Rare 1867 silver coin made for China trade sells for $4.75 million at Hong Kong auction; collection fetches nearly $32 million

A silver coin designed more than 150 years ago for a proposed international trading currency has fetched $4.758 million at an auction in Hong Kong, despite never becoming part of regular circulation. Made in London around 1867-68, the rare Kwan Ping Trade Coinage pattern was intended to be part of a proposed Chinese-Foreign Circulating Coin series.

The coin had remained out of public view for decades after entering a private collection in the mid-20th century. According to auction house Stack's Bowers Galleries, it became the highest-selling lot at its October 2026 Hong Kong auction, which generated nearly $32 million in total sales.The coin, officially catalogued as the silver 'Chinese-Foreign Circulating Coin' Tael Pattern, was sold as Lot 41023.

It was graded PCGS Specimen-66, a designation reflecting its exceptional preservation and specimen-quality striking. The auction concluded on October 26, with the results announced on November 3.