Goa 1650 xerafim
This specimen was lot 43295 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2019), where it sold for $360. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. Portuguese India. Goa. Xerafim, 1650. John IV (1640-56). PCGS Genuine--Chopmark, EF Details Gold Shield. Three year type. One tiny chop mark on reverse border. Nice even strike showing good detail. Toned." The Portuguese were the first European power to make direct contact with India. They concentrated on trade but were not above piracy or political meddling if the opportunity arose. They conquered or dominated a good part of India in the sixteenth century but gradually had to yield to others, especially the British. By 1650, Portuguese holdings were limited to Bacaim, Chaul, Cochin, Diu, Damao and Goa. Each had a mint which struck hammered coinage until the 1860's. This type is listed in the SCWC for 1650-59, 1664, 1668-83.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 10.44 g, silver.
Catalog reference: KM-73; Gomes-26.01.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Alberto Gomes and Francisco Antonio Magro, Moedas Portuguesas e do Território Que Hoje é Portugal: Catálogo das Moedas Cunhadas para o Continentes e Ilhas Adjacentes, para os Territórios do Ultramar e Grão-Mestres Portugueses da Ordem de Malta, 6ª Edição, Lisbon: Associação Numismática de Portugal, 2013.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, Kyle Ponterio, Matt Orsini and Cris Chatigny, The January 2019 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2018.
Link to:
- 1643-G A 2 tangas
- Goa 1652-G A 2 tangas
- Goa 1654 xerafim silver
- Coins and currency dated 1650
- return to coins of India, Portuguese