Bolivia 1721-P Y real
This specimen was lot 32312 in Heritage sale 3089 (Dallas, TX, January 2021), where it sold for $1,800. The catalog description[1] noted, "Bolivia. Philip V "Royal" Real 1721 P-Y AU Details (Plugged) NGC, Potosí mint. A very rare "Royal" presentation issue struck upon a round flan, and a scarcer denomination to be found as such. The present example has been holed in the past, as are many of these Royal issues, and then plugged, though the plugging is well-executed and overall there is a pleasing lack of the heavy circulation often seen on these pieces. The first we have seen of this type and a highly elusive opportunity." This type was struck for circulation 1702-28, when the cobs were debased from 0.931 to 0.917 fine. The type isn't rare (most have legible dates) but royal strikes are expensive.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.38 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 3.19 g.
Catalog reference: cf. KM 28 (not listed as a Royal issue), Cal-1343 (same), Cayón-8415.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Cayón, Adolfo, Clemente Cayón and Juan Cayón, Las Monedas Españolas, del Tremis al Euro: del 411 a Nuestros Dias, vol. 1, 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.
- Paoletti, Emilio, 8 Reales Cobs of Potosí, 2nd Ed., Buenos Aires, 2006.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, Heritage Auction 3089: NYINC World & Ancient Coins Platinum & Signature Auction - Dallas, featuring the Cape Coral Collection of European Crowns and the Penn Collection, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2020.
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