Bolivia 1725-P Y 4 reales
This specimen was lot 71199 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $384. The catalog description[1] noted, "BOLIVIA. Cob 4 Reales, 1725-P. Potosi Mint; Assayer Diego de Ybarbouru (Y). Luis I. PCGS FINE-15. A compact and well-circulated but VERY RARE 4 Reales piece of Luis I. This first year of issue is the scarcest date within the already challenging three-year series. The obverse shows a clear denomination and date, though peripheral weakness obscures the rest. The reverse is more heavily worn, but preserves its assayer's initial. The surfaces are problem-free and exhibit a nice light toning. Despite its shortcomings, a rare opportunity to acquire this elusive piece with a well-defined date. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Ex: Paul Karon Collection (Ponterio 42 - 03/1990) Lot # 408. Ex: Carlos Jansen Collection." Assayer Y stamped coins 1701-28. In 1725, king Philip V abdicated in favor of his favorite son Louis, who died ten months later, forcing the old king to resume the throne. Issues of Luis are consequently rare. The silver cobs were debased from 0.931 fine to 0.917 fine in 1728.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.54 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 12.54 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-10118, KM-A35; Cal-34.
- 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, 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.
- [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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