Ecuador 1862-GJ 4 reales KM-37a
This specimen was lot 71498 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $3,600. The catalog description[1] noted, "ECUADOR. 4 Reales, 1862-QUITO GJ. Quito Mint. PCGS Genuine--Holed, Fine Details. A VERY RARE one-year issue. Though well-circulated and with a small hole between the assayer's initials, this piece offers pleasing albeit softened details. The surfaces retain traces of luster and exhibit appealing light toning. A satisfying example of this elusive type, hardly ever offered for auction. From the Pat Johnson Collection." The Quito mint struck this type in its last year of operation, the victim of lack of skilled personnel, political interference, government bankruptcy and lack of bullion. No coinage would be attempted again until 1872, with a copper one and two centavos ordered from the Heaton mint. When silver coinage resumed in 1884, all were produced in other countries under contract. This issue is rare; another four reales of 1862, with a head by French engraver Barré (KM 41), is scarce.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.43 g, 0.667 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-37a.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The November 2022 Collectors Choice Ancient & World Coins Auction, Featuring the Pat Johnson Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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