Howard F. Bowker – Eduard Kann Correspondence （1950.7-12）

F. Bowker	Kann

   

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Dear Mr. Kann:
Your letter of the 8th was duly received, but I did not reply at once as Ritchie said you were away on a vacation.
I recently received a specimen of a small copper coin similar to one of the rubbings which was in the lot I sent you last month which I had received from Hongkong. I noted that you had written "50 cash" on the margin of the rubbing. Present specimen is much clearer than the one from which the rubbing was made, so it is plain that what you appeared to have taken for the character for 5 is 2, making it a 20 cash piece. It is attributed by the owner to Sinkiang and to the Kuang Hsu period, on what evidence is not apparent to me. I thought perhaps you might have noted his down as Tibetan or a silver piece, so am mentioning it.
I received the enclosed double struck 20 Kirin piece in a miscellaneous lot from a NY collector, and am sending it to you as I thought it might interest you as you specialize in the coins of Kirin. He wants $2.50 for it, which seems to me to be high for such a poor specimen which must have been a long time in circulation.
I have been unable to get another letter from the gentlemen who installed the Szechuan mint. He is about 90 years old and takes a long time between letters. I had thought of sending a good rubbing of the 1st Szechuan type to him, but I do not think anything would come of it, as he says he knows nothing about the dies for the silver coins other than that they were made in Philadelphia mint. He was to have sent me an article on the subject of that mint which was printed in a local newspaper, but even that has not yet arrived.
I presume you have the 5 nickel piece with Yuan Shih-kai and the initials G.L. in reverse for L.Giorgi. I recently got one from London, and believe other specimens are still there from the same lot, reported to have been 6 in number. Shih lists this as D1-11.
Yours truly,
Bowker

Note: YSK 5 cent nickel with G.L – lot of 6 pieces
 

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Continuing the discussion of the semantics of the dragon's tail, the proper term to be used in describing the variations in the fin at the tails termination is "spines" rather than "antenna". I don't know why this did not come to mind when we were discussing the matter.
There is also another word which might also be used, "Spicules" but it is too long and really not so good as spines.
Reference to any good English dictionary will confirm to you my statement that the word "antenna" is surely wrong in connection with the tail of the dragons as it implies a sensitory organ located on the head.
Very truly,
Bowker
 

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Dear Mr. Bowker,
We are back again after an uneventful air-trip, my initial flight. I like to express pleasure at having met you again in good health and spirits.
Hereby I am returning the Kirin 20-cents coin. It positively is a poor forgery, made not for collectors, but for entering circulation; practically valueless.
I also found a letter from Ritchie. He says that Chang Hwang wrote him that he is sending him a book through me. As I explained, no book as such is being forwarded, but Chang wants to hide coins in books. As a matter of fact, Chang wrote me under date of July 28 (received this morning), saying that he mailed 3 specimens of 50 cents Taiwan, of which one each will go to you, Ritchie and myself if and when they arrive. Chang says he called at the Post Office and showed them the contents of the envelopes, posted registered by surface mail. But they warned Chang that the covers might come back, since it was not permitted to send out coins. So we shall have to wait until end of August hoping that the coins will arrive.
Mr. Chang writes verbatim: "The book with the Sinkiang piece should reach you before long. When you have received it would you be so kind as to mail it to Mr. Ritchie for me after taking what you need?" Seemingly he refers to a previous dispatch.
Further Mr. H. Chang says that he is going to Shanghai to get new stock of coins, as his holdings are sold out. He adds that coins in Hongkong are much dearer than in Shanghai, because it is so risky to smuggle them out, respectively bring them in. Finally he states that his partners, Ma, has gone to Peking to buy there new stocks (chiefly bronze cash); so you see that the trad is not so bad as it at first seemed to be.
Chang's present mail address is: 219 Gloucester Road (ground floor), Hongkong.
Since I would have to write to Mr. Ritchie in exactly the same strain, and as I have to attend to numerous matters after a lengthy absence, may I ask you to kindly send him these lines after your perusal? Many thanks.
Sincerely Yours,  
                                         
Note: Kann takes first air trip 1950.
Info on H. Chang. Now in HK but going to Shanghai to buy coins. Ma going to Peking to buy coins [Ma Ting-Hsiang?]
 

