be a cast forgery of the scarce variant with vertical stroke in the north symbol on reverse. It has reeded edge instead of plain edge. Note that the endless knot (7 o’clock position) on reverse is open on its upper (left) end.

502 501 501

502

Tibet, Xuan Tong, base metal forgery of 1-Tam Srang, 12.54g, 1st year, possibly a contemporary light weight forgery (YZM -; KM -), with deep toning, fine Tibet, Xuan Tong, forgery of Quarter-Sho, 5.66g, first year (YZM 389; KM -), very fine and scarce

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-120) HK$600-750 (US$80-100)

This forgery struck in silver or white metal was produced in Northern India in the early 1970s.

503 503

Tibet, Anonymous, forgery of a 20-Tam Srang, struck in gold, 10.91g, 15-43 (YZM - ; KM -), very fine and scarce PROVENANCE:

Ex. Karl Gabrisch collection, Baldwin, Ma Tak Wo, Monetarium & Gillio Auction, Hong Kong, 1 September 2005, lot 202. Although this coin was described as forgery by Karl Gabrisch (“Beiträge zur Tibetischen Numismatik II: Die Tibetischen Goldmünzen und deren Fälschungen”. Münstersche Numismatische Zeitschrift, vol. 20, no. 2, 1990, p. 1-3 and vol. 21, no. 2, 1991, p. 1-5) and again in the auction catalogue of the Gabrisch collection, it is occasionally offered as genuine Tibetan gold coin. This forgery was most probably made by a Tibetan medical doctor in Nepal in the 1970s. WWW.SPINK.COM

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HK$4,000-4,500 (US$500-600)

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504 505 504

China, Anonymous, Æ fantasy of 10-Cash, 6.40g, undated, legend: tong yong shi wen (10 Cash for circulation), rev. copied from a Nepalese Æ Paisa of Surendra Vir Vikram, very fine

HK$750-1,000 (US$100-140)

There is a comment by Nicholas Rhodes about this piece on the following webpage: http://www.charm.ru/coins/unkn/tibet-unknown.shtml This is a well-known Chinese fantasy, with one side copied from a Nepalese copper Paisa of Surendra Vir Vikram (dating to c.1787 saka = 1865 AD), but with additional Chinese characters. The coin was probably made in Shanghai or some such place in the 1920’s or 1930’s - maybe later - and has appeared in a few US auctions, if I remember correctly. Such fantasies were made only in small numbers, so it is not an easy piece to find, but has nothing to do with Tibetan currency, and I don’t generally bother with such concoctions unless they “fall into my lap”. Obverse: Tong Yong Shi Wen Reverse: Wu Zu Gong He Center; Fan Comment by Stephen Tai on the above-mentioned webpage: The obverse legend Tong Yong Shi Wen is translated as “10 Cashes For Circulation”. The reverse legends is read as “Wu (five) Zu (tribe) Gong (together) He (peace or harmony), that mean “Five Tribes (Han, Manchurian, Mongolian, Islamic and Tibetian) come in peace”. Fan is not necessary meant Foreign, in old Imperial Chinese vocabulary it also was used to stand for Barbarian, which could indicate the uncivilized minority or foreign people. In this coin, it should mean the former. 505

Tibet, Anonymous, forgery 2½-Skar (4), dated 15-53, type KM. Y#A19 (2), one copper (YZM 681), the second in white metal, a third in copper dated 15-55, with the date 1555 (figures 1 and 5 are connected and have “tails”), a fourth in copper with the erroneous date 5-55, generally very fine (4) The first two most probably made in the 1990s in Lhasa. The cataloguer happened to stay in Lhasa when these forgeries appeared in the curio market; Lhasa dealers thought that the coins were produced in Shigatse, and curio dealers from Shigatse were adamant that the forgeries came from Lhasa. The last two are scarce and were most probably produced in Northern India between 1960 and 1970 - in small numbers. To this date no other contemporaneous or modern forgeries of this coin type are known, hence this group of four coins represents a complete series of the modern copies which are known. References: Anonymous (Brian Hannon and Charles Panish): “Tibetan Fake Coins Hit US; Copper 1½ , 7½ Pieces”. World Coin News, vol. 6, no. 16, April 17, 1979, pp. 3 and 26. Bertsch, Wolfgang: “Some Modern Forgeries of Tibetan Coins”. ONS Newsletter, no. 157, autumn 1998, p. 18-20. Semans, Scot: “Some more Forgeries”, ONS Newsletter, no. 59, August 1977. Semans, Scot: http://www.coincoin.com/TTB28F.jpg Bertsch, Wolfgang: http://reviews.ebay.com/gds/forgeries-of-tibetan-coins/10000000012401474/g.html

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THE NICHOLAS RHODES COLLECTION - COINS OF TIBET

MISCELLANEOUS

506

507

Xikang Province, anonymous, 100-Cash, 6.81g, 15th year of the Republic (1926) (KM. Y # 466a), some corrosion on obverse and reverse, fine and rare

HK$3,000-4,500 (US$400-600)

Said to have been struck for the former province of Xikang which included parts of Western Sichuan and Eastern Tibet with the capital Kangding where this coin may have been struck (see Semans, Scot: The Daniel K. Ching Sale, Seattle, Washington, June 2, 1991, lot 870). 507

Xikang Province, anonymous, 100-Cash, 6.46g, 19th year of the Republic (1930) (KM. Y # 466a), some corrosion on obverse and reverse, fine and rare

HK$3,000-4,500 (US$200-300)

PROVENANCE:

Ex. Taisai Auction, 11 June 1994, lot 573

508 509 508

Tibet, Lhasa Motor Repair Factory (c.1960), uniface Æ Token for 4 Liang of grain, 7.51g , undated, la xia chang (short for “la sa xiu li chang)/mi/si Liang (Lhasa motor vehicle repair factory/grain/four Liang) (KM Tn 1), fine and scarce

HK$1,500-2,300 (US$70-100)

Issued by the Lhasa Motor Repair Factory in about 1960. The token was good for 4 Liang of grain (rice or barley), equivalent to 200 grams. A Tibetan 5-Sho copper coin of the type Y # 28.1 or Y # 28.2 was used as planchet. See Gabrisch, Karl: “Grain Tokens from Tibet”, Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter, 1983 and Bertsch, Wolfgang: “The Tibetan Grain Tokens”, Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter, no. 155, Winter 1998, pp. 23-24. 509

Tibetan government in exile, 14th Dalai Lama, Cu. Ni. Proof Crown, 24.52g, Franklin Mint (USA), Royal Year 2093 (1966), bust of the 14th Dalai Lama threequarters left, legend: rgyal dbang sku-phreng bcu bzhi pa rgyal lo 2093 (“14th incarnation of the Dalai Lama, Royal Year 2093”), rev. legend around central motif: gangs ljongs rgyal khab chos srid gnyis lldan (“Tibetan Kingdom, where religion and politics exist”) (Bruce X #7), about uncirculated, scarce This medal is dated in a relatively modern era, known as bod rgyal lo (“Tibetan royal year”) which places the founding of the Tibetan monarchy in the year 127 BC, when the first mythical king gnya khri btsan po supposedly appeared in Tibet.

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510 510

511

Tibet, anonymous, Buddhist Medal, 4.51g, undated, pseudo-Tibetan legend surrounded by two circles to which petals are attached, each containing a syllable written in pseudo-Tibetan script, rev. seated figure of Padma Sambhava (Tibetan: guru rinpoche), very fine Tibet and Sichuan, aluminium Medallion, Tibetan General Dance Company, undated (post 1959), the Potala palace, inscriptions in Tibetan and Chinese: bod ljongs lha sa grong khyer spro ´i chams spyi khyabs kung si (“Tibetan Lhasa city General Dance Company”), rev. grazing yak with mountains in the background; Provincial government of Sichuan, enamelled Badge or Token, undated, five-pointed star and three lines of Tibetan text; Brass Tokens (2), swastika within six-pointed star, similar design, the enamelled item good very fine, others fine to very fine (4)

HK$450-600 (US$100-120)

HK$750-1,000 (US$120-150)

The first three items were published by Bertsch, Wolfgang: Modern Medals and Badges from or Related to Tibet, Sikkim and Bhutan in the Collection of Wolfgang Bertsch. Including a Chapter on Coins as Jewellery and two Appendices, Privately published, Gundernhausen (near Darmstadt), 2003, nos. 15, 41 and 56 The last two tokens appear to be late 19th, early 20th Century and were probably found in Tibet. They may have been inspired by the design of Indian temple tokens.

