Wang Xueming is an avid collector, yet he is far from being shallow or vulgar. He has visited the United States many times, exploring numerous antique shops during his stays.
However, most antique shops no longer pique his interest. Having gained ample experience, he views them as rather mundane. In his opinion, very few of these establishments actually house valuable items.
But this antique shop owned by Fang Bo is different from the others he has visited. Despite its unassuming appearance, it consistently presents remarkable finds, especially those that align with his preferences. Consequently, this particular shop and Fang Bo himself hold a distinguished place in his heart.
Fang Bo remained nonchalant, merely shrugging his shoulders without saying much.
Though Wang Xueming had set aside the set of autographed Yuan Shikai coins, his attention never wavered from them. It was as though he feared they would vanish if he blinked.
Moreover, his tone just now clearly indicated his determination to acquire this set of autographed coins.
Glancing up at Jin Muchen, who stood nearby, Fang Bo naturally saw no reason to refuse this generous offer from Mr. Wang.
Originally, Fang Bo had intended to sell this set of autographed Yuan Shikai coins. He had mentioned their considerable value to Jin Muchen earlier, but that assessment was based on domestic market conditions.
These silver coins might not appeal to American tastes if put up for auction there. Although Europeans and Americans do appreciate Chinese antiques, they tend to favor ancient artifacts like porcelain, calligraphy, or antique wooden furniture. Items like these modern-era silver coins generally don't attract much interest.
When Fang Bo informed Jin Muchen of the value of this set of coins, Jin Muchen was perplexed about how to sell them back in China.
Unexpectedly, a buyer had now approached them, and not just any buyer, but a wealthy one at that.
Without hesitation, Jin Muchen nodded at Fang Bo, who then turned to Wang Xueming with a genial expression, inquiring, "What about it, Mr. Wang? Are you fond of this set of autographed Yuan Shikai coins?"
"Indeed, I am. Mr. Fang, are you interested in parting with this set of autographed coins? If so, name your price!" Wang Xueming replied.
This straightforwardness was almost unbelievable. It seemed that Mr. Wang genuinely admired this set of autographed coins. Typically, antique buyers like to negotiate, especially among Chinese collectors.
When captivated by an item, they might negotiate extensively, masking their true feelings, engaging in haggling, and employing various tactics to lower the price.
However, Mr. Wang was different from traditional collectors. He liked what he liked, without concealment or bargaining. Such a customer would be appreciated by anyone.
Fang Bo raised an eyebrow and remarked, "Very well, Mr. Wang, you're quite bold. I admire clients like you, straightforward and decisive. As for the value of this autographed Yuan Shikai coin in the domestic market, I believe you're well aware."
"Yes, if the condition of a single coin is good, its price should range from thirty to forty thousand yuan. Your set, without a doubt, exhibits superior quality," Wang Xueming responded confidently, demonstrating his profound understanding of the matter.
"Certainly, the price of a single coin might be as you say. However, this set comprises the entire range, from one yuan to five cents, with two specimens of each denomination. Such a collection, with its exceptional quality and condition, commands a premium. By the standard valuation, it would likely be at least triple the price of individual pieces," Fang Bo explained.
As a seasoned professional, Fang Bo might not be familiar with the current market value of autographed Yuan Shikai coins in China. However, based on Wang Xueming's quote, he could make an educated guess.
Upon hearing Fang Bo's price, Jin Muchen, standing nearby, struggled to suppress his racing heartbeat. Nevertheless, it continued to thud loudly.
Even if each coin fetched thirty thousand yuan individually, this set of ten coins would amount to three hundred thousand yuan. If tripled in value, it would reach nine hundred thousand yuan.
Nine hundred thousand yuan equated to over one hundred and forty thousand US dollars. If he could obtain this sum, it would resolve his major financial difficulties.
Wang Xueming, on the other hand, showed no intention of bargaining. "Indeed, this price is fair and reasonable. Given the circumstances, and considering I don't have that much yuan on hand in the United States, I propose paying in US dollars. Let's round it off to one hundred and fifty thousand dollars, accounting for any additional costs. What do you say?"
