Goa 1764 12 xerafins Fr-1469
This specimen was lot 72563 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, May 2023), where it sold for $1,080. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. Portuguese India. Goa. 12 Xerafins, 1764. Goa Mint. Jose I. PCGS Genuine--Mount Removed, EF Details. Note: While PCGS reports the date as 1769, a reading of 1764 is more likely, especially as this type ceased production in 1767. While its edges exhibit signs of manipulation from past jewelry mounting, this elegant gold issue retains great eye appeal. It was struck from the typical crude dies, lending the piece a rustic and highly individual charm. All of its details, including the date and abbreviated outer legend, remain fully intact and legible. Some minor tooling is evident under close inspection, but this Portuguese colonial piece remains enticing due to its brilliant gold surfaces and unique style." 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 1764, Portuguese holdings were limited to Diu, Damao and Goa. Each had a mint which struck hammered coinage until the 1860's. This rare type is listed for 1762-65.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 4.86-4.90 g, gold, 20 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: Fr-1469; KM-142; Gomes-67.03.
- Friedberg, Arthur L. and Ira S. Friedberg, Gold Coins of the World, From Ancient Times to the Present, 9th ed., Clifton, NJ: Coin and Currency Institute, 2017.
- 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.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, February 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction, featuring the David Sterling Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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