512 512

British India, (1903/04), bronze Medal, The Younghusband Mission to Tibet in 190304, 27.48g, bust of Edward VII left, rev. TIBET 1903-4, issued to the Peshawar Camel Corps, native camp followers, and others (British Battles and Medals, 2006:117), suspension and ribbon missing, good very fine This medal was issued in silver and bronze. “This medal was authorized on 1st February 1905, to be awarded to all who took part in the Tibet Mission and to the troops accompanying it who served at or beyond Silgari between 13th December 1903, and 23rd September 1904. The medal in bronze was issued to the Peshawur Camel Corps, native camp followers, and others”.

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BANKNOTES OF TIBET

BANKNOTES OF TIBET Tibetan paper currency was introduced by the 13th Dalai Lama after his return from exile in British India in the beginning of 1913. The first series of banknotes was printed from two woodblocks, one for the face and one for the backside of the notes and they received the imprint of a red seal which represents the authority of the Dalai Lama and of a black seal which refers to the Tibetan mint, treasury or printing house in which the notes were produced. The notes were printed on local specially prepared paper which was reserved for this purpose and could not be used for other printed products. They were hand-numbered by specially trained calligraphists which were called Itrugpas (e phrug pa; short: epa). Normally the early notes were printed on three layers of paper, one each for the face and backside of the notes and one which was inserted inbetween and bears a legend in Tibetan script which can be considered as a security feature and can be seen, often with difficulty, when the notes are held against the light: Gnam bskos dga’ ldan/pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal (“The heavenly appointed Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions”); this refers to the form of Tibetan Government which was established by the 5th Dalai Lama in 1641, while he was still residing in the Ganden Palace in the Drepung monastery, west of Lhasa). The later banknote issues in Srang denomination consist of only two layers of paper and the security legend was printed on the inside of the reverse sheet. The first series of Tibetan banknotes, the second series of multicoulered 50 Tam notes and the 10 Srang issues are dated according to Tibetan Era which starts with the year AD 254 and marks the beginning of the semi-legendary early Tibetan kingdom. For identifying the different types of black seals found on the obverses of Tibetan banknotes the cataloguer follows (without considering all sub-varieties) Narbeth, Colin and Snorrason, Gylfi: Tibetan Paper Money. Published by Geoffrey Flack, Vancouver, 2001. Most collectors of Tibetan paper money will agree that they not only own mere banknotes, but beautiful examples of Tibetan graphic art which is full of symbolic meaning. Moreover, no Tibetan note is exactly identical with another one, since the printing blocks were in slightly different postions for almost every print, the colours (mostly imported from British India) changed with every new batch received by the mint and the notes are handnumbered; these features contribute towards being able to consider every note as a unique, partly handcrafted and highly artistic object. 513 Tibet, 5 Tam, dated T.E. 1658 (= AD 1912/13), green, serial number 5676, Obverse: The central part features a snow lion facing left and turning his head backwards, sitting in front of a flower vase. In the background, a mountainous landscape with the sun in the upper right corner below clouds which are drawn in conventional Chinese style. Red unepigraphic seal imprint on the left and imprint of black seal type 1 on the right. The black seal has two columns of Tibetan seal script which read gzhung dngul khang (“Government Treasury”). Above and below the central design, the following legend in four lines: gangs ljongs bod rgyal khab chen poí lugs zung chab/ srid dbu brnyes kyi lo chig stong drug brgya lnga bcu nga brgyad/ phun tshogs sde bzhií dpal mnga´ phan bdeí spyi nor/ chos srid gnyis ldan gyi rab byung bco lnga pa ‘i shog dngul/. [“1658 years from the founding of the religious-secular form of government in the great country of Tibet, the land of snows, paper money (shog dngul) of the 15th cycle (rab byung bco lnga) of the government of religion and politics (chos srid gnyis ldan), the universal jewel (spyi nor) of benefit and bliss, endowed with the four types of auspiciousness”]. Reverse: The central field is occupied by an oval shaped cartouche and scroll work in each corner. Inside the cartouche the five symbolic objects which stimulate the senses (Tibetan: ´don yon sna lnga) are represented: The mirror (me long) symbolizes the physical forms (gzugs) that appeal to the eye. The two peaches (shing tog) on either side of the mirror are pleasing to the taste (ro). The pair of cymbals (sil snyan) below the mirror represent the sounds (sgra) which reach the ear. The pieces of cloth that are attached to the cymbals excite the sense of touch (reg bya). The conch shell (dung) below the cymbals is supposed to contain a fragrant liquid which stimulates the faculty of smell. (Pick 1, YZM 866-872), fine for issue and scarce HK$2,000-2,800 (US$250-350)

513

514 Tibet, 5 Tam, dated T.E. 1658 (= AD 1912/13), blue, serial number 33196, ditto, black seal type 1B on the right side of obverse. (Pick 1, YZM 866-872), about very, fine for issue and scarce. While on most surviving Tibetan 5 Tam notes the reverse design is completely worn off, this note shows all design details HK$2,400-3,200 (US$300-400)

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515 Tibet, 10 Tam, dated T.E. 1659 (= AD 1913), red, serial number 20590, Obverse: Within the central cartouche, a crouching snow lion, facing left and looking backwards; he is playing with a ball which in Tibetan is referred to as yid bzhin nor bu dga´ khyil (“wish granting jewel, whorl of happiness”). The black seal to the right is not clearly printed, but probably of type 1B. Reverse: A large central rectangle is filled with flowers and scroll work at the four corners. In the centre a vase is surrounded by leaves and flowers. The vase is composed of the eight auspicious Buddhist emblems (bkra shis rtags brgyad); the lotus flower below carries the knot of life which in turn supports the wheel of the doctrine with the two golden fishes on either side. Placed above are the banner of victory and the parasol with the white conch on top. The eighth emblem is the vase which is made up of the seven emblems just enumerated. This way of arranging the eight auspicious emblems is called rtags brgyad bum gzhugs (“eighth emblems in form of a vase”) in Tibetan. (Pick 2, YZM -), about very, fine and very rare HK$24,000-32,000 (US$3,000-4,000) PROVENANCE: Ex collection Colin Narbeth.

516 Tibet, 15 Tam, dated T.E. 1659 (= AD 1913), violet, serial number 1536, Obverse: In the central field a lion is standing upright in a mountainous landscape with the sun above on the left. The snow lion supports a large plate with his front paws. This plate is filled with precious objects, such as rhinoceros horns, jewels, coral and elephant tusks. Reverse: The central design represents a large plate which is supported by a lotus flower. The plate is filled with what most probably are mustard seeds in the middle, wood apples on the left and red powder, piled up like small pyramids on the right. Above, a large mirror which shows one´s karma, supports a bowl filled with curd which was offered to the Buddha by a peasant girl (Sujata) after he had meditated under a Boddhi tree (ficus religiosa). Above the curd bowl a conch stands for the spread of the Buddhist teaching. The note does not have the imprint of the black seal and as such is extremely rare. (Pick 3var., YZM 874var), very fine/extra fine HK$16,000-24,000 (US$2,000-3,000) PROVENANCE: Ex collection Alexander Lissanevitch

This note is illustrated in Narbeth, Colin and Snorrason, Gylfi: Tibetan Paper Money. Published by Geoffrey Flack, Vancouver, 2001, p. 7

517 Tibet, 15 Tam, dated T.E. 1659 (= AD 1913), violet, serial number 13129, ditto, but with imprint of black seal type 1. (Pick 3, YZM 874), extra fine HK$12,000-20,000 (US$1,500-2,500) This note is illustrated in Narbeth, Colin and Snorrason, Gylfi: Catalogue of Tibetan Paper Money. Published by Geoffrey Flack, Vancouver, 2001, p. 9

