Bolivia 1654-P E 1/2 real
This specimen was lot 44060 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Costa Mesa, CA, August 2021), where it sold for $288. The catalog description[1] noted, "BOLIVIA. 1/2 Real, 1654-P E. Potosi Mint. Philip IV. FINE. A well detailed cob with visible date, mintmark, and assayer letter. Consigner information states that it originates from the wreck of the Maravillas, which s[a]nk in 1656 off Grand Bahama Island." The year 1652 saw a massive reform at the Potosí mint after king Philip IV discovered that mint officials had been systematically debasing the coinage in late 1630's and 1640's. The older issue was recalled and melted and a new design introduced to restore confidence in the coinage. Among other changes, the date was moved to the center of the obverse. This half real was struck 1653-66.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.69 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 1.48 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-5653, KM-B12.
- 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.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- 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 August 2021 ANA sale: World and Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.
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