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Dear Mr. Kann:

Last night I accompanied Ritchie to call on Professor Boodberg of the U of C Oriental Department with regard to your book. We showed him a number of copies of your various publications and discussed at some length the matter of its publication, and he made a number of very pertinent suggestions with regard to getting it accepted by the U of C Press, which we will follow up shortly.

Among his suggestions which appeared to be excellent was one that you should get letters from well known people in various fields such as economics, numismatics, etc as to the value of such a work. It is accordingly suggested that you ask Mr. Leavens, as an authority in the field of the economics of silver, to provide with such a letter, which I am sure he would be only to glad to supply because of his long acquaintance with you and knowledge of your background, as well as his own interest in the subject.

He also brought up the matter of why you had not tried to get the A.N.S to publish the book. This is a matter which I have often thought about, particularly since the recent publications of the several advanced works they have gotten out, such as Dr. Miles 2-volume work on "The coinage of the Umayyads of Spain" of which you no doubt recently received a copy. I note that this work, which required the use of quite a number of special characters, was printed for them in Germany, where they seem also to have had available the special Arabic script which was required. Why not investigate the possibilities of having the same firm do the job?

He suggested that we get into direct touch with the manager of the Press. Ritchie had previously tried to get into touch with him, but he was away on a holiday, but is expected back soon. We will see him as soon as he is available, but I think that the great drawback in any of these conversations is the lack of availability of some part of the actual manuscript. This should be made available.

I gave Ritchie the last letter you sent me, as requested. He seemed to believe that a Chinese book on numismatics was being sent to you for him, rather than coins concealed in a book. Perhaps, both are right and you are getting coins and he is getting a book.

Yesterday I had a call from a Chinese gentleman recently arrived from Kunming. He is Theodore Te-tsen Liu, and is coming to LA shortly. I believe I will give him your name and address as he wishes to make connections here to do outside work while he is attending UC in Berkeley. He appears to be well qualified to do translations, and I thought that you might make use of him in translating that report of the Central Bank of China which you said you wished translated. He was referred to me by Mr. Coole, and was one of his students in Tientsin some ten years or so ago. If Coole is as slow with the translating of this matter as he is in replying to correspondence, perhaps the matter is stillpending.

With best wishes
Bowker

Received the forgery of Kirin. Thought it might be in the doubtful status, and am glad to have your confirmation.

Note: Theodore Te-tsing Liu (Kunming), ex. student of Coole studying at U.C. Berkley. 

 

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Dear Mr Ritchie,

I wish to thank you and Mr. Bowker for your endeavors in connection with my proposed catalogue. All I can do at present is to send you and Mr. Bowker the Table of Contents of the proposed publication. However, since the people there have no numismatic knowledge, I am afraid they will be just as wise as before. I shall write to various people for a view on the need of such a book; however, this will take a little time.

As regards the manuscript, you might tell them that I shall be pleased to submit same as soon as I hear that they are in principle (and without prejudice on their part)prepared to consider the proposal. Meanwhile I am continually making corrections and additions.

Thanks for your suggestion that I should look up Dr.Ch. Stanley at Clairmont. At present I am rather busy, and besides it is very warm here and much hotter there. This means, as I don't drive, a full day's occupation.
If and when I get an encouraging word from you, I shall write exhaustively to Mons. Fruge. I do not approach the ANS, because I see from their statements that they are always short of funds and also because I feel that they would object to my inserting values for every coin.

Meanwhile you will have received my last letter, advising that I had mailed to you a book on cash coins from H. Chang.

Mr Bowker, to whom I am mailing a copy of this letter, introduced a Mr. Liu to me; he phoned and said he would look me up today.