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518 Tibet, 25 Tam, dated T.E. 1659 (= AD 1913), brown, serial number 5533, black seal type 1. Obverse: In the central panel a snow lion is facing left, looking sidewards and playing with a ball. In the background we appreciate a mountainous landscape with the sun on the left side. Reverse: The central panel shows two different scenes which are divided by a high mountain with the sun above. To the left we see a palace on the terrace of which a person of some importance is seated conversing with another person who is seated to his left. Behind the second person three more men are seated; the one in the front is raising his hands in adoration or respect. To the right and behind this scene a hermit is sitting in a cave. In the right part of the central panel an elephant is standing under a fruit tree carrying a monkey, a hare and a bird. This scene refers to a Buddhist legend which tells that four animals were trying to find out who could be considered as being the oldest. The elephant said that the tree was already fully grown when he was young, the monkey that the tree was small when he was young, the hare that he saw the tree as a sapling when he was young and the bird claimed that he had carried the seed from which the tree grew. So the bird was recognized by the other animals as the oldest, and the four animals lived together in harmony, helping each other in order to enjoy the tree’s fruits. The Tibetans refer to this scene as mthun pa rnam bzhi (“four harmonious brothers”) (Pick 4 YZM 875), fine and rare HK$12,000-16,000 (US$1,500-2,000)

519 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1659 (= AD 1913), purple, serial number 1589. Obverse: In the central panel two lions are shown facing each other and playing with a ball. A mountainous landscape with sun in the centre and clouds can be seen in the background. Reverse: The central panel shows a scene called tshe ring rnam drug (“the six long living”) consisting of an old man (mi tshe ring) sitting under what most probably is a peach tree, his left hand resting in his lap and holding a rosary, his raised right hand holding a water pot. Three jewels are placed in front of him and to his right is seen a pair of deer and a pair of cranes. Behind the cranes, the sun, clouds and mountains are visible. To the left of the old man, one notes a waterfall, a large

519 rock in the shape of a conch and flowers. The pairs of deers and cranes, the rock, the waterfall and the peach tree are all features which are associated with longevity. (Pick 6var., YZM -) The obverse of the note does not have the imprint of the black seal and as such is very rare. The note may have been exposed to water which affected the colour, otherwise it is very fine/extra fine and very rare HK$16,000-20,000 (US$2,000-2,500)

520 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1659 (= AD 1913), blue, serial number 48347, ditto, but imprint of black seal type 1A on the right of the obverse, (pick 5, YZM 876), very fine and rare HK$9,500-13,000 (US$1,200-1,600) Note: the 25 and 50 Tam notes were printed from at least two different obverse blocks. The first, early variety has a gap between the last word of the second line of script and the final vertical stroke and the second variety does not have this gap. The first block variety may have been originally intended to print notes with the date 1658. By the time the notes were to be printed the Tibetan New Year of T.E. 1659 had already passed and it was decided to change the Tibetan word for eight (brgyad) to nine (dgu). The Tibetan word for nine being shorter than that for eight, a space was left before the final vertical stroke of the second line of text on the obverse. When the early blocks were put out of service, new blocks were carved with the date 1659 on which the final vertical stroke of the second line was placed close to the last word dgu. The 25 Tam note of lot 518 and the 50 Tam note of lot 519 are printed from the first obverse block type; the 50 Tam note of lot 520 is printed from the second obverse block type.

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THE MULTICOLOURED 50 TAM NOTES Since the early blue or purple 50 Tam Notes, dated T.E. 1659 were frequently forged, the Tibetan government decided to introduce newly designed 50 Tam notes in AD 1926. The new notes were printed by machine with metal blocks, excepting the block which was used for printing the four lines of text and the denomination on the obverse of the notes which was carved from wood. While for the first series of Tibetan banknotes only three different colours were used (black for the obverse legends and the seal of the treasury, red for the seal related to the Dalai Lama and a third colour for the main design on obverse and reverse) for the production of the new 50 tam notes more than one colour was used for printing the main design of the notes, each colour being printed with a separate metal bock. The multicoloured 50 Tam notes continued to be numbered by hand, and are dated by T.E. year, ranging from T.E. 1672 (AD 1926) to T.E. 1687 (A.D.1941). Like on the earlier notes, the Tibetan cycle (rab byung) is also mentioned in the last line of the obverse inscription. The notes dated T.E. 1672 mention the fifteenth cycle, while the notes dated T.E. 1673 and all further 50 Tam issues refer to the sixteenth cycle. This fact allows the conclusion that the notes of T.E. 1672 are dated to the last, i.e. 60th year of the 15th cycle (equivalent to AD 1926), while the notes of T.E. 1673 must have been dated to the first year of the sixteenth cycle (equivalent to AD 1927); this conclusion provides the key to the conversion into western dates of the somewhat mysterious T.E. dates (T.E. date plus 254 = Western date). The security legend in two lines which is seen when the notes are held against the light is identical to the one used for the earlier monochrome Tam notes. The Rhodes collection comprises of an almost complete date set of this issue, including the very rare date T.E. 1672 and the rare dates T.E. 1674, 1680 and 1684 and excluding the common date T.E. 1687.

521 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1672 (= AD 1926), blue, red and yellow, serial number 3572, black seal type 1A, obverse: the main design consists of two snow lions facing each other and playing with a ball. Reverse: Four panels are printed in red on a yellow background containing the image of the four animals which are believed to be the guardians of the four quarters, a concept which goes back to Tibet´s pre-buddhist Bön religion: Snow lion (seng ge) (upper left), dragon (´brug) (upper right), tiger (stag) (lower left) and mythical bird (khyung) (lower right). The T.E. date 1672 is the rarest among this series, (Pick 7, YZM 880 ) very fine and rare HK$4,000-6,500 (US$500-800)

523 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1674 (= AD 1928), blue, red and yellow, serial number 71947, black seal type 1B, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1674 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 883), very good and very scarce HK$1,200-2,000 (US$150-250)

522 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1673 (= AD 1927), blue, red and yellow, serial number 25019, black seal type 1A, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1673 in the second line of the inscription and “sixteenth cycle” (rab byung bcu drug) in the last line, (Pick 7, YZM 881), fine HK$1,200-2,000 (US$150-250)

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BANKNOTES OF TIBET 524 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1675 (= AD 1929), blue, red and yellow, serial number 174367, black seal type 1B, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1675 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 884), about, very fine HK$950-1,200 (US$120-150) 525 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1676 (= AD 1930), blue, red and yellow, serial number 190820, black seal type 1B, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1676 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 885), about, fine HK$800-1,000 (US$100-130) 526 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1677 (= AD 1931), blue, red and yellow, serial number 312309, black seal type 1B, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1677 in the second line of the inscription and the imprint of an additional red seal above the upper right serial number, (Pick 7A, YZM 886), very , fine and scarce HK$1,600-2,000 (US$200-250)

532 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1683 (= AD 1937), blue, red and yellow, serial number 794685, black seal type 2A, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1683 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 893), uncirculated HK$1,600-2,400 (US$200-300)

527 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1678 (= AD 1932), blue, red and yellow, serial number 400241, black seal type 1B, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1678 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 888), very good HK$650-950 (US$80-120) 528 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1679 (= AD 1933), blue, red and yellow, serial number 504397, black seal type 2, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1679 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 889) about fine HK$700-1,000 (US$90-130) 529 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1680 (= AD 1934), blue, red and yellow, serial number 536711, black seal type 2, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1680 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 890), fine and very scarce HK$1,000-1,450 (US$130-180) 530 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1681 (= AD 1935), blue, red and yellow, serial number 612845, black seal type 2, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1681 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 891), fine HK$800-1,200 (US$100-150) 531 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1682 (= AD 1936), blue, red and yellow, serial number 712621, black seal type 2, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1682 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 892), very fine HK$1,600-2,000 (US$200-250)

533 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1684 (= AD 1938), blue, red and yellow, serial number 807776, black seal type 2, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1684 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM -), about uncirculated and rare, two black stains on obverse HK$2,000-2,800 (US$250-350) 534 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1685 (= AD 1939), blue, red and yellow, serial number 848918, black seal type 2, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1685 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 894), extrafine, small tear in upper margin HK$1,450-1,750 (US$180-220) 535 Tibet, 50 Tam, dated T.E. 1686 (= AD 1940), blue, red and yellow, serial number 880242, black seal type 2, ditto, but obverse shows altered date 1686 in the second line of the inscription, (Pick 7, YZM 895), very fine HK$1,450-1,750 (US$180-220)

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THE 10 SRANG NOTE These notes were issued under the regency of Taktra Rinpoche (ruled from 1941 until 1950) and show the same four lines of text on oberse as the early Tam notes. The dates which are to be found in the second line of the obverse inscription range from T.E. 1687 (A.D. 1941) until T.E. 1694 (A.D. 1948). For this issue new red and black seals (type 4) were created. In its central part the red seal displays an undeciphrable script. The black seal is smaller than the one used for the early Tam notes, but has the same two columns of text in Tibetan seal script: gzhung dngul khang (“Government treasury”). The security legend in two lines which is seen when the notes are held against the light is identical to the one used for the earlier Tam notes.

