Goa 1768 4 xerafins Fr-1475
This specimen was lot 52338 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Pittsburgh, PA, August 2023), where it sold for $2,280. The catalog description[1] noted, "INDIA. Portuguese India. Goa. 4 Xerafins, 1768. Goa Mint. Jose I. PCGS EF-45. A tremendous example of this less common Goa issue, the present specimen yields wonderful details and only limited signs of actual handling across the surfaces. A specimen that is certain to capture the attention of any Portuguese India focused specialist." 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 1755, Portuguese holdings were limited to Diu, Damao and Goa. Each had a mint which struck hammered coinage until the 1860's. This type is listed for 1765-71 and 1774. All dates are rare.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.63 g, 0.917 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Fr-1475; KM-148; Gomes-60.02.
- 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, August 2023 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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