Thanking you both once more for your endeavors on my behalf, I am with kind regards.

Sincerely Yours,

 

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Dear Mr. Kann:
Last evening Ritchie was at my home and gave me the specimen of the Formosa 1/2 dollar which you previously stated you were obtaining for me. I am very much pleased to get this piece, and I greatly appreciate your having obtained it for me. I am enclosing herewith my check for $2.00 in payment for it.
Nothing much new in the way of Chinese numismatics of late. I did, however, finally receive the newspaper article on Mr. Janvier's trip to Chengtu in 1897-98 to install the mint there. It is, however, mostly composed of incidents of his travel and little about the coins themselves is his description of how the dies for striking the coins which had been shipped from the US were badly pitted by immersion in water enroute, so that the first coins which were struck there showed the pits. If you would like to read the article I will mail it to you, but must ask for its immediate return as I am obligated to return it to him without delay.
He also sent copies of the photos of the two large center pictures of the mint as set up, which do not have to be returned.
With best regards,
Bowker
 

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Dear Commander Bowker,
Thank you for your letter of 23rd inst. You are right in scolding me for neglecting my private correspondence. But there were valid reasons. Having decided to have my entire collection re-photographed, it took me weeks to file out the coins, number then (a procedure which I neglected at Shanghai and which cost me time and confusion) for the photo, and then place them back into the boards, if possible into the correct opening. Then, as you know, I obtained a contract at Loyola University as lecturer on Oriental affairs. Having had 13 lectures in November, I naturally had to study and prepare the subject matter at home, a vocation which required much of my time.
Kiangsu 20 cts piece: It is interesting news to me hear that you came across a Kiangnan piece with a "2" in the center. Never heard of same before. I do not know whether it is not a bogus piece, and when opportunity offers, I shall be glad to see it and give you an opinion.
Kirin Errors: The inverted letter "A" occurs oftener than I noted down in my list of errors. Meanwhile I made some corrections and many new additions. When I consider the list as final, I shall have it re-photoed and send you a final copy. Regarding the reversed "3" you are right; I shall correct it.
Sibert's photos: It will interest you that, about a year ago he offered to me the entire collection of photos and text free of charge, with the condition that in my contemplated catalogue I would mention the source. Without second thought I declined the offer because: (1) 95% of the photos are from coins from my own collection, taken in my house in Shanghai. This means I have them to the largest extent, but shall use few. A part was given to me by Siebert's partner, H. Chang (Chang Hwang, now in Hongkong) in recognition that I lent my collection for the purpose; another part I insisted paying for. So these are your and also my property. You can use your photos any way you please; but I own, of course, the same right. Feel sure that we shall not collide. The text does not interest me, the more since I am fully conversant with the history, etc., and probably better than the co-authors.
Before this you wrote me about the terms of Milled and reeded. Surely it is correct to speak of a coin as either "milled" or "unmilled". This for instance, is milled? Where does reeded come in?