538 Tibet, 10 Srang, dated T.E. 1691 (= AD 1945) and T.E. 1692 (=AD 1946), blue and red, serial numbers 171482 and ka/068476, black seal type 4, ditto, except for dates in second line of obverse inscription, (Pick 9, YZM 902 and 903), fine and very fine (2) HK$400-700 (US$50-90) 539 Tibet, 10 Srang, dated T.E. 1693 (= AD 1947) and T.E. 1694 (=AD 1948), blue and red, serial numbers ga/004678 and ca/095363, black seal type 4, ditto, except for dates in second line of obverse inscription, (Pick 9, YZM 904 and 905), very, fine and about uncirclated (2) HK$500-800 (US$60-100)

536 Tibet, 10 Srang, dated T.E. 1687 (= AD 1941) and T.E. 1688 (=AD 1942), blue and red, serial numbers 16591 and 49789, black seal type 4, obverse: In the central panel two lions (possibly a lioness with her cub) facing left play with a wheel which has eight spokes and long streamers; reverse: The middle part of the central panel is enclosed by lines which form a cartouche. Below, a pond in which a lotus flower and a large flower on either side are growing. Above three mythical animals: on top a snow lion with garuda head, below left, a sea monster (chu srin; Sanskrit makara) issuing from a conch and below right an otter with fish-head. These three mythical animals are known in Tibet as the “three non-harmonious brothers on the battle field” (mi mthun g.yul rgyal) as each of them is composed of two animals which normally do not live together in harmony. On either side of the central cartouche one sees two dragons (g.yu ´brug, “turquoise dragon”) and a ball with streamers among clouds, (Pick 9, YZM 898 and 899), very fine and fine (2) HK$400-700 (US$50-90)

540 Tibet, 10 Srang, dated T.E. 1694 (= AD 1948), blue and red, bundle of ten notes with the consecutive serial numbers ca/064381 until ca/064390, most probably tied with original string, (Pick 9, YZM 905 for type), uncirculated and very rare (10) HK$4,000-6,500 (US$500-800) PROVENANCE: Ex Wesley Halpert collection, Spink New York, December 2000, lot 296

537 Tibet, 10 Srang, dated T.E. 1689 (= AD 1943) and T.E. 1690 (=AD 1944), blue and red, serial numbers 72622 and 101777, black seal type 4, ditto, except for dates in second line of obverse inscription, (Pick 9, YZM 900 and 901), very fine and fine (2) HK$400-700 (US$50-90)

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BANKNOTES OF TIBET

THE 5 SRANG NOTE

THE 100 (TAM) SRANG NOTE

These small banknotes feature only two lines of inscription on obverse and bear the same type of seal imprints as the 10 Srang notes. They do not record the T.E. year and only mention the 16th cycle in the second line of the text. They are known to have been issued between 1942 and 1946. When held against the light one can read the following security legend, consisting in a single line of text: dga’ ldan pho brang (“Ganden Palace”).

The undated 100 Tam Srang and 100 Srang notes were issued between 1937 or 1938 and 1959.

541 Tibet, 5 Srang, undated, blue and red, serial number 64045, black seal type 4, the central panel is printed in blue and features a snow lion facing left and looking sidewards carrying a silk ball in his mouth. On his left is a tree with flowers; clouds are seen in the background to the left and the sun to the right. The two lines of black script read gnam bskos dga´ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal chos srid gnyis ldan rab byung bcu drug pa ´i shog dngul (“The heavenly appointed Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions/paper money of the sixteenth cycle of the religious and political [Government]”), reverse: two dragons with each a large ball representing nor bu dga´ khyil (“whorling jewel of joy”) are facing each other and are seperated by a cartouche. Within the cartouche we see a drawing which represents eight auspicious substances (Tibetan: bkra shis rdzas brgyad) which are arranged vertically and are accompanied by floral designs. From top to bottom one can identify a conch (dung dkar g.yas ´khyil, “right whorled conch”), a bowl filled with curd (zho), vermillion powder (li khri) in four small boxes, a mirror (me long), below the mirror secretions of the glands of an elephant (gi lvang), Darwa grass (rtsa dur ba), bilva fruit (shing tog bil pa], aegle marmelos) and white mustard seeds (yungs dkar) placed in a bowl. These objects commemorate eight scenes from Buddha´s life, (Pick 8, YZM 877), very fine HK$550-950 (US$70-120) 542 Tibet, 5 Srang, undated, blue and red, serial number ka/014905, black seal type 4, ditto, (Pick 8, YZM 878), very fine HK$550-950 (US$70-120)

The first issue consists in 50,000 notes which show the denomination “100 Tam Srang” and bear the same octogonal red seal as the early notes in Tam denomination, but they have the imprint of a new type black seal (type 3 and varieties). After these notes had been issued, the denomination was changed to “100 Srang” and the red seal was replaced by a smaller one which has an undeciphrable inscription. The security legend in two lines which is seen when the notes are held against the light is identical to the one used for the earlier Tam notes. The Rhodes collection includes some very interesting scarce or rare varieties which are offered here for the specialist collector.

543 Tibet, 100 Tam Srang, red, yellow, green and blue, serial number kha/06244, black seal type 3, the main panel of the obverse features a pair of standing lions with human breasts which are facing each other and support a large plate with one of their front paws. The plate is filled with precious objects such as a pair of elephant tusks, a pair of rhinoceros horns, a branch of coral, five jewels and one round and one square earring. The inscription in two lines reads as follows: gnam bskhos dga´ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal/ chos srid gnyis ldan gyi shog dngul srang brgya tham pa (“From the heavenly appointed Ganden Palace, victorious in all directions. One hundred paper silver Srang of the religious and worldly [government]”). The scene of the central panel of the reverse is similar to the one which is seen on the reverse of the early monochrome 50 Tam notes. However, the old man is holding a vase in his right hand, he is accompanied by a boy sitting to his left and the tree under which he is sitting can be identified as a pomegranate (Tib. se ‘bru). Some fruits have opened and reveal their seeds. According to Chinese and Central Asian tradition these fruits symbolize fertility, i.e. a large progeniture. To either side of the tree one can observe a flying bat. Below, on the left, a plate decorated with lotus leaves is filled with fruits, (Pick 12, YZM 908), about extremely fine and very rare in this high grade HK$3,200-6,400 (US$400-800)

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544 Tibet, 100 Srang, red, yellow, green and blue, serial numbers nga/19516, black seal type 3, and ja/18353, black seal 3B, ditto, except the imprint of a new type of red seal and the design of flowers instead of bats below and above the red and black seal, (Pick 11), extrafine and uncirculated, early 100 Srang notes are rare in this grade (2) HK$1,200-1,600 (US$150-200) 548 Tibet, 100 Srang, red, yellow, green and blue, serial numbers ka1/15632 and kha1/13929, black seal 3, ditto. After having used the 30 letters of the Tibetan alphabet as prefixes to the serial numbers, the calligraphists numbered the notes by placing the figure “1” above the prefixed letters of the Tibetan aplhabet. The notes offered here are part of the first two series which document the new numbering-system, about uncirculated (2) HK$500-650 (US$60-80)

