Chile 1824-So I peso
This specimen was lot 32059 in Heritage sale 3135 (Pittsburgh, September 2026), where it sold for $58,560. The catalog description[1] noted, "Chile: Incredibly Scarce 1824 Volcano Peso. Republic "Volcano" Peso 1824 SANTIAGO-I MS64 NGC, Santiago mint. An outstanding Chilean rarity that virtually never comes under hammer, made even more impressive by an undeniably advanced eye appeal and state of preservation. In fact, not only is this is our first occasion handling the coveted 1824 date, but this is the first instance at major auction in nearly 30 years, and what an offering it is! The textbook cabinet toning reveals swathes of seafoam and orange peel that surround the magnificently struck pillar and volcano, while silhouetting of the legends contributes a classically "crunchy" visual texture. Not only does this specimen reach the cusp of a Gem designation at NGC, it is their only certified example of the seemingly impossible 1824 date. With fewer auction appearances and certified specimens than even the famed 1828 Coquimbo Peso, we can only imagine the heights this trophy will see. Ex. Enrique Kirberg Collection. From the Grundy Collection of Latin American and Spanish Coins." This issue, the "volcano peso," is one of the most popular South American crowns. It was struck regularly between 1817 and 1834 in some numbers but is hotly pursued in auctions. It is the first coin to bear the word "peso." Colonial eight reales were commonly called pesos in everyday usage but are marked "8 R." The 1817-FJ is the most frequently encountered of the series. The volcano design also appears on silver half, one and two reales of 1833-34.
Recorded mintage: 11,000.
Specification: 27 g, 0.902 fine silver, 39-40 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM 82.2, Elizondo-89.
- Elizondo, Carlos A., Eight Reales and Pesos of the New World, San Antonio, TX: 1968.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2026 September 1 - 5 ANA World & Ancient Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction #3135, featuring The Vila Rica Collection of Brazilian Gold Coins, Part II, and The Grundy Collection of Latin American and Spanish Coins, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2026.
- Raymond, Wayte, The Silver Dollars of North and South America, 2nd Ed., Racine, WI: Whitman Publishing, 1964.
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