I believe you know that I handled a large portion (except gold coins) of the ex-Woodward collection, sent to me by Schulman for classification, giving each silver coin 3 catalogue numbers (Tsiang, Shih, Kann) and my idea of the market value. I saw a lot, though very little that is new to me, but feel that I did not see everything. And I bought a good deal at prices that, at least as far as the rarities are concerned, are very reasonable. The enclosed list will tell you details. I spent $3,000 for coins contained on that list, inclusive of the Austrian beauties. I am sure you will be interested to go through the list. If you have sufficient interest, please keep it; if not, turn it over to Ritchie, who has asked me for particulars. In any case, please lend it to him. Especially interesting I find the 1 $ Shanghai (Hongkong, 1867) and the still rarer 2 mace; also 1 $ Tsiang No.82, a coin of which many forgeries exists, but of which only one genuine piece was known in China. I now have three. Also the 1/2$ Shensi in excellent condition I obtained, as well as the 1$ Fukien in first-rate state. The last 2 coins, plus the Sinkiang C2-8 (which I also acquired) were bought during the past 12 months by Kalgan Shih from a man I know (named Sung) for US$3,500 for the trio. I paid much of course. I know of another Shanghai Chinese who paid $1,200 for the uncatalogued 20 cts Shensi. J.D. Cheng, now in Hongkong wants to sell Shensi 1 $, 1/2 $ and 10 cents, but his price is US$6,000. From my list you will see that I also bought Sinkiang C2-3, which you sold to Kalgan Shih. I do not know of a third.
Speaking about Sinkiang: Could you tell me, or find out from your library, where Shih C2-6 was minted? It is not Kashgar; but which other mint? Characterized by a character looking like a "3". Could only be Aksu, or Yarkand or Kouldje. 
Recently I got the film for the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum $ on sandblasted blank from Vienna. Had copies made and am sending you one for your records.
Speaking about photos. These came out fairly satisfactory, except perhaps the 10-cents coins. Intending to reproduce in my catalogue all the forgeries and bogus pieces I came across, I had these photographed as well. If you should like to get copies (usually about 20 coins on one sheet), I could order these for you at a cost of $1.50 per sheet(both sides), or rather 2 sheets. Also if you want it, you can have photos of any other Chinese silver or nickel coin which my photographer would reproduce from existing negatives at a cost of 20 cts a coin (both sides). But if so, I should ask you to order simultaneously with Ritchie, who has requested me to obtain for him such reproductions of rare coins. It would take too much time to select the requisite negatives, each of which contains from 28 to 40 coins; a whole sheet would cost $1.50 for both sides, but the sheets contain many varieties of the analogous coin.
Reverting to your previous inquiry: The Schulman holdings sent to me for classification contained also some 1 $ and 1/2 $ Shanghai 1856. But nothing outstanding. I found that all the coins have the same style of milling; only one was unmilled, unmistakably a forgery, and another one had diagonal lines on, to my mind also a forgery. Jimmy Wong tells me that you plan to come to L.A in the near future. If so, I shall be pleased to show you what I have in those Sh'ai coins.
Chang recently sent me the 1 $ Sinkiang of 1949; however, I had it already from Kalgan Shih, paying then $25. Mine has a small cavity on the reverse, which seemingly was already so on the blank. Chang does not write to me what the price for his is, but I guess maximum $25, and minimum $20. If you want mine (uncirculated) for $15, I don't mind to lose $10; in that case I should substitute Chang's. Or you can have his, subject to his price within the limits mentioned.
Schulman has a very large selection of Chinese coppers. I know practically nothing about these, but you might correspond with him direct. For the Shanghai $ 1856 he wants $35 each, which I find too high.
Today you will not complain that I kept silent; probably I talked too much.
With best regards to you and Mrs. Bowker I am,
Cordially Yours,
Kann

