Chile 1863-So 20 centavos
The first specimen was lot 1383 in Classical Numismatic Group's sale of the Lissner Collection (Chicago, August 2014), where it sold for $726. The catalog description[1] noted, "CHILE, Republic. 1818-present. AR 20 Centavos. Santiago mint. Dated 1863 So. In NGC encapsulation graded MS 64. A very beautiful brilliant uncirculated specimen with just a hint of iridescent patina. A scarcer type in this choice grade with open wings. Purchased from Mel Kohl (a great collector and active member of his local numismatic organizations, and a very nice gentleman)." This twenty centavo piece was minted in Santiago, Chile, in 1863-67. A slightly heavier coin (KM 125, 5 g) was issued 1852-59 with the soaring condor design. Later, more common twenty centavos (KM 138, minted 1867-94) used the perched condor design also seen on the one peso. This condor also appeared on half decimos and decimos and fifty centavos coins of the 1860's. The high relief led to weak strikes on the condor's body and the relief was lowered in 1867. An 1863/55 overdate is reported for the year.
Recorded mintage: 160,000.
Specification: 4.6 g, 0.900 fine silver, .133 troy oz ASW, 23 mm diameter; this specimen Ø23 mm, 5.04 g, 6h axis.
Catalog reference: KM 135; Y 16.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Teller, M. Louis, and Victor England, Jr., The Richard Lissner Collection, Lancaster, PA: Classical Numismatic Group, 2014.
Link to: