Bolivia 1779-PTS PR 4 escudos
This specimen was lot 1018 in the Eliasberg sale, where it sold for $2990. The catalog description[1] noted, "1779 PR 4 escudos. Potosi mint. EF-45 (NGC). Armored bust of Carlos III to right, legends around, date below/crowned arms at center, garter around, denomination within garter, legends around garter, assayer's mark and mintmark below shield. Medium gold with deep orange highlights. Old scratch on cheek, some light hairlines, an appealing specimen of this challenging denomination. From the John H. Clapp Collection; Clapp estate to Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., 1942."
While silver coins from Bolivia exist in vast quantities, gold from Bolivia is scarce. For the colonial period, Colombia may be regarded as the most prolific issuer, followed by Mexico, followed by Peru. Bolivia, Chile and Guatemala are minor sources. This type was minted 1778-88 and is rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.53 g, 0.901 fine gold, .393 troy oz AGW; this specimen: 13.42 grams, 30.20 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Cayón-12662, KM 58, Fr-2.
- [1]Kraljevich, John, John Pack, Elizabeth O. Piper and Frank Van Valen, The Louis E. Eliasberg, Sr., Collection of World Gold Coins and Medals, Wolfboro, NH: American Numismatic Rarities, 2005.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- 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.
Link to:
- 1779 4 reales
- 1779 8 reales
- Mexico 1779-Mo FF 4 escudos
- 1779 8 escudos
- 1780 4 escudos
- Coins and currency dated 1779
- other specimens in The Eliasberg Collection
- return to coins of Bolivia