Chile 1825-So I peso
This specimen was lot 20304 in Ponterio sale 161 (Chicago, August 2011), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted, "CHILE. "Volcano" Peso, 1825-I. EXTREMELY RARE 1825 Chile 'Volcano Peso.' Extremely rare date that is key in assembling a date set of this popular type. By far the lowest mintage of all dates for Chile "Volcano" Pesos. Only 3,400 total pieces struck, many of which were no doubt used as planchets in Brazil and overstruck to become 960 Reis. In terms of availability, this coin is rarer than a Coquimbo Peso. The only example of this date that has been certified by NGC, and the only 'Volcano' Peso with a PROOF-LIKE designation. Lustrous white surfaces with a few faint scattered contact marks, very attractive and EXTREMELY RARE. NGC MS-61 PL."
This "volcano peso," one of the most popular South American crowns, was struck 1817-34 in some numbers but the majority of survivors are dated 1817. Circulated specimens are available for a price but uncirculated pieces are rare. The volcano design also appears on silver half, one and two reales of 1833-34. The SCWC states that the 1826 is the key date, not the 1825; both are out of the reach of the ordinary collector.
Recorded mintage: 3,400.
Specification: 27 g, 0.900 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-82.2; EL-90.
- [1]Ponterio, Rick, et al., Ponterio sale 161: The Chicago ANA Auction, Irvine, CA: Stack's-Bowers, LLC, 2011.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Elizondo, Carlos A., Eight Reales and Pesos of the New World, San Antonio, TX: 1968.
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