Note: Kann has new photos made of his coins in Los Angels late 1950.
Kann begins lectures at Loyola University beginning Nov. 1950.
95% of Sibert's photos are of Kann's coins, taken in Shanghai. About 1949, Sibert offered his materials and photos free to Kann, but Kann declined. Sibert's book, compile with H. Chang, was to be published in 1948 and was advertised in Numismatist. Later that year the plan was cancelled. 
Coins bought from Woodward Collection (from Schulman) late 1950. Reference to Kalgan Shih and other buying coins is best compare prices.
SYS Mausoleum Dollar Photos again, mentioned 26 May 1950 letter. These must be new made prints from glass negative.
Schulman sent coins to Kann for cataloging, probably Woodward coins. Mentions 1856 Shanghai coins – all reeding except a plain edge forgery and diagonal edge reeding, which Kann feels is fake.
Schulman has many coppers – i.e. Woodward.



Recent acquisition of Chinese silver coins for the collection of E. Kann.

 

Besides, the rare or unique Austrian essay coins of 1929 and hundreds of varieties and errors of Kirin and Sinkiang.

Note: Apparently, coins from Woodward Collection but may include others. Kann says 8k ex. Woodward but sales were April 1951-1952 or does this list of with 30 Nov. 50.
 

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Dear Mr. Kann:
I was pleased to have your recent letter, and greatly appreciate your having enclosed a print of the picture of the Sun Yatsen dollar of the 16 th year. Was also interested to see the long list of the recent additions to your collection and shall pass it on to Ritchie at the first opportunity as requested, and looking forward to having the opportunity to see them all in the not too distant future.
Replying to your inquiry relative to the meanings of the terms "milling" and "reeding"; the sketch of what you understand to be milling which you sent in your letter is not milling at all but reeding. Reeding appears on the edge of a coin, while milling is the marking which appears on the margins of both faces of a coin entirely enclosing the balance of the design. The term milling or milled is very frequently misused by writers on numismatic matters, but in fact they are not synonymous. In confirmation, I quote from Webster's Dictionary "reeded"; as the reeded edge of a coin. The same dictionary does not give a numismatic definition of milled, but does give the following: "milling" machine: a machine used in a mint for rolling up the edges of coin blanks prior to stamping. By extension, the term milled would describe the final stamped raised rim of the coin as seen from the face of the coin and not the marginal edge. I do not have Frey's Dictionary of numismatic terms, but I can assure you that his definitions of the two words conform to what I have stated above, and I should certainly hate to see you misuse the terms in your forthcoming book.
With regard to Shih's C2-6, the illustration he gives in his book is too indistinct for me to venture an opinion as to the name of the mint which struck it. However, he says C2-5 is similar to C2-6, or vice versa. Now I believe C2-5 was struck in Yankhisar and not in any one of the several towns you name, so if C2-6 is as a matter of fact similar to C2-5, excepting for the Chinese inscription being inscribed in a reverse manner, it might possibly also be from Yankhisar. But I have not faith whatsoever in Shih's description, and particularly so as what I do see in the two issustrations differ one from the other to a considerable degree, so I don't think Shih knows what he is talking about. On the subject of the 5 fen silver coins of Yanghisar, the ANS has four from which I took rubbing when I was in NY and two of them had the character yuan instead of yin at the right of the Chinese inscriptions. The final character at the left was indistinct or not present but I presume it was pao. The other two specimens were struck from the same die and are similar to Shih's C-2-5. There is a similar specimen in the set of rubbings Wang rob out in Shanghai, but it is much better than the ANS specimens. I am enclosing it herewith for you to determine whether or not it has anything to do with the matter under consideration. Please return it when it has served its purpose.
I thank you for the offer of the photographs. I now wish I had not wasted my money on buying Sibert's pictures, but than I did not know that your photographs would be available. Will avail myself of your offer after I can confer with Ritchie to combine his wants with my own.
Am also enclosing the Kiangnan mystery 20c piece with the 2 at center. Have no confidence that it was an officially issued variety, but would appreciate your opinion.
Would be glad to purchase the 1949 Sinkiang dollar, i.e. your specimen at C15, and thank you for the opportunity of acquiring it.
I hope that you do not really feel that I was taking you to task because of the long interval between our letters, for really I had no such feeling. As a matter of fact I felt somewhat guilty myself for the lapse.
With best regards to Mrs.K. and yourself, I remain
Very truly,
Bowker

 

