Bolivia 1855-PTS FP 1/2 scudo
The first specimen was lot 3762 in Goldberg sale 69 (Los Angeles, May, 2012), where it sold for $529. The catalog description [1] noted, "Bolivia. ½ Escudo, 1855-FP (Potosi). Sun above mountain. Reverse: Laureate head right. ICG graded AU-58." The third specimen was lot 71348 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, February 2023), where it sold for $456. The catalog description[2] noted, "BOLIVIA. 1/2 Scudo, 1855-PTS FP. Potosi Mint. NGC MS-61. Clouds of satiny mint luster cradle the design elements on each side. The overall complexion is well composed, even under a glass, with just trivial marks outside focal regions and certainly nothing that distracts from splendid eye appeal. Numismatists will welcome the chance to acquire this perennially popular gold issue as it crosses the block." This type was struck 1852-56; for some reason, five assayers (FP, MF, MJ, M and MJ/FJ) are recorded for this date. 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.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.70 g, 0.875 fine gold, .048 troy oz AGW.
Catalog reference: Fr-36; KM-113.
- 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.
- [1]Goldberg, Ira, Larry Goldberg, Stephen Harvey and Paul Rynearson, Goldberg sale 69: the Pre-Long Beach Auction, Ancient and World Coins, Los Angeles: Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, 2012.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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