Chihuahua 1856 1/4 real

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from the Stack's Bowers 2024 ANA sale, lot 41204
SB824-41204r.jpg

This specimen was lot 41204 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2024), where it sold for $240. The catalog description[1] noted, "MEXICO. Chihuahua. 1/4 Real, 1856. NGC EF-40. Escaping any defects or serious wear, this charming copper retains ample originality and appealing brown surface patina. The iconic central figure offers much detail and sharpness due to a strong strike. From the EMO Collection." This is an example of a copper quarter real from the state of Chihuahua, struck 1855-56. Another type was also struck in 1855 with the obverse legend "DEPARTAMENTO.DE.CHIHUAHUA" (KM 343). While the central government of Mexico reserved for itself the right to strike gold and silver, the states were permitted to strike the base metal coinage, a right which they exploited to the utmost. These coins could be minted and issued at a profit, a fact not lost on cash-strapped state governments. As these were to be quickly and cheaply made and foisted upon a long-suffering populace, little effort was expended to make them nice; most survivors are poorly struck on badly prepared planchets and heavily worn. Counterfeits abounded and contributed to the abuse. See Buttrey and Hubbard[2] or Bailey[3] for more information.

Today, state coppers are avidly collected. They are very challenging to find in nice condition and high grade examples are beginning to realize prices proportionate to their rarity. This type is crude, even by the standards of state coppers, and nice examples are scarce.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 7.08 g, copper, 27 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: EMO-3011.1 (Plate coin); KM-342.

Source:

  • [2]Buttrey, T. V., and Clyde Hubbard, A Guide Book of Mexican Coins, 1822 to date, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1992.
  • [3]Bailey, Don, State & Federal Copper and Brass Coinage of Mexico, 1824-1872, Hemet, CA, 2008.
  • Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
  • [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2024 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, featuring The Emilio M. Ortiz Collection, The Richard Margolis Collection and The Rutherford Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2024.

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