Bolivia 1656-P E 4 reales
This specimen was lot 71116 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $840. The catalog description[1] noted, "BOLIVIA. Cob 4 Reales, 1656-P. Potosi Mint, Assayer Antonia de Ergueta (E). Philip IV. PCGS VF-35. A wholesome and well-detailed Cob. The obverse shows a mintmark, an assayer's initial, the denomination, a clear central date, and partial outer legend date. Additionally, most of the mint name is legible on the right side. The reverse includes all four of the marks on the terminals of the cross, with an especially complete three-digit date. The central castles and lions are very attractive, with bold detail and no obstructions. The surfaces are problem-free, displaying a nice mottled gray tone. In this numismatist's opinion, the reverse is the standout in this piece, as it offers more eye appeal and originality than is typically encountered from Cobs of this period. A coin suitable for a discerning collector. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Ex: Paul Karon Collection (Ponterio 42 - 03/1990) Lot # 343." Assayer Rodas was brought in from Spain 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. He was sacked and replaced by Antonio de Ergueta, who introduced the new "pillars and waves" design which would show the date and assayer's initials on even the worst strike.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.54 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 14.38 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-6157 ("E PH"), KM 18; Cal-1119.
- 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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