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Dear Mr. Bowker:
Your letter of 4th inst reached me today, and as I have a free day, I am replying at once.
The 20 cts Kiangnan is a forgery, recognizable at first glance. There is no doubt at all. As desired, I am sending you herewith the 1$ Sinkiang essay of 1949, and I am also returning the 20 cts Kiangnan.
Milling and reeding: By chance I saw a letter a day or so ago in the latest "Numismatist", where the same subject was discussed. The writer considers that milling is better than reeding. It would be impossible for me (short of completely re-writing) to change this expression, just as well as replace "tentacles". However, I plan to clearly mention in the preface the opinion of other numismatics.
Old 5 cts Sinkiang: It is a pity that there exists no literature regarding these issues which, while not rare, are interesting and still undiscovered. I thought it useful to transmit to you photos recently taken of some of my specimen. These are by no means all I own. Want to specially draw your attention to No.1188, where the "3"-like character is seen.
Also to No.999, where the character "Yuan" appears on the right. Perhaps you can find out something about some of the coins. Those marked "Kashgar"need no comment. Up to now I never heard of a place called Yanghisar; is there a Chinese equivalent for this name? The photos please return at your convenience, or else bring them with you, provided you will pass through here before end of the year.
When I cut up one volume of Ching Tse-wei's rubbings in Shanghai, I did not know that I was one day going to present the collection to you. Now I found the cuttings (I believe complete) and assume that they could easily be pasted each on a sheet and synchronized with the rest of the collection. I believe that volume contained Tibet, Hsinkiang and Hunan taels.
Your find the lot herewith.
As long as the war uncertainty lasts I do not plan to start printing my catalogue. I am determined to supply each coin, and each variety, with a market value. Shall be grateful for your advice: shall I add the value or price, similar to stamps catalogues, to the right of each coin's description, or would it be wiser to insert a special list toward the end, giving every number of coins cited, with a market value in US $. I am not in favor of indicating degree of rarity, for this says little or nothing.
With compliments from both of us I remain,
Very truly yours
Kann

Note: Kann cut up one volume of Ching Tse-Wei rubbings (A complete set sold recently in China for US$ 18,000.), but did not use them and now sends to Bowker. Bowker probably pasted them on 3*5 cards or on pages.
Kann postpones catalog due to Korean War.
 

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Dear Mr. Kann:
Some time ago in reading over a book in the library I am onto the following:
"The present emperor, Tao Kuang, a short time ago issued a coin to imitate the Spanish dollar, with which the troops were paid; this coin is about the same wight as the dollar, having inscribed on it in Chinese and Manchu, "Soldier's pay.""
The book was entitled: China and the Chinese: their religion, character, customs, and manufacturers: etc., by Henry Charles Sirr. It was published in London in 1849 and the preface indicates that it was written in 1846.
Should like to know if you concur with me in thinking that this could only refer to one or both of the silver coins, Tsiang numbers 82 or 83, which he says were issued in 1864 or 1865, and which appears to be the view that you adopted in your article on "Early Chinese Silver Coinage" which was originally published in the China Journal. It appears to me that Sirr mistook the rubric which appears on these coins to be a Manchu inscription. The last two Chinese characters of the horizontal inscription on the same side of the coins as the rubric might well be translated as he indicates above as "soldier's pay". This would push the date of their issue back to at least 1845 or perhaps 1844. I do not know of any other early Chinese dollar which would even approximate the description Sirr gives.
Last week I talked with Professor Brown at the U of C. He is the author of a book on early Japanese coinage which is to be published shortly by the Far Eastern Association as the first of a proposed series of monographs on far eastern subjects. He says there is a press at Yale University, or at least in New Haven, Conn., which publishes books, etc and makes use of the Chinese characters. He was not sure of the exact name of the press, but thought it was China Press or Chinese Press. He stated that Professor Kennedy of Yale had something to do with either the press or the publications issued by it. Perhaps if you have not already made some arrangements for your book it would be well to address Professor Kennedy on the subject.
With best wishes,
Very truly,
Bowker

Note: Henry Charles Sirr (1846) soldier's pay dollar Prof. Brown – book on Japanese coins.

