Bolivia 1776-PTS JR 4 reales
This is an early example of a type struck 1772-89 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. The first specimen shown was lot 953 in Sedwick sale 11 (Winter Park, FL, April 2011), where it sold for $172.50. The catalog description[2] noted, "Potosi, Bolivia, bust 4 reales, Charles III, 1776JR. Lightly toned AVF with bold date, slightly crude rims, very slightly wavy flan, popular date." The second specimen was lot 71270 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $1,440. The catalog description[3] noted, "BOLIVIA. 4 Reales, 1776-PTS JR. Potosi Mint. Charles III. PCGS AU-53. A well-preserved and attractive piece. The finely-featured obverse has a warm toning that enhances the lovely portrait. The reverse boasts razor-sharp details in the central coat of arms, complemented by brilliantly lustrous fields lightly toned with hints of color. This coin is a highly appealing and problem-free example of the type. From the Pat Johnson Collection."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.53 g, 0.896 fine silver, .390 troy oz ASW, the first specimen 13.0 grams.
Catalog reference: Cayón-11783, KM-54; Cal-933, CT-1177.
- [1]Harris, Robert P., Pillars & Portraits, San José, CA: Bonanza Press, 1968.
- 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 Felipe VI, 1474 a 2020, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2019.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [2]Sedwick, Daniel Frank, Augi Garcia and Cori Sedwick Downing, Treasure Auction 11, Winter Park, FL: Daniel Frank Sedwick LLC, 2012.
- [3]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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