Costa Rica (1841-42) c/s 4 reales
The first specimen was lot 471 in Stacks-Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2015), where it sold for $5,581.25. The catalog description[1] noted, "COSTA RICA. 4 Reales, 1841-2. NGC FINE-12." The second specimen was lot 34088 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $12,000. The catalog description[2] noted,
"COSTA RICA. Costa Rica - Bolivia. "Carrillo" 4 Reales, ND (1841). San Jose Mint. PCGS Genuine--Holed, Fine Details. Type I Countermark. Issued by decree of 19 November 1841 under Braulio Carrillo Colina. The RAREST silver denomination from the series. Double 6-pointed star within circle applied to the obverse on the back of the kings neck, plug removed from the obverse; Reverse: test punch at 5 o'clock between "ET" and "IND" of legend. All on a 1775-PTS JR Bolivia bust 4 Reales of Charles III. This well worn example displays attractive light gray coloration on the high points and exposed areas with a rich slate patina amongst the devices and crevasses. The countermark is deeply applied to the obverse with clear devices. As indicated on the PCGS insert and like many from this series, the present survivor has four holes near the edges adding a bit of character. Despite its shortcomings a presentable example of the type with a good look that is sure to be a welcome addition to the next collection it enters. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Ex: Almanzar's TNA Auction (4/1974) Lot # 422."
The third specimen was lot 30093 in Heritage sale 3107 (Chicago, May 2023), where it sold for $40,800. The catalog description[3] noted,
"Costa Rica. Central American Republic Counterstamped "Carrillo" 4 Reales ND (1841-1842) VF35 NGC, San Jose mint, cf. KM16 (unlisted host). Host: Guatemala Charles IV 4 Reales 1805 NG-M; Counterstamp (XF STANDARD): control test-punch between ET and IND, Type I countermark of radiant 6-pointed star within 7mm circle. Issued by the Don Braulio Carrillo administration to regulate the foreign silver in circulation with the round dump removed to cover the costs of the regulation labor. A type not commonly seen and, when presented, it's often in poor condition. On top of the prestigious pedigree, this piece has eye-appeal to spare in its gently circulated surfaces, well-defined and lightly toned. A piece for quality-minded collectors. Ex. Richard Stuart Collection."
The fourth specimen was lot 51240 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Pittsburgh, PA, August 2023), where it sold for $16,800. The catalog description[4] noted,
"Wholesome and Desirable United States of America Cap Bust Half. COSTA RICA. Costa Rica - United States of America. "Carrillo" 4 Reales, ND (1841-42). San Jose Mint. NGC Fine Details--Tooled. Issued by decree of 19 November 1841 under Braulio Carrillo Colina. Countermark: Type I, plug removed from obverse left of bust, double 6-pointed star within circle on neck; Reverse: Test punch at 10 o'clock between "United" and "States". Applied to a 1822 United States of America 50 Cents. This EXTREMELY RARE and heavily sought after host country has always been a collector favorite and seldom appears on the market with few known survivors. The countermark is bold on a well worn host with plenty remaining details of the design features. The fields display rich slate patina in the protected areas while the open fields and high points are a bit brighter coloration. Close inspection reveals evidence of light tasteful scratches in the fields near the rim above the bust and a some shallow scuffing on the reverse accounting for the details designation, long since toned over matching the rest of the coin. Despite its shortcoming[s] a handsome example of this the desirable type that is sure to excite many collectors. Ex: Jorge Lines Collection (Christensen 5/1984) Lot # 238. Plated in "Resellos de Costa Rica"; Published San Jose 2001, pg. 17."
The SCWC lists a variety of coins counterstamped by Costa Rica in the early 1840's, from half reales to eight reales, all now very rare. The SCWC does not list the Bolivia 1820 four reales or the United States bust half dollar as a host type. Doubtless they were withdrawn and melted as soon as possible.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 0.896 fine silver, the fourth specimen 12.69 g.
Catalog reference: similar to KM 15. The second specimen KM-14 (this coin illustrated); Segura-Pg.14; Guardian-Pg.62/63.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Gurdian, Raul, Contribucion al Estudio de las Monedas de Costa Rica: 100 Años de Colon, 2a Ed., San José, Costa Rica, 1997.
- Stickney, Brian, A Monetary History of Central America, New York: American Numismatic Society, 2017.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The January 2015 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Featuring the John W. Adams and Ray Czabor Collections, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2014.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 ANA Auction - Ancients & World Coins - Featuring The Salton Collection Part III, the Augustana Collection and the Robert C. Knepper Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
- [3]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, 2023 May 3 - 5 CSNS World Coins Platinum Session and Signature® Auction #3107, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2023.
- [4]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2023 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
Link to:
- Costa Rica (1841-42) c/s real c/m on a Guatemala 1791 Real
- Costa Rica (1841-42) c/s 2 reales c/m on a Bolivia 1775 2 reales or Mexico 1829 2 reales
- Costa Rica (1841-42) c/m 8 reales KM-19 on a Mexico portrait 8 reales
- Costa Rica (1841-42) c/s 8 soles on a Bolivia 1831-JL 8 soles
- Costa Rica (1841-42) c/m 8 reales KM-22 on a Peru portrait 8 reales
- Costa Rica (1841-42) c/m 8 reales KM-24 on a Peru republic 8 reales
- Costa Rica (1841-42) 4 escudos on a Costa Rica 4 escudos
- Costa Rica 1842-MM escudo
- 1843 ½ real
- Costa Rica (1845) c/s 2 reales KM-36 on a Spain 1777 2 reales
- Costa Rica (1845) c/s 2 reales KM-40 on a Spain 1811 4 reales de vellon
- Coins and currency dated 1841
- return to coins of Costa Rica