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Dear Mr. Kann:
Your registered letter of the 6th came duly to hand, and I thank you for remembering me with the clipped inkrubbings of the coins in the missing volume with them by mounting on Chinese paper similar to the original issue.
Thanks also for sending the Sinkiang piece, for which I enclose my check $15.00. None of my fellers for securing this coin from China or Hongkong have produced results, and the situation being what it is it now appears likely that the chances of obtaining a better specimen elsewhere are diminishing, so I doubly appreciative of your having offered it to me.
I greatly regret that you intend to make use of the incorrect term "milling" in your book, when you have the correct term before you. Reuse of the incorrect term, no matter how often, does not make it correct and the standard dictionary is still the final authority.
I am flattered that you think I could be of any assistance in attributing the small Sinkiang pieces. I have given them some attention but the results have not been very satisfactory to me. There is a chapter on the copper coins of Sinkiang in Valentine's "Modern Copper Coins of the Muhammadan States" which gives a number of the names of the mints in Turki and Manchu. I have noted a number of errors in it tho names of the mints. Me also gives the Arabic for the mint towns of Aksu, Kashgar, Khotan, Kulja, Urumchi, Ush and Yarkand, but omits Yanghissar. The latter town is almost due south of Kashgar, as you will see by reference to any good map of the Province of Sinkiang. It is variously spelled, Yangi Missar, Yanghissar, etc. but they are all the same thing. Playfair lists it as a Chih-li T'ing town as Yingeshar in the tabulation of the "New Dominion" and gives the Chinese characters, placing it in lat. 30°10', long. 70°. There are four specimens of the 5 fen coins of this place in the ANS collection, of which I took rubbings when I was in NY. They are of two types, one similar to the rubbing I sent you; the other inscribed Kuang Hsu Yuan (probably pao) tho neither of the specimens there have the left-hand character of the Chinese inscription struck legibly. I was in hopes that you might have a specimen in your collection which would show the final Chinese character, but I do not see it in the plates you sent. The one specimen of this type, your 9999, does not appear to be from this mint, tho the Turki inscription is beyond me in spite of its legibility. I believe Miles at the ANS could give you the reading as he is pretty good on these.
I think your numbers 1181f, a and b are from Yarkand. 1039, a, b, c, d, and e are Ka shgar. 9998 seems to be Yanghissar tho it is different from either of the varieties mentioned above as being in the ANS collection. 994 and 996 are from Aksu, but both are different from a good specimen I have which is dated 1297 AH (1880). Nos.1188a, b, and c, and probably 1188d, are all from the same mint, tho you have the obverse and reverse of 1188c transposed. The ANS has an unidentified specimen of the same variety in their collection.
Have you noted that the $1 Sinkiang specimen which you sent to me is an entirely different die than the specimen in the ANS collection which was pictured in a recent issue of the Numismatist and in the current issue of the Coin Collectors Journal? This is particularly noticeable in the 4th horizontal stroke of the Chinese character I (one).
In the specimen you sent me the stroke is not joined in any manner to the strokes above and below it. In the ANS specimen this stroke is joined to the stroke above it at the right-hand end. There are of course numerous other differences, but this one can be seen at a glance with the naked eye.
In my search for material on the Turki and Manchu inscriptions which are to be found on Chinese coins I ran onto two probable errors in a Chinese book entitle "Ku Chin Ch'ien Lueh", Coole's number 245, and in the 15th issue of a Japanese periodical entitled "The Numismatic. The Coins of the World," they have the characters for the mint at Ush and one of the two sets of characters for Yankand transposed. I suppose the Jap copied the mistake from the earlier Chinese work.
After further thought on the matter I think it most likely that your numbers 1188a, b, and c, are Khoten mint issues.
The pictures which you sent of the Sinkiang pieces are returned herewith.
It is suggested that some of the coins which have Arabic inscriptions on both sides may not be issues for Sinkiang, at least not Chinese issues, but may be those of some of the other mints which were across the borders in Russian Turkistan, such as Tasent, Khokand, or Bukhara.
It would have greatly facilitated the study of the coins which you photographed if more care had been taken in arranging them so that they were all right side up, thus obviating the necessity of turning them over at various angles to study the inscriptions. I took the liberty of placing horizontal lines under a number of them to facilitate this matter of placing horizontal lines under a number of them to facilitate this matter.
Hoping that some of the above may be of help, I remain.
Very truly,
Bowker