Argentina 1813-PTS J 1/2 real
This specimen was lot 22005 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (Newport Beach, CA, January 2021), where it sold for $2,640. The catalog description[1] noted, "ARGENTINA. 1/2 Real, 1813-PTS J. Potosi Mint. NGC MS-63+. Representing the smallest denomination from this sunface series, this elite example features dynamic luster that illuminates the boldly defined and minimally handled surfaces. An internal die crack, which appears above the sunface's right eyebrow (our left), and runs into its rays, adds noteworthy character to the surfaces. As the single finest certified by either NGC or PCGS, a coin that is destined to attract significant collector attention. From the Matthew Orsini Collection." After General Belgrano captured the villa of Potosí, the general assembly in Buenos Aires issued a law authorizing the minting of the first Argentinian coins on April 13, 1813 in silver and gold. Striking continued until November of the same year when the villa of Potosí was recaptured by forces loyal to the Spanish crown. The mint was reoccupied by General Rondeau and the similar designs previously mentioned were struck in 1815 from April to November, when the Spanish forces once again retook the villa of Potosí. The designs from 1826 to 1837 were minted in the province of Rioja.
Recorded mintage: 36,720.
Specification: 1.69 g, 0.896 fine silver, .048 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM-1.1; CJ-16.1.1.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Janson, Hector Carlos, La Moneda Circulante En El Territorio Argentino, 1767-1998, Buenos Aires, 1998.
- Cunietti-Ferrando, Arnaldo José, Monedas de la República Argentina, Asociación Numismática Argentina, Buenos Aires, 1965.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The January 2021 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Oro del Nuevo Mundo and Matt Orsini Collections, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.
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