Bolivia 1731-P M 4 reales
This specimen was lot 71206 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $216. The catalog description[1] noted, "BOLIVIA. Cob 4 Reales, 1731-P. Potosi Mint; Assayer Jose Matienzo (M). Philip V. PCGS Genuine--Salt Water Damage, AU Details. This 4 Reales piece displays plenty of detail despite the noted saltwater damage. The obverse shows two assayers and a denomination quite clearly. While the date is still readable despite some doubling, the date on the reverse is certainly the better of the two. Its three digits are complete and bold, as is the mintmark on the left. An area of black corrosion on the rim must be noted, but it does not affect any of the fine details. From the Pat Johnson Collection." This type was struck for Philip V through his entire reign. Assayer M stamped coins 1728-32. Assayer M reappears 1738-40 but was a different person. 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. The silver cobs were debased from 0.931 fine to 0.917 fine in 1728.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.54 g, 0.917 fine silver, this specimen 13.38 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-9053, KM-30A; Cal-1181.
- 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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