Southern Song Dynasty. Fujian Tax Sycee of 50 Taels ND (1127-1279), Opitz-pg. 329 (this piece illustrated), cf. Tai, Sycee Online, Su/1 and 7. 138x78mm. 1984.68gm. Cast in Sha County, Fujian Province. The top five characters in the right column read: "Sha Xian Jing Zhi Yin" (silver ingot from Sha County). We have been unable to read the remaining characters. Likely the most fascinating sycee contained in this collection, this iconic "axe-head" type was employed throughout the Jing, Yuan, and Song (Sung) dynasties. The two most common excises of the period were the Ex-Gate Tax--an in-land customs tax--and the Salt Tax--one of the main sources of income for the Jing Dynasty. The former was most frequently paid with 25 Tael ingots, though larger and smaller pieces from this time are known. This particular piece has a rich argent patination, and is highly original, with white ink or chalk applied to the characters to increase their visibility. Traces of the casting sprue are visible on either end. This is only the second 50 Tael sycee of this type we have offered, with the last having stamped, rather than hand-cut characters. Extremely rare. The base displays a small inventory sticker from Mr. Opitz's collection. Sold with old ANA Authentication Bureau Certificate AB 3666, as well as a clipping from the original Elder sale, a copy of Mr. Opitz's notes on the piece, and further pedigree information. This lot has not yet been assigned a grade, as it will be submitted to Gongbo for certification before the auction. Ex. Thomas L. Elder Public Auction Sale (18 January 1929, Lot 1711); Reportedly unearthed on the island of Poulou Campe in Sumatra in 1902

HID09801242017

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