545 Tibet, 100 Srang, red, yellow, green and blue, serial number da/05791 and pha/02190, black seal 3B, ditto, the first note is printed on thick paper, very fine and fine (2) HK$400-550 (US$50-70) 546 Tibet, 100 Srang, red, yellow, green and blue, serial numbers sa/00151 and sa/08950, black seal 3B, ditto. These two notes of the “sa”-series document the following change of the reverse design: In the lower left corner of the green frame the flower has crosshatching in its centre on the note with serial number sa/00151. The cross-hatching has been replaced by the letter “a” in the ornamental Bhumijolscript on the note with the serial number sa/08950 and remains this way on all 100 Srang notes which were issued subsequently. All the 100 (Tam) Srang notes with serial prefixes from “ka” to “sha” feature the old design with cross-hatching, but only very few notes with low serial numbers of the “sa” series feature the old design, (Pick 11) very good, the first note rare (2) HK$500-800 (US$60-100)

549 Tibet, 100 Srang, red, yellow, green and blue, serial number a’1/01225, black seal 3, ditto, the black seal is printed inverted (upside down), (Pick 11d), extra fine and scarce HK$500-650 (US$60-80) 550 Tibet, 100 Srang, red, yellow, green and blue, serial numbers ya1/00980 and ya1/00981, black seal 3, ditto. Two notes with inverted black seal imprints and consecutive serial numbers, (Pick 11d) uncirculated and very scarce (2) HK$1,200-1,600 (US$150-200) Note: Nicholas Rhodes suggested in a letter to the cataloguer that most of the notes of the a’1 and all notes of the ya1 series were probably taken from the mint by officials who accompanied the 14th Dalai during his flight to India in March 1959. The black seal imprints may purposely have been applied inverted to distinguish the 100 Srang notes which were being sealed during and after the flight of the Dalai Lama from those which had been issued in Lhasa.

547 Tibet, 100 Srang, red, yellow, green and blue, serial number a/25000, black seal 3, ditto. The 100 Srang notes were numbered from 00001 to 25000. Every time after reaching the highest number 25000 a new letter prefix had to be used. The note offered here is the only one known to the cataloguer which has the highest possible number 25000, fine and rare HK$650-950 (US$80-120)

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BANKNOTES OF TIBET

THE 25 SRANG NOTE The 25 Srang notes are undated and are known to have been issued between AD 1950 and AD 1955. They bear the imprints of the same types of red and black seals as the 100 Srang notes, but their obverse inscription consists in only two lines of text. The security legend in two lines which is seen when the notes are held against the light is identical to the one used for the earlier Tamnotes.

551 Tibet, 25 Srang, yellow, red and blue, serial numbers ka/069530 and kha/039467 , the obverse features two snow lions within an ornamental frame. They are supporting the wheel of (Buddhist) religion with one of their front paws. The two lines of inscription reads as follows: dga´ ldan pho brang phyogs las rnam rgyal/ chos srid gnyis ldan gyi shog dngul srang nyi shu rtsa lnga (“the Ganden Palace victorious in all directions, twenty-five paper silver srang of the religious and worldly government”). The first line of the legend also appears written in seal script in the vertical panels to the left of the red seal and to the right of the black seal. The reverse shows rulers and monks among palaces and monastic buildings on the left of the central panel and the “four brothers living in harmony” in the right part. The latter scene is similar to the one found on the reverses of the early 25 Tam notes, (Pick 10, YZM 906) fine and about uncirculated (2) HK$300-500 (US$40-60)

551 552 Tibet, 25 Srang, yellow, red and blue, serial numbers ga/053290, black seal 3 and ca/033079, black seal 3B, ditto, (Pick 10, YZM 906), very fine and about uncirculated (2) HK$400-650 (US$50-80

THE BANKNOTES OF THE PROVINCIAL BANK OF XIKANG The province of Xikang was formally established on 1st January 1939. It included parts of western Sichuan and large parts of Eastern Tibet (Kham) up to the Kongbo province. The provincial capital was Kangding, known as Tachienlu in older western literature. The province of Xikang ceased to exist in November 1955. Its eastern part was incorporated into the Sichuan province while its western part formed part of the future Tibet Autonomous Region. In 1939 the Provincial Bank of Xikang issued three banknotes in Kangding which are inscribed with both Tibetan and Chinese legends. The denomination on these notes is given as sgor mo (“round coin”) in Tibetan and as yuan in Chinese. The unit of value of the notes was equivalent to the Sichuan Rupees which were struck in Kangding and Chengdu.

553 China, Xikang Provincial Bank, half Rupee, 28th year of the Republic (1939), black serial number D 0021951 printed on obverse and same number in red on reverse, red and yellow, obverse landscape near Kangding with Tibetan monastery in the foreground. Tibetan inscription on reverse reads: khams gshing chen gyi dngul mdzod khang (“bank of the Kham Province”)/ sgor mo phyed (“half rupee”; this inscription is also placed in the upper right and lower left corners on both sides of the note)/ krung yang tshes grang pu bka´ gnang, (“by order of the Minister of Finance”), (Pick S1739), uncirculated and very rare in this grade HK$4,800-7,200 (US$600-900)

553

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554 China, Xikang Provincial Bank, one Rupee, 28th year of the Republic (1939), serial number A oo0000 printed in black on obverse and in red on reverse, the obverse features the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibetan inscription on reverse is like on the half rupee note, except the second line of text (and the inscription in the upper left and lower right corners) which reads sgor mo gcig (“one Rupee”), specimen, (Pick S1740 for type), uncirculated and very rare HK$8,000-12,000 (US$1,000-1,500)

555 China, Xikang Provincial Bank, five Rupees, 28th year of the Republic (1939), black serial number E0080000 printed in red over number D0026789 on obverse and number D0026789 in black on reverse. The red seal is double printed. The obverse features a Tibetan stupa next to a tree and a monastery in the background. The Tibetan inscription on reverse is like on the half and one Rupee note, except the second line of text (and the inscription in the upper right and lower left corners) which reads sgor mo lnga (“five Rupees”), (Pick S1741), uncirculated and extremely rare (possibly unique) in this grade and with serial number error HK$12,000-20,000 (US$1,500-2,500) PROVENANCE: Ex collection Colin Narbeth. This note is illustrated in Bertsch, Wolfgang: The paper currency of Tibet, Thyaka Research Centre, Gundernhausen near Darmstadt (Germany) and Lalitpur (Nepal), 2012, p. 185

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Bibliography Catalogues: Baldwin’s Auctions Ltd, Ma Tak Wo Numismatic Co. Ltd, Monetarium (S) Pte Ltd and Ronals G. Gillio Auctions: Hong Kong Coin Auction, Catalogue 40, Hong Kong, 1 September 2005. Includes the Nepalese and Tibetan coins of the collection of Karl Gabrisch. Bruce, Colin R. II: Unusual World Coins, Krause Publications, 5th edition, Iola Wisconsin, no date Dong Wenchao: An Overview of China’s Gold & Silver Coins of Past Ages – the Gold and Silver Coins and Medals of Modern China. Beijing 1992. K = Kann, Edward: Illustrated Catalog of Chinese Coins. Los Angeles 1954. Reprint: New York, 1966. KM = George S. Cuhaj, editor, Thomas Michael, market analyst: Standard Catalog of World Coins 1701-1800, 5th edition, Krause Publications, Iola WI, 2010 KM = George S. Cuhaj, editor, Thomas Michael, market analyst: Standard Catalog of World Coins 1801-1900, 6th edition, Krause Publications, Iola WI, 2009 KM = George S. Cuhaj, editor, Thomas Michael, market analyst: 2012 Standard Catalog of World Coins 1901-2000, 39th edition, Krause Publications, Iola WI, 2011 LM = Lin Gwo Min (author), Ma Tak Wo (editor): Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Gold & Silver Coins. Ching and Republican Issues, 6th Edition, Ma Tak Wo Numismatic Co., Ltd., Hong Kong, no date RGV = Rhodes, N.G., Gabrisch K. and Valdettaro C.: The Coinage of Nepal from the earliest times until 1911. Royal Numismatic Society. Special Publication no. 21, London 1989. Semans, Scot: The Daniel K. Ching Sale, Seattle, Washington, June 2, 1991. Spink New York: Ancient, Foreign and United States Coins and Banknotes. New York, 11 & 12 December 2000. Includes the Nepalese and Tibetan coins of the collection of Wesley Halpert (USA) The Money Company, Auction, 5-6 September 1986 Wang Chun Li: “Illustrated Catalogue of Chinese Gold & Silver Coins; 1791-1949” (Zhong guo jin yin bi mu lu), Zhong guo shang ye chu ban she (China Trade Publishing House), Beijing 2012. ISBN 078-7-5044-7683-8 The Tibet chapter of this catalogue lists and illustrates most Tibetan silver and gold coins by date with estimated values in Chinese yuan. The listing is less comprehensive than YZM, but more detailed than LM or Dong Wenchao. YZM = Yin Zhengmin: Zhong guo xi zang qian bi tu lu (Illustrated Catalogue of the Money of China’s Tibet), Xizang Renmin Chubanshe (Tibet People’s Publishing House), Lhasa 2004, ISBN 7-223-01686-8. In Chinese only, but with fairly good illustrations of Tibetan coins and banknotes, including many rare items. Authored by an experienced Chinese collector from Lhasa, this is the most comprehensive illustrated catalogue of Tibetan coins which is presently available.

