Bolivia 1783-PTS PR 4 escudos
The first specimen was lot 2013 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2022), where it sold for $10,800. The catalog description[1] noted, "BOLIVIA. 4 Escudos, 1783/2/1-PTS PR. Potosi Mint. Charles III. NGC AU-55. The only certified example of the date on either NGC or PCGS population reports. This VERY RARE issue, with clear double overdate (3/2/1), exhibits light signs of handling consistent for the grade offering a bold even strike with plenty of remaining satiny luster. Hints of flashiness in the protected areas pop out when rotated in the light complemented by a pleasing honey-gold coloration. An attractive example of this tough type that is wholly original looking with good eye appeal. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Purchased privately from Richard Ponterio circa 1982." 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 1778-85 and is rare. It is distinguished by later issues of Charles III (1785-88) by being 0.901 fine instead of 0.875 fine gold. The second specimen was lot 834 in Sedwick Auction 37 (Winter Park, FL, May 2025), where it sold for $4,500. The catalog description[2] noted, "BOLIVIA, Potosí, gold bust 4 escudos, Charles III, 1783 PR, rare, NGC AU details / cleaned, ex-Almenara. Good strike with full rims, traces of red toning, somewhat granular surfaces from cleaning. Pedigreed to the Almenara Collection."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.53 g, 0.901 fine gold, .393 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: Janson-69.6; Fr-2; KM-58; cf. Cal-1848, Cayón-12691.
- 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, 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 Felipe VI, 1474 a 2020, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 NYINC Sale: World and Ancient Coins, featuring the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection and the Pat Johnson Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.
- [2]Sedwick, Daniel Frank, Augi Garcia, Cori Sedwick Downing, Connor Falk and Sarah Sproles, Treasure Auction 37, World, U.S Coins and Paper Money, featuring the Almenara Collection of Colonial Peruvian Gold Coins, Winter Park, FL: Daniel Frank Sedwick LLC, 2025.
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