Lot 2261

Description

USA, Liberty head gold half eagle, 1902S, with ornate cast and engraved suspension, featuring as the centrepiece crossed flags representing the Republic of China and the USA, total weight 12.6g. Obverse scratch and sweating from wear, otherwise very fine and an historical presentation piece.

The blue sky with white sun flag design (i.e. central star) was designed in 1895 and shortly after adopted as the KMT party flag and coat of arms of the Republic of China. By 1905 it had been modified so the star section of the flag became the canton, all on a field of red representing the earth. Thus the flag depicted on this coin's suspension is 1895-1905 period. Coincidentally in 1902, the U.S.Asiatic Squadron was upgraded to the U.S.Asiatic Fleet. It maintained a strong presence in China to protect Far East trade interests and also encourage an alliance with the Chinese Republic. It appears that this mounted coin dated 1902 and with the flags of the U.S. and China is probably an item commissioned as a commemorative or presentation piece for the upgrading of the U.S. Asiatic Fleet in 1902.