Description

Macau, a uni-face bronze die trial of 100 patacas, 1988, XXXV Anniversary of Grand Prix, PCGS SP67RD

1988年澳門100圓單面樣幣。PCGS SP-67 RD Secure Holder.

In 1988 Macau (Macao) issued commemorative coins in celebration of the XXXV (35th) Anniversary of the Macao Grand Prix held there each year. The issued coins are very interesting. Issued in 1988 were a 5 oz Gold Grand Premio with face value of 10,000 Patacas which featured one of the race cars on the obverse and a Chinese Junk boat on the reverse, a Gold 500 Patacas approx 1/4 oz. Of particular interest was the issue of the 1 troy pound (12 oz) of .999 fine Silver and 1/5 oz of .999 gold $400 Dollars SILGOLD. Which display’s an obverse depicting a fireball between two facing dragons and the reverse depicts the race course outline with the images of the 500 Patacas coin and the 100 Patacas coin. 250 were made and they hold high value with collectors today. In addition, not known to many, also issued was a 5 oz silver pattern in replica of the 5 oz gold with 10,000 Patacas value. Only two have been seen so far and one sold in 2012 at auction for several thousand dollars with heavy bidding. Another 5 oz was also issued which also featured one of the race cars on the obverse and a Chinese Junk boat on the reverse was also minted with face value of 500 Patacas that was issued with 2,000 pieces. A Silver 100 Patacas 1 oz was also issued. However, in addition to the Crown size Silver Coin there was also a very rare Bronze Pattern issued. This coin featured the obverse of the Silver coin and was uni-face (the reverse of the coin being blank as seen in product picture). It was struck in proof quality by the British Royal Mint in pure Bronze. Only 200 of these Bronze patterns were issued. 100 of these patterns were presented by the racing committee to participants in the race, some were issued as part of three coins sets consisting of the 5oz silver, 1 oz silver and Bronze pattern. The other 100 coins were made available to dignitaries and collectors.

In all. The continued popularity of the Macau Grand Prix make these issues attractive to investors and collectors. The Macao Grand Prix is run in November of each year. Past winners include. Aryton SENNA, Michael SCHUMACHER,  Takuma SATO, David COULTHARD, Ralph SCHUMACHER and several more that went on to become stars of Formula One racing.