Bolivia (1649-51)-P O 4 reales
The first specimen was lot 71097 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $3,840. The catalog description[1] noted, "BOLIVIA. Cob 4 Reales, ND (1649-51)-P. Potosi Mint; Assayer Juan Rodriguez de Rodas (O). Philip IV. PCGS Genuine--Salt Water Damage, VF Details. A fascinating survivor, likely salvaged from the La Capitana shipwreck of 1654. This piece has suffered only minimally from its many years spent underwater, showing clear surfaces and nicely preserved details on its broad planchet. Although no date is visible beyond a faint '16-', the assayer's symbol is clearly present on the obverse. Most interestingly, there are two prominent crowned 'T' countermarks on the obverse. This mark was used to revalue the coin to 3 3/4 Reales, and was likely repeated because the first stamp was insufficiently clear. Undoubtedly an eye-catching piece, this coin is sure to excite collectors interested in the Potosi Mint Scandal and its consequences. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Private[ly] purchased from Mike Dunigan." The second specimen was lot 71101 in the same sale, where it sold for $552. The catalog description[1] noted,
"BOLIVIA. Cob 4 Reales, ND (1649-51)-P. Potosi Mint; Assayer Juan Rodriguez de Rodas (O). Philip IV. PCGS Genuine--Environmental Damage, EF Details; Countermark: EF Details. Though slightly corroded and struck on a narrow planchet, this 4 Reales piece retains sharp detail on the obverse, including a distinct assayer's mark. A crowned "F" countermark is boldly struck on the center, signifying a devaluation to 3 3/4 Reales. The reverse is less well-preserved, though it still shows pleasing castles and lions. An attractive piece with abundant visual interest. From the Pat Johnson Collection."
Rodas was brought in to restore the purity of the cobs struck at Potosi which had been debased as low as 0.700 fine. He did improve the quality but his product still did not meet the legal standard. The other mints were ordered to counterstamp his cobs so that they could pass at a discount.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.54 g, 0.931 fine silver, the first specimen is 12.01 g, most likely slightly debased. The second specimen is 10.90 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-6114, KM 17B; Cal-Type-279.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Cayón, Adolfo, Clemente Cayón and Juan Cayón, Las Monedas Españolas, del Tremis al Euro: del 411 a Nuestros Dias, 2 volumes, Madrid: Cayón-Jano S.L., 2005.
- Calicó, Xavier, Numismática Española: Catálogo General con Precios de Todas las Monedas Españolas Acuñadas desde Los Reyes Católicos Hasta Felipe VI, 1474 a 2020, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2019.
- Menzel, Sewall, Cobs, Pieces of Eight and Treasure Coins, New York: The American Numismatic Society, 2004.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The November 2022 Collectors Choice Ancient & World Coins Auction, Featuring the Pat Johnson Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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