Bolivia 1714-P Y 4 reales
This specimen was lot 34018 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $6,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"BOLIVIA. 'Royal' Presentation Cob 4 Reales, 1714-P Y. Potosi Mint, Assayer Diego de Ybarbouro I(Y). Philip V. PCGS EF-40. The only example of the date on either the NGC or PCGS population reports. This beautifully preserved survivor exhibits boldly struck devices, though slightly doubled, with three unmistakable dates on a round flan. A good portion of the legends are present, though most of the letters are partially off the planchet. The pleasing surfaces display attractive old envelope patina with a lovely combination of heather gray coloration on the high points and rich slate in the protected areas. This charming example was obviously cherished and given great care, being free of any noticeable defects, it is pleasing to the eye and sure to excite many collectors. Freeman Craig envelope with footnote: Round royal presentation type with three dates and segments of most of the pearls and lettering. One of his (Faistauer) favorite pieces. Note that other than the 1738M cited by G-S and offered in the Kagin's/America auction all round 4 Reales recently offered seem to be before 1700, except one ugly 1731. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Purchased privately Freeman Craig. Ex: Faistauer Collection."
The Spanish colony of Upper Peru produced hammered cob coinage at the Potosí mint from 1573 to 1773, with a major debasement scandal and subsequent reform occurring in 1649-1652. The royal or presentation issues are very rare and highly sought after, while the regular strikes vary in price according to the visibility of the date, mint, and assayer initials. Assayer "Y" is listed for 1700-27.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.53 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 13.37 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-8983, KM-R30; Cal-1137; CJ-R34.14.
- 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 Juan Carlos I, 1474 a 2001, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2008.
- Menzel, Sewall, Cobs, Pieces of Eight and Treasure Coins, New York: The American Numismatic Society, 2004.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 ANA Auction - Ancients & World Coins - Featuring The Salton Collection Part III, the Augustana Collection and the Robert C. Knepper Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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