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Other References: The majority of the books and articles discussing the coinage of Tibet were published in either English or Chinese language. Here I list in alphabetical order with comments what I consider as the most important and useful of these publications. I also include some articles and general works which I used during the preparation of the introduction to the coinage of Tibet and which I indicate between brackets in the text. Of course, the references which have been used for the preparation of the present auction catalogue are also listed. The first illustrations of three Nepalese silver coins which circulated in Tibet and are referred to as Tibetan coins are to be found in the third volume of the following French classic on China and Tibet: P.J.B.[Père Jean Babtiste] Duhalde, de la Compagnie de Jésus: Description Géographique, Historique, Chronologique, Politique, et Physique de l’Empire de la Chine et de la Tartarie Chinoise. Enrichie de Cartes Générales & Particulières de ces Pays, de la Carte Génerale et des Cartes Particulières du Thibet, & de la Corée, & ornée d’un grand nombre de Figures de Vignettes gravées en Tailledouce. A Paris chez P.G. Lemercier, Imprimeur-Libraire, rue Saint Jacques, au Livre d’Or, 1735 (4 volumes). Anonymous (Brian Hannon and Charles Panish): “Tibetan Fake Coins Hit US; Copper 1½ , 7½ Pieces”. World Coin News, vol. 6, no. 16, April 17, 1979, pp. 3 and 26. Bertsch, Wolfgang and Gabrisch, Karl: “Some Varieties of Tibet’s First Struck Coins“. Numismatics International Bulletin, vol. 20, no. 6, Dallas, 1986, p. 125-128. Bertsch, Wolfgang: “A Pattern Struck in England for Tibet”. Numismatics International Bulletin, vol. 21, no. 2, Dallas, February 1987, p. 33-35. Bertsch, Wolfgang: “Some Difficulties in Dating an Early Tibetan Coin”. Numismatics International Bulletin, vol. 25, no. 8, Dallas, August 1990, p. 184-185. Bertsch, Wolfgang and Gabrisch, Karl: “10 tam coins from Tibet”. Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter, no. 128, March-May, 1991. Bertsch, Wolfgang: “The 20th Century Pattern Coinage of Tibet”. Numismatics International Bulletin, vol. 32, no. 1, Dallas, January 1997, pp. 7-18 Bertsch, Wolfgang: “Some Modern Forgeries of Tibetan Coins”. Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter, no. 157, autumn 1998, p. 18-20. Bertsch, Wolfgang: “The Tibetan Grain Tokens”, Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter, no. 155, Winter 1998, pp. 23-24. Bertsch, Wolfgang: “The Silver Coin Presented by the 13th Dalai Lama to Monks in 1910 A.D.”Tibet Journal, vol. 24, no. 4, winter 1999, pp. 22-34. Bertsch, Wolfgang: The Currency of Tibet. A Sourcebook for the Study of Tibetan Coins, Paper Money and other Forms of Currency. Library of Tibetan Works & Archives, Dharamsala, 2002. A comprehensive bibliography of Tibetan currency with an introduction to various aspects of Tibetan numismatics. Bertsch, Wolfgang: “The Tibetan Tangka with Rañjana Script”. Oriental Numismatic Society, Newsletter, no. 185, autumn, 2005, pp. 18-31 Bertsch, Wolfgang: “The Use of Tea Bricks as Currency among the Tibetans”. Der Primitivgeldsammler, Mitteilungsblatt der Europäischen Vereinigung zum Sammeln, Bewahren und Erforschen von ursprünglichen und außergewöhnlichen Geldformen (EUCOPRIMO). Jahrgang 27, Heft 1 (vol. 27, no. 1), Rüsselsheim, 2006, p. 19-51. Bertsch, Wolfgang: “The Kong-par Tangka of Tibet”. Journal of the Oriental Numismatic Society, no. 195, Croydon and Ringwood, spring 2008, p. 35-46. Bertsch, Wolfgang: “A Fantasy of a Tibetan 10 Tam Pattern Coin”. Journal of the Oriental Numismatic Society, no. 198, winter 2009, p. 44-45. Bertsch Wolfgang, Gabrisch Karl and Rhodes Nicholas: A Study of Sino-Tibetan Coins of the Chia Ch’ing Era“. Journal of East Asian Numismatics, vol. 2, no. 4, summer 1995, p. 23-34. Bertsch, Wolfgang and Rhodes, Nicholas: “The Use of Cut Coins in Tibet”. Tibet Journal, vol. 35, no. 3, autumn 2010, p. 1940. http://ltwa.tibetanbridges.com/tibet_journal/Tibet_Journal2010_Autumn/pdf%20files/cut%20coins.pdf Bertsch Wolfgang (1997c): A Study of Tibetan Paper Money. With a Critical Bibliography. Library of Tibetan Works and Archives, Dharamsala, 1997 Bertsch, Wolfgang: The Paper Currency of Tibet. Thyaka Research Centre, Gundernhausen (near Darmstadt) and Lalitpur (Nepal), 2012 Cao Gang: Zhong guo xi zang di feng huo bi (Chinese Tibet’s Regional Currency), Sichuan Minzi Chubanshe, Chengdu, 1999. In Chinese and in not always intelligible English. Largely Marxist interpretation of Tibet’s currency history (with colour illustrations). 133

