I had perused Elsen's latest auction as they had a rather decent selection of Chinese coins. There were a couple lots that I really wanted, but what I would have bid had I done so was blown WAY out if the water. However, one lot I had my eye on did not sell, so I bought it in the post auction. Some of the coins were really choice and upgraded and/or filled in holes in my collection. There are several duplicates that I am thinking about consigning with @John Anthony which should pay off most, if not all, of what I paid for the lot.
Yeah, the Want Mang stuff really caught my eyes. I have a few of those, but could use more Wang Mang.
I didnt see this lot in their last auction, nor can I see it in the online catalog. Its a superb group, there are some nice varieties and types. I have no doubt you will do well with them. Good catch! If I had seen them I would have bought them myself!
You'll learn eventually. In the meantime, keep a lookout for Chu gold blocks. They are one of China's earliest monies, and they are very rare. You should be able to get a very nice example within your budget. The left three are "Yong An Wu Zhu" coins from the North and South Dynasties period. The fourth from the left is a "Chang Ping Wu Zhu" from the Three Kingdoms period. The last is a "Wu Xing Da Bu" from the Northern Zhou Dynasty. Wang Mang fan? Yuppers. I count 4, though one (the Bu Quan all of the way to the right of the second row) is a private casting. I'm looking into buying a hoard of at least 100 Wang Mang coins. I may soon have too much Wang Mang (if such a thing exists). That is my favorite period in Chinese history. Thank you. I feel a little better about spending what I did. It was lot 1662. I will only be selling a few of the ones pictured, so I probably won't break even. But some of the coins (notably Zhi Bai Wu Zhu) are the nicest I have seen for the type.
My last ancient purchase. Sorry, the image was down and dirty as I wanted to post quickly. Constans IV Pogonatus. These generally come scudzy, but happy to have it. It's the large flan Constantinople issue: 34mm, 16.14gm. CNG auction, no rip, but I'm happy to have it. These are considered rare, they really don't come up too often even in this condition. I now have two of the large size and, a good group of the Syracuse issues. Happy New Year to all, and to all a good night.
