Bolivia 1726-P Y 4 reales
This specimen was lot 71200 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $630. The catalog description[1] noted, "BOLIVIA. Cob 4 Reales, 1726-P. Potosi Mint; Assayer Diego de Ybarbouru (Y). Luis I. PCGS AU-53. Struck in the name of Luis I in the second reign of Philip V. A remarkably well-preserved and RARE Cob with deeply struck details. The obverse shows two assayer's initials, a denomination and a mintmark. Though its date is rather muddled from a double strike, a bold three-digit date appears on the reverse. Another mintmark and assayer are visible on either side of the cross with richly detailed castles and lions. The surfaces are pleasingly toned with light pewter gray high points and deep charcoal in the crevices. This eye-catching piece looks like it was produced haphazardly, but owing to its strong strike and gentle handing, it offers an abundance of attractive details. A brilliant example of the challenging issues of the short-lived king Luis I. From the Pat Johnson 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 13.85 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-unlisted, KM-A35; Cal-35.
- 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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