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THE NICHOLAS RHODES COLLECTION - COINS OF TIBET Chen Yishi: “Lu bi qin yin kang zang ji qi ying xiang (The penetration of the British Indian rupee into Tibet and Xikang and its consequences)”. Zhong guo Qian bi (China Numismatics), no. 28 (Issue 1 for 1990), Beijing, 1990, p. 43-50. Davies, Major H.R.: Yünnan. The Link between India and the Yangtse. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 1909. Gabrisch, Karl: “Beiräge zur tibetischen Numismatik I: Die Sichuan Rupien und ihre Varianten”. Münstersche Numismatische Zeitschrift, vol. 12, no. 4, 1982, p. 44-47. Gabrisch, Karl: “The Szechuan Rupee and its Variants”. Numismatics International Bulletin, Vol. 17, no. 4, Dallas, April 1983, p. 103-112. Gabrisch, Karl: “Grain Tokens from Tibet”, Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter, 1983 Gabrisch, Karl: Geld aus Tibet. Sammlung Dr. Karl Gabrisch, Winterthur and Rikon, 1990. In German only. This is a well researched introduction to the history of Tibetan coins and banknotes with many black and white illustrations of coins and banknotes from the author’s collection. Gabrich, Karl: “Beiträge zur Tibetischen Numismatik II: Die Tibetischen Goldmünzen und deren Fälschugen“. Münstersche Numismatische Zeitschrift, vol. 20, no. 2 (1990), p. 1-3 and vol. 21, no. 2 (1991), p. 1-5. Gabrisch, Karl (translated from German and edited by Wolfgang Bertsch): “The First Coins Struck in Tibet”. Numismatics International Bulletin, vol. 34, no. 3, Dallas, March, 1999, p. 56-63. Gabrisch, Karl and Bertsch, Wolfgang: “Countermarks on Sichuan Rupees and Coins from Tibet”. Numismatics International Bulletin, Vol. 26, no. 3, Dallas, March 1991, p. 57-65. Kempf, Fred: A Primary Report on Native Tibetan Coins, Seattle, Washington 1961 Laufer, Berthold: Sino-Tibetan Studies, vol. 2, New Delhi, 1987 Mangeot, Sylvain: The Adventures of a Manchurian. The Story of Lobsang Thondup. Collins, London, 1974. Martynov, A. S.: “O pervych chekankakh monety v Tibete”Kratkie Soobshcheniia Akademia Nauk SSSR, Institut Narodoz Azji, no. 69, Moscow, 1965, p. 197-202. Martynov, A.S.: “Some Aspects of the Qing Policy in Tibet at the Close of the 18th Century. Prehistory of the Manzhou Invasion of Nepal in 1792”. Rolamba. Journal of the Joshi Research Institute, vol. 7, no. 3, Kathmandu July/Sept., 1987, p. 6-20. Adapted from “Manzhou Rule in China”, Moscow 1983, p. 216-234. Morse, Hosea Ballou: The Trade and Administration of the Chinese Empire. Longmans, Green and Co., New York, Bombay, Calcutta, 1908. Mynak A. Tulku: “The Eight Auspicious Objects”. Bulletin of Tibetology, vol. 5, no. 1, Gangtok, 29 February 1968, p. 42-43. Narbeth, Colin and Snorrason, Gylfi: Tibetan Paper Money. Published by Geoffrey Flack, Vancouver, 2001. Numismatic Research Department of the Institute of Finance of the Tibet Branch of the People’s Bank of China: “Xi zang di fang zhen fu de zhao bi chang (The Mint of the Local Tibetan Government)”. Zhong guo qian bi (China Numismatics), no. 22, issue 1, Beijing, 1990, pp. 29-42. O ‘Connor, Sir Frederick Lieut.-Colonel: Things Mortal. Hodder and Stoughton Limited, London, 1940. Pennant, Thomas: The View of Hindoostan, vol. I Western Hindoostan. Printed by Henry Hughs, London, 1798. Rhodes, Nicholas G.: “A Communist Chinese Restrike”. Spink’s Numismatic Circular, vol. 83, London, 1975, p. 239-240. Rhodes, N.G.: “An Unpublished Sino-Tibetan Date”. Numismatics Internatinal Bulletin, Vol. 9, no. 4, Dallas, April 1975, p. 101. Rhodes, Nicholas: “A Sino-Tibetan Rupee”. Spink’s Numismatic Circular, vol. 85, London, 1977, p. 107-108. Rhodes, Nicholas G.: “A Tibetan Forgery”. Spink’s Numismatic Circular, Vol. 86, London 1978, p. 364-365. Rhodes, Nicholas G.: Tibetan Mints. Oriental Numismatic Society, Information Sheet no. 19, August 1978. Rhodes, Nicholas: The Gaden Tangka of Tibet. Oriental Numismatic Society, Occasional Paper, no. 17, January 1983. http://gorila.netlab.cz/coins/Tibet/ONS_TangkaTibet.pdf. Excellent English article of 20 pages on this type of tangka. The coins are presented in chronological order including all major varieties which are known (with line drawings). Rhodes, Nicholas G.: “Some Sino-Tibetan Forgeries”. Numismatics International Bulletin, vol. 20, no. 11 (November 1986), p. 254-257. Rhodes, Nicholas G.: “The ‘Suchakra Vijaya’ Tangka of Tibet”. Numismatics International Bulletin (NIB), vol. 21, no. 1, Dallas, January 1987, p. 21-23. Rhodes 1987a = Rhodes, Nicholas G.: “Two Tibetan Pattern Coins”. Oriental Numismatic Society Newsletter, no. 105, MarchApril 1987 Rhodes, Nicholas G.: “The Dating of Tibetan Banknotes”. The Tibet Journal, vol. 13, no. 1, Dharamsala, 1988, pp. 57-60. Rhodes, Nicholas G.: “The first Coins struck in Tibet”. Tibet Journal, vol. 15, no. 4, Dharamsala, winter, 1990, p. 115-134. WWW.SPINK.COM

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August 21, 2013 - HONG KONG Rhodes Nicholas and Gabrisch, Karl: “Two Sino-Tibetan Coins”. Spink’s Numismatic Circular, vol. 88, no. 5, 1980, p. 172. Rhodes, Nicholas G., Gabrisch, Karl and Valdettaro, Carlo: The Coinage of Nepal from the earliest times until 1911, Royal Numismatic Society, Special Publication, no. 21, London, 1989. Schuh, Dieter: Untersuchungen zur Geschichte der Tibetischen Kalenderrechnung. Verzeichnis der orientalischen Handschriften in Deutschland, Supplementband 16, Franz Steiner Verlag GmbH, Wiesbaden 1973. Semans, Scot: “Some more Forgeries”, ONS Newsletter, no. 59, August 1977. Shakabpa, W.D.: “Tibetan Currency”Tibet House Bulletin, vol. 7, no. 1, Spring 1992, p. 2-3 Shrestha, Bhupendra Narayan: Tibetan Paper Currency. Transatlantic Authors Ltd., St. Albans, Herts. U.K., 1987. Walsh, Ernest Herbert Cooper: “The Coinage of Tibet”. Memoirs of the Asiatic Society of Bengal, vol. II, no. 2, Calcutta 1907, p. 11-23. Wang Haiyan: “Qing dai zai xi zang liu tong de jian sui de ni bo er yin bi”[“The Cut Nepalese Silver Coins Circulated during the Qing Dynasty”]. Wen Wu, 1985, issue 11, pp. 92-95 Wang Haiyan: “Xi zang di fang zhen fu di liang ci zhao qi zhu bi” (“The two earliest coins struck by the local Tibetan government”) Zhong guo Qianbi (China Numismatics), Beijing, 1.1991, p. 27-28. Wang Haiyan: Xi zang di fang huo bi (“The Regional Money of Tibet”or “The Money of the Tibet Region”). Zang xue wen ku (Tibetology Series). Qing hai ren min chu ban she (Qinghai People’s Publishing House), Xining, 2007. In Chinese language only. Deals with coins and banknotes of Tibet. Most of the coins are illustrated as rubbings, while banknotes and banknote printing blocks are illustrated in colour. Nearly all illustrations are taken from Zhu Jinzhong et alii, Lhasa, 2002 – Wang Haiyan being one of the authors of the latter publication. Xiao Huaiyuan: Xi zang di fang huo bi shi (The History of Tibetan Money). Beijing, 1987. In Chinese only. Includes black and white illustrations of poor quality, but presents a well researched history of Tibet’s currency seen from the Chinese point of view. Zhang Cheng Guang (responsible editor), Zhao Weng Sheng, Tu Hong Qiu, Zhang Ming Cong and Wang Tian Fu (authors): Sichuan Zangyang. Si kron bod dngul (Sichuan Tibet money = Sichuan Rupee). Zhong guo guo ji wen yi chu ban she (China International Art Publishing House), n.p. (Beijing?), 2011. ISBN 978-988-19593-0-0/W. 697. In Chinese language only. An illustrated catalogue of varieties of Sichuan rupees and their fractions with a chapter on Sichuan rupees with countermarks and an introductory chapter setting out the historical background of this coin issue. Zhong guo jin rong xue hui (Society of Chinese Finance); Zhong guo qian bi bo wu guan (China Numismatic Museum); Xin hua tong xun she she ying bu (Xin Hua News Agency Photo-Department) (Editing superviser: Xu zu gen): Zhong guo jin rong zhen gui wen wu dang guan da dian. Xi zang juan (China Finance precious cultural Relics Archive and Catalogue. Tibet Book). Zhong yang wen xian chu ban she (Central Document Publishing House), Beijing, 2002, ISBN 7-5073-1170-8/F.18. Size: 787 X 1092 mm; 224 pages, price 1800 Yuan. Hardbound in yellow cloth. The book contains little text (in Chinese only), but high quality black and white and colour illustrations of Tibetan coins, coin patterns, banknotes, banknote printing blocks and material from the Tibetan government mint Tabshi Lekhung like coin weights, labels for coin bags or boxes, and seals. Most of the illustrated items are also to be found in the following book: Zhu Jinzhong, Ci-Ren-Ping-cuo and Yan Lunzhang: Yuan xi zang di fang qian bi gai kuang (“Introduction to the Tibetan Regional Currency”), Institute of Finance of the People’s Bank of China in Tibet, Lhasa, 1988. Introduction to Tibet’s currency history in Chinese language with many colour illustrations of coins and banknotes. Was not available in the book trade and is therefore hardly ever seen in western or oriental libraries. Zhu Jinzhong and Pu-qiong Ci-ren [Puchung Tsering]: “Qian long wu shi nian zao xi zang ga yin bi kao”(“Examining the Tibetan Silver Tamga, Struck in the 50th year of Qian Long”). Zhong guo zang xue (China Tibetology), issue 3, Beijing 1990, p. 90-92. Zhu Jinzhong (chief editor), Wang Haiyan, Wang Jiafeng, Zhang Wuyi, Wu Hanlin, Wang Dui [dbang ‘dus] and Tsering Pincuo: Zhong guo xi zang qian bi [The Money of Chinese Tibet] Xi zang zi zhi ou qian bi xue hui [Tibet Autonomous Region Numismatic Society], Zhong hua shu ju, Beijing 2002, ISBN7 – 101 03360 – 1/Z . 449. Only the table of contents and the foreword of this book have been translated into English and Tibetan, while the main texts are in Chinese only. This book gives an excellent survey of the coins, coin dies, coin weights, banknotes and banknote printing blocks which were preserved in Tibet and which are nearly all illustrated in colour in this volume 135

