HONG KONG.- Spink held the auction of the highly praised Nicholas Rhodes Tibetan coin collection in Hong Kong on 21 August 2013. Bidders were keen to take advantage of this unique opportunity to own coins of such significant historical, cultural and aesthetic value. The auction continued long into the evening and made for a successful sale. Many offerings surpassed their estimated values and achieved record prices.
The star lot, an extremely rare 10-Tam pattern coin (c.1910) achieved a strong price of HK$384,000/ US$49,230 after spirited bidding, far exceeding its pre-sale high estimate of HK$150,000. This beautiful and rare Tibetan coin, formerly in the Gabrisch Collection, was issued in the time of the 13th Dalai Lama.
Spink Coin specialist Barbara Mears said: "I believe this is the first auction dedicated entirely to Tibetan coins. We knew it was a popular area for dedicated collectors but were not sure how well such a large offering would go. Rarities such as the 20th century pattern coins achieved record prices. This was due to the great regard with which Nicholas Rhodes was held among numismatic circles, but also to the efforts of the Spink team."
Another highlight was a rare 20-Tam Srang gold coin (1918) which realized HK$336,000/ US$43,077, well in excess of the high estimate of HK$110,000.
Other top lots include:
• China for Tibet, “Lukuan” Rupee, Undated (c.1902/03) Price: HK$312,000.00/ US$40,000
• Tibet, 1-Tam Srang pattern, Undated, (c.1928-30) Price: HK$180,000/ US$23,077
• Tibet, 10-Tam pattern, (c.1928-30) Price: HK$168,000/ US$21,538
• Tibet, 5-Sho pattern, 16-4 (1930) Price: HK$168,000/ US$21,538
Nicholas Rhodes (1946-2011) was a celebrated British numismatist. He started collecting oriental coins in 1962, developing a particular interest in Himalayan coins. He was able to nurture this passion early in life, travelling to Nepal after leaving school and discovering the numismatic paradise of Kathmandu.
Nicholas Rhodes lectured extensively on numismatics, published over 200 articles and co-wrote eight books. He was Honorary Treasurer of the Royal Numismatic Society from 1973 to 2002, when he was elected Honorary Fellow. He was also a founding member and Secretary General of the Oriental Numismatic Society.
His collection of Tibetan coins was widely recognised as being one of the best that has ever gone to auction. It was a successful day not only for collectors, but for Spink's burgeoning Hong Kong office, which is building a swiftly growing calendar of similarly exciting events.