Wang Xueming's offer stunned both Fang Bo and Jin Muchen. Fang Bo had quoted a price based on his own estimate, leaving some ambiguity. Even if each coin were valued at the minimum of thirty thousand yuan, the set would only total nine hundred thousand yuan. Given the current exchange rate, after factoring in the bank's commission, it would amount to slightly over one hundred and thirty thousand dollars.
However, Mr. Wang, without haggling, generously offered two thousand dollars more, directly proposing one hundred and fifty thousand dollars. Jin Muchen had never encountered such a generous buyer before.
Having dealt in antiques for so many years, Fang Bo had never encountered such a customer either.
If it were a restaurant, and they were leaving a tip, it would be understandable. But this was an antique shop, and leaving a tip of even three or five yuan would be considered generous. Yet, this person was offering twenty thousand! Was there something wrong with him?
A twenty-thousand-yuan tip would undoubtedly be considered extraordinarily lavish!
Seeing Fang Bo and Jin Muchen's gaze, Wang Xueming immediately understood their thoughts. He chuckled and said, "You don't need to look at me like that. I'm not crazy. The reason I offered this price is that, if this set of autographed Yuan Shikai coins were to be auctioned in China, it would undoubtedly fetch over one million yuan. So, by securing it for nine hundred thousand yuan, I'm actually getting a bargain. Furthermore, I truly appreciate this set of coins."
Wang Xueming paused for a moment before continuing, "Last year, there was a spring auction in China, where a set of autographed Yuan Shikai coins was included among the items. It consisted of three specimen coins in gold, silver, and copper, each bearing Yuan Shikai's autograph. These were sample coins issued by the Tianjin Mint before the official release of the Yuan Shikai coins. They fetched a high bid of 1.4 million yuan. Interestingly, the winning bidder was a friend of mine. Since then, he has been bragging to me incessantly. I'm sure he'll be jealous when I show him this complete set I've acquired. The most valuable pieces in this set are undoubtedly the two coins of the Zhongyuan type. Currently, these coins are extremely rare in China, and even a single coin commands a high value. Therefore, by offering you one hundred and fifty thousand US dollars, I'm also showing a gesture of goodwill, ensuring that you won't feel deceived once you learn about the current market conditions in China."
Wang Xueming's openness put Fang Bo and Jin Muchen at ease. Especially Fang Bo, who, although knowledgeable about
antiques, primarily focused on porcelain and calligraphy. He had only a limited understanding of miscellaneous items like ancient coins. If Wang Xueming hadn't shared this information, he wouldn't have realized the current market value of autographed Yuan Shikai coins in China.
As for Jin Muchen, he didn't mind. Although he knew that auctioning these coins could fetch a higher price, he also considered the high auction fees, taxes, and other expenses. Therefore, this transaction was the most profitable option for him, not to mention the shorter waiting time.
Wang Xueming made a phone call, and soon a well-dressed man accompanied by an accountant-like figure entered with a large leather bag. From it, the accountant produced a bag containing exactly one hundred and fifty thousand US dollars in old banknotes.
Those in the antique business preferred cash transactions because they were hassle-free and, most importantly, helped evade taxes.
"Haha, Mr. Fang, I never expected to encounter two surprises during my two visits to your shop. It seems you're truly an expert in your field. I visited many antique shops on the West Coast of the United States recently, but to be honest, there wasn't much that caught my eye. Even if there were, the owners were quick to overcharge, treating me like a fool. However, my trip to the East Coast this time has been worthwhile. It's a pleasure to meet you. Here's my business card; feel free to call me anytime if you have anything valuable to offer," Wang Xueming said, exchanging pleasantries with Fang Bo.
Before leaving, he courteously handed his business card to Fang Bo. After hearing Wang Xueming's parting words, Jin Muchen vaguely understood his intentions. No wonder he had been so generous earlier; it seemed he aimed to establish a long-term business relationship with Fang Bo.
The extra two thousand was more like a guide fee, which Fang Bo naturally appreciated. After all, having such a generous and decisive customer was a boon. In the antique business, such connections were crucial.
Fang Bo stuffed the entire sum of one hundred and fifty thousand US dollars into Jin Muchen's pocket without keeping a single cent. In Fang Bo's words, "I'm not short of money. I have enough to get by. You're in need right now, especially with your parents facing trouble. You should send a portion of this money back to them first."