Chihuahua 1866 1/4 real

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from the San Dimas Collection
Chihuahua 1866 cuartilla rev JS.jpg
from Stack's Bowers October 2020 Collector's Choice sale, lot 72166
SB1020-72166r.jpg

This is an example of a copper quarter real from the state of Chihuahua, struck 1860-66. The second specimen was lot 72166 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Santa Ana, CA, October 2020), where it sold for $264. The catalog description[3] noted, "MEXICO. 1/4 Real, 1866. Chihuahua Mint. PCGS AU-55 Gold Shield. Variety with coin rotation. A boldly struck well detailed coin for the type with smooth, glossy surfaces and very dark brown patina." 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 forced 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[1] or Bailey[2] 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 was struck 1860-61 and 1865-66.

Recorded mintage: unknown but a better date.

Specification: copper.

Catalog reference: KM 344, DB-170[2].

Source:

  • Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
  • [1]Buttrey, T. V., and Clyde Hubbard, A Guide Book of Mexican Coins, 1822 to date, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1992.
  • [2]Bailey, Don, State & Federal Copper and Brass Coinage of Mexico, 1824-1872, Hemet, CA, 2008.
  • [3]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The October 2020 Collector's Choice sale: World and Ancient Coins, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.

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