Bolivia 1778-PTS PR 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. This specimen was lot 23225 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (Newport Beach, CA, January 2021), where it sold for $1,020. The catalog description[2] noted, "BOLIVIA. 4 Reales, 1778-PTS PR. Potosi Mint. Charles III. PCGS AU-55. The finer of just two graded in the PCGS census, this splendid minor presents little in the way of actual handling while also offering wholesome and pleasing surfaces." The second specimen was lot 34031 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $1,080. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Interesting Spelling Error “NEX" instead of “REX", BOLIVIA. 4 Reales, 1778-PTS JR. Potosi Mint. Charles III. PCGS VF-20. Spelling error variety, “NEX" instead of “REX". One of only two certified examples of the variety on either the NGC or PCGS population reports. This well-worn survivor is quite charming and wholesome with even wear displaying rich gray patina. The surfaces exhibit signs of handling with marks and abrasions consistent for the grade, but nothing overly distracting. Spelling errors are seldom encountered in this series and are always sought after, as such this should be considered EXTREMELY RARE and desirable. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Purchased privately from Louis Collins (1973)."
Assayer JR also exists for 1778 but is rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.53 g, 0.896 fine silver, .390 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: Cayón-11801, KM-54; Cal-938; CJ-64.7.5.
- [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.
- [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.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The January 2021 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Oro del Nuevo Mundo and Matt Orsini Collections, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.
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