Caracas '172' 2 reales
This is a specimen of a type issued by the royalists or republicans in Caracas, Venezuela. Like most local issues produced outside the major mints (Lima, Potosi, etc.), it usually comes crudely struck. This type is of the 'cob' style and has only three numbers representing the date. The city fell to the Colombians in 1821, who issued silver quarter reales (KM C31). Venezuela attained separate independence in 1830. This specimen was sold as lot 16234 on Apr 18, 2011 at the 2011 April Rosemont Signature World & Ancient Coins CICF Auction #3014 by Heritage Auctions, for $1092. The catalog description reads: "Caracas Macuquina 2 Reales "172", silver 2 Reales of cob style with "fantasy" date "172". Very Fine. L-M / M-L variety on obverse and M-L on reverse. From The Dana Roberts Collection."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 4.5-5.8 g, silver.
Catalog reference: KM C13.1.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Stohr, Tomas, El Circulante en la Capitania General de Venezuela, Caracas, Banco Central de Venezuela, 1998.
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