Mr. J.S. Lee was born and raised in Lun Bei, Yun Lin County, Taiwan where he was a typical countryside teenager. He moved to Taipei at 14 and began to carve a niche for himself. He worked his way through school by working in the Wen Yuan House antique store. It was at that time he began to learn about antiques, calligraphy and paintings. His diligence gained his boss's friend, Mr. Tang's fondness. Mr. Tang invited him to work in his coin store in his Zhonghua Mall shop. Mr. Tang not only taught him the history of Chinese numismatics, but also sponsored him to improve his English in the famous Milton Institute, which laid a foundation for the international outlook for Mr. Lee's coin business. Mr. Tang had such deep affection for Mr. Lee that he couldn't bear the sorrow of Mr. Lee enlisting in the military in 1969 so Mr. Tang became a monk with the monastic title "Ming Fu Master".
J.S. Lee's signature and seal
After finishing his military service, Mr. Lee fell in love and married M i s s L i u S h u z h e n , the granddaughter of the boss of Wen Yuan House. He then started his coin business. He bought a motorcycle for transportation and, i n 1 9 7 5 ; h e f i n a l l y could afford to open a coin store in an attic on Chongqing South Road in Taipei. His business boomed and as Taiwan's first international coin dealer he frequently travelled to America. As business expanded his store was relocated to Heng Yang Road in 1979 and became a must-visit address for numismatic experts when visiting Taiwan.
J.S. Lee’s coin store ad.
Lee began publishing the bimonthly Numismatic World magazine in 1977. Inscribed by the famous painter, Master Chang Dai-Chien, the magazine cultivated interest in numismatics for the national numismatic community in many ways. There were always many calls from numismatists before every new issue. Throughout this period Mr. Lee was the central figure of Taiwan's numismatic community. He also founded the Taipei Numismatic Association in 1979 and was regarded as " its most devoted person".
Bimonthly Numismatic World magazine and 1st Issue, Jan. 15, 1977, Bimonthly Numismatic World magazine
He was diagnosed with a tumor on his pancreas during a routine medical examination at Christmas, 2013 in Singapore. He was born in 1949 and passed away on March 12, 2014 at the age of 65, ending his legendary life. Mr. Lee is and will always be sorely missed.
 |
 |
| J.S Lee (R) with friends | Newest Catalog of Chinese Struck Coins authored by J.S. Lee |