Chile 1868 1/2 decimo
This specimen was lot 1374 in Classical Numismatic Group's sale of the Lissner Collection (Chicago, August 2014), where it sold for $2,299. The catalog description[1] noted, "CHILE, Republic. 1818-present. Proof AR 1/2 Decimo. Santiago mint. Dated 1868 So. In NGC encapsulation graded PF 68 Cameo. Super gem proof with just a hint of patina. A small, but highly impressive specimen. The finer of two proofs graded. Ex NASCA (5 December 1979), lot 898; Wayte Raymond Collection." This silver half decimo piece was minted in Santiago, Chile, in 1867-81. A later type using the same design but 0.500 fine (KM 137.3) was issued 1879-94. It featured the same upright condor design also used on the decimo, twenty centavos and fifty centavos and peso. The half decimo contained .036 troy oz of silver in 1851-59; by 1868 this had been reduced to .033 troy oz. The decline did not stop with this type; the coin shrank until it was converted to copper-nickel in 1920. Most dates are common tho nice specimens do not turn up as often as the low catalog value would lead one to think.
Recorded mintage: 181,000.
Specification: 1.25 g, 0.835 fine silver, .033 troy oz ASW, this specimen Ø15 mm, 1.30 g, 6h axis.
Catalog reference: KM 137.2; Y 14a.
- 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.
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