Strong Results | Dorothy International’s 2026 Spring Auction “Hundred Treasures of Coins & Stamps” Achieves SGD 4.92 Million in Sales with a 71% Sell-Through Rate
At Dorothy International’s recently concluded 2026 Spring Auction, the highly anticipated “Hundred Treasures of Coins & Stamps — A Collection of Coins and Stamps Through the Ages” special sale delivered an impressive set of results.
A total of 38 lots were offered, with a remarkable 71% sell-through rate driven by a distinguished selection of rare imperial gold coins and pattern pieces. Total sales reached SGD 4,924,700.00, equivalent to approximately HKD 28,366,272.00.
Several exceptional and highly sought-after coins sparked intense bidding in the saleroom, with a number of lots achieving significant premiums. The outstanding results once again underscored the strong momentum and continued collector demand in the Asia-Pacific market for premium machine-struck coins.
Hongxian Flying Dragon and Guangxu One Tael · Exceptional Pattern Coins Steal the Spotlight
Among the highlights of this special sale, a distinguished selection of high-grade gold and silver pattern coins from the late Qing dynasty through the early Republican period became the focus of intense competition among leading collectors.
LOT 1001 · 1916 Yuan Shikai “Flying Dragon” Gold Pattern Coin, Hongxian Era of the Chinese Empire
Specification: D. 3.9 cm
Price Realized: SGD 440,000.00 / HKD 2,534,400.00
An exceptionally rare pattern coin with extraordinary brilliance. As the star lot of the coin sale, this 3.9 cm Hongxian-era Flying Dragon gold pattern coin immediately captured the attention of the saleroom. The obverse features Yuan Shikai in military uniform and formal headdress, while the reverse presents a powerful flying dragon with outstretched wings. The workmanship is exceptionally refined, with the design and lettering exhibiting remarkable definition.
As an exceedingly rare pattern issue of the highest calibre in the field of machine-struck coin collecting, the lot ultimately achieved an impressive price of SGD 440,000, equivalent to more than HKD 2.53 million, securing its position as the top lot of the sale.
A Powerful Contender · LOT 1028 Qing Dynasty Guangxu Bingwu One-Tael Gold Coin
Specification: Wt. 37.5 g
Price Realized: SGD 385,000.00 / HKD 2,217,600.00
An Imperial Gold Coin of Exceptional Rarity
Weighing 37.5 g, this Qing dynasty Guangxu Bingwu one-tael gold coin is an exceptionally rare example of a centrally issued Chinese gold coin. The obverse bears the four-character inscription “Da Qing Jin Bi” (大清金幣), while the reverse features a coiling dragon surrounded by auspicious clouds, with the dragon scales rendered in striking relief and exceptional clarity.
The coin ultimately achieved a remarkable price of SGD 385,000, equivalent to approximately HKD 2.22 million, reflecting the enduring appeal and prestige of rare imperial coinage from the Qing dynasty.
Reaching New Heights · LOT 1004 Republic of China Yuan Shikai “Republic Commemorative” One Yuan Gold Coin
Specification: Wt. 31 g
Price Realized: SGD 385,000.00 / HKD 2,217,600.00
A Milestone of the Early Republic
Following closely behind was this 31 g Yuan Shikai “Republic Commemorative” One Yuan gold coin. The obverse features a full-length portrait of Yuan Shikai in military uniform adorned with medals, while the reverse is decorated with a bold and orderly Jiahe design symbolizing auspiciousness and prosperity.
The coin achieved an equally impressive price of SGD 385,000, equivalent to approximately HKD 2.22 million, standing alongside the Qing Dynasty gold coin as one of the outstanding results of the sale.
The Legend Continues · LOT 1003 Republic of China “Hongxian Flying Dragon” Gold Coin with Yuan Shikai in High-Crowned Military Attire
Specification: Wt. 31 g
Price Realized: SGD 330,000.00 / HKD 1,900,800.00
A Historic Witness
Another 31 g Hongxian Flying Dragon gold coin delivered an impressive result. The coin is finely engraved in remarkable detail, with the dynamic flying dragon rendered with exceptional clarity and vitality. Following intense competition among multiple bidders in the saleroom, the lot achieved a final price of SGD 330,000, equivalent to approximately HKD 1.90 million, further strengthening the exceptional performance of this distinguished group of gold coins.
Market Observations: Scarcity as a Key Driver of Value and a Preferred Choice for High-End Collectors
Dorothy International’s 2026 Spring Auction “Hundred Treasures of Coins & Stamps” achieved a strong 71% sell-through rate, highlighting several notable trends in the current market.
The Pricing Power of Exceptional Condition and Extreme Rarity
The gold pattern coins featured in this sale represented the highest level of historical significance and technical craftsmanship within the field of machine-struck coinage. Even in a rational and increasingly selective market, exceptionally rare and well-preserved pieces at the top end of the collecting hierarchy continue to command strong premiums and attract significant interest from serious collectors.
The Rise of the Southeast Asian Numismatic Market
Dorothy International’s successful presentation of Qing and Republican-era machine-struck coins in Singapore demonstrated the growing strength of the Southeast Asian numismatic market. With Singapore, Hong Kong and Macau serving as important centres for collectors and capital in the Asia-Pacific region, the market is playing an increasingly influential role in shaping the international landscape for high-end coins and stamps.
Renewed Interest in Gold Standard-Era Coinage
In the current economic environment, rare Qing imperial gold coins and high-grade Republican-era gold coins possess a distinctive combination of precious-metal content, historical significance and collectible appeal. Such characteristics continue to attract experienced collectors seeking tangible assets with long-term collecting value.
Within the space of a coin, one can glimpse the rise and fall of history.
The successful conclusion of Dorothy International’s 2026 Spring Auction “Hundred Treasures of Coins & Stamps — A Collection of Coins and Stamps Through the Ages” was more than a remarkable commercial achievement. It was also a vivid reflection of the depth and enduring vitality of the Asian market for machine-struck coins.
We sincerely thank collectors around the world for their trust and support. We look forward to welcoming you once again at our next auction, where we can continue to appreciate the enduring radiance of history and discover the remarkable stories preserved within these exceptional treasures.
