Bolivia 1773-PTS JR 4 reales
This is an early example of a type struck 1773-89 at Potosi, Bolivia (then called Upper Peru). It was replaced in 1791 by the bust of Charles IV. Harris[1] notes that Potosi four reales of Charles III are the commonest mint, with twice as many as Mexico City. Recent hoard finds have only increased this number. Assayer JR is recorded for 1767-78. The second specimen was lot 34030 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $4,320. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Extremely Rare Spelling Error in King’s Name - “CAROLU”, BOLIVIA. 4 Reales, 1773-PTS JR. Potosi Mint. Charles III. PCGS Genuine--Chopmark, VF Details. Spelling error variety; King's name as “CAROLU”. The only certified example of the spelling error on either the NGC or PCGS census. This moderately worn example displays lovely dove gray patina with areas of richer coloration on the obverse, while the reverse exhibits mottled light gray and slate patination. A couple of small unobtrusive chop marks are noticed accounting for the details designation, but are hardly distracting. Despite its shortcomings this pleasant survivor offers good eye appeal and is very interesting. A presentable example for variety collectors seeking unusual and seldom encountered pieces to add depth to their numismatic holdings. From the Pat Johnson Collection."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.53 g, 0.903 fine silver, .392 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: Cayón-11765, KM-54; Cal-930; CJ-64.1.2.
- [1]Harris, Robert P., Pillars & Portraits, San José, CA: Bonanza Press, 1968.
- 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.
- [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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