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THE NICHOLAS RHODES COLLECTION - COINS OF TIBET

Oriental Numismatic Society Nicholas Rhodes was a founder member of the Oriental Numismatic Society back in 1970. Now it is a worldwide club, dedicated to collectors of the coinage of the Islamic World, Asia and the Far East. A quarterly journal packed with numismatic news, reviews of publications, and the latest academic papers is sent free to all members. Each region also holds regular meetings which are both social and educational. If you are reading this catalogue, and considering buying some of the coins, this Society is for you.

How to Join The society welcomes members with all levels of interest. All members receive the Society's Journal without further cost. The ONS has regional secretaries who take responsibility for membership issues in different parts of the world. To join the society you should contact the secretary for your region: General Section: Europe Section: UK & Eire Section: America Section: South Asia Section: Pakistan Section:

Mr R Senior, rcsenior@yahoo.com Mr J Lingen, lingen@wxs.nl Mr P Smith, pnsmith@aol.com Mr C Karukstis, charlie@charliek.com Dr D Rajgor, drajgor@hotmail.com Mr S M Mirza shafqatmirza@hotmail.com

Current Annual Membership Fee: UK Section £25.00 Europe Section €€30.0 Americas Section $35

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August 21, 2013 - HONG KONG

HOW TO FIND US 9/F Malaysian Consulate Building, 50 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong tel +852 25 300 100 fax +852 25 266 128 email: china@spink.com

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WRITTEN BIDS FORM This form should be sent or faxed to the Spink auction office in advance of the sale. References for new clients should be supplied in good time to be taken up before the sale. Bids received later than one hour before the start of the sale may not be processed.

SALE LOCATION AND AUCTION OFFICE 9/F Malaysian Consulate Building, 50 Gloucester Road, Hong Kong tel +852 25 300 100 fax +852 25 266 128 email: china@spink.com

THE NICHOLAS RHODES COLLECTION OF TIBETAN COINS

NAME ______________________________________________________

69 Southampton Row, Bloomsbury, London WC1B 4ET ADDRESS ____________________________________________________ tel: +44 (0)20 7563 4005 fax: +44 (0)20 7563 4037 ____________________________________________________________ email: auctionteam@spink.com (until 19 August 2013) ____________________________________________________________

YOU CAN ALSO BID IN REAL TIME ON

the-saleroom.com. JUST VISIT WWW.SPINK.COM

POSTCODE ___________________________________________________

21 AUGUST 2013

AND REGISTER VIA

HONG KONG

THE BID LIVE LINK

SALE TITLE

DATE

CODE NAME

SALE NO.

The Nicholas Rhodes Collection Coins of Tibet To include a selection of Tibetan Banknotes

Wednesday 21 August 2013 at 3.00 p.m.

TIBET

13020

I request Spink, without legal obligations of any kind on its part, to bid on the following Lots up to the price given below. I understand that if my bid is successful the Purchase Price payable will be the sum of the final bid and a premium as a percentage of the final bid. The Rate of Premium is 20% of the final hammer price of each lot. All bids shall be treated as offers made on the Terms and Conditions for Buyers printed in the catalogue. I also understand that Spink provides the service of executing bids on behalf of clients for the convenience of clients and that Spink will not be held responsible for failing to execute bids. If identical commission bids are received for the same Lot, the commission bid received first by Spink will take precedence. Please note that you will not be notified if there are higher written bids received. If you require such notification then this is available on bids made via Spink live bidding service.

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY IN BLOCK LETTERS AND ENSURE THAT BIDS ARE IN HONG KONG DOLLARS

Lot Number (in numerical order)

Price Bid HK$ (excluding Buyer’s Premium)

Lot Number (in numerical order)

Price Bid HK$ (excluding Buyer’s Premium)

Lot Number (in numerical order)

Price Bid HK$ (excluding Buyer’s Premium)

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TEL. HOME

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Continued ...

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DATE

SALE NO.

Wednesday 21 August 2013 at 3.00 p.m.

13020

PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY IN BLOCK LETTERS AND ENSURE THAT BIDS ARE IN HONG KONG DOLLARS Lot Number (in numerical order)

Price Bid HK$ (excluding Buyer’s Premium)

Lot Number (in numerical order)

Price Bid HK$ (excluding Buyer’s Premium)

BIDDING INCREMENTS Bidding generally opens below the low estimate and advances in the following order although the auctioneer may vary the bidding increments during the course of the auction. The normal bidding increments are: Up to HK$1,000 HK$1,000 to HK$3,000 HK$3,000 to HK$6,000 HK$6,000 to HK$10,000 HK$10,000 to HK$30,000

by HK$50 by HK$100 HK$3,200-HK$3,500HK$3,800-HK$4,000 etc. by HK$500 by HK$1,000

HK$30,000 to HK$60,000

HK$32,000-HK$35,000HK$38,000- HK$40,000 etc. HK$60,000 to HK$200,000 by HK$5,000 HK$200,000 and up Auctioneer's discretion

Lot Number (in numerical order)

Price Bid HK$ (excluding Buyer’s Premium)

It is the responsibility of the Buyer to be aware of any Import Duties that may be incurred upon importation to the final destination. The onus is also on the Buyer to be aware of any Customs import restrictions that prohibit the importation of certain collectibles.

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SPINK “ON THE GO” TECHNOLOGY

Spink are pleased to provide our clients with What you can expect from the Spink app: exciting mobile technology which allows you to Download auction catalogues straight to your take Spink with you no matter where on the globe device, which are then viewable while online or you may be. The Spink iPhone/iPad application, offline. which is available free of charge from the iTunes Search all available lots in sales. store, is simple to download! Once installed the programme will download the latest auction View lots individually and zoom in on important item details. catalogue instantly upon opening the application! Share images, lots or entire auction catalogues We do hope you ﬁnd these tools useful! Should you with friends via email, Twitter or Facebook. have any further questions or suggestions on how Email the Spink Concierge directly from your we can improve our technology in an effort to assist device to leave bids or receive a quick reply to any our clients, please contact Berdia Qamarauli, Head query you may have. of IT at Spink on bqamarauli@spink.com.

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LONDON | NEW YORK | HONG KONG | SINGAPORE | LUGANO

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