Bolivia 1856-PTS FJ 8 scudos
This specimen was lot 1097 in the Eliasberg sale, where it sold for $4,140. The catalog description[1] noted, "1856 F/MJ 8 escudos. Potosi mint. MS-61 (NGC). Types as above. Attractive yellow gold with very bold lustre. F over M in assayer mark, an interesting variety. 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 issued 1852-57 and is the last of its denomination.
Specification: 27.07 g, 0.875 fine gold, .759 troy oz AGW; this specimen: 27.04 grams, 34.50 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 116, Fr-34, Calico Onza-1604.
- Almanzar, Alcedo, and Dale Seppa, Coins of Bolivia, 1820-1970, San Antonio, TX: 1970.
- [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.
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