Guatemala 1781-NG P 4 reales
This specimen was lot 71563 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $1,560. The catalog description[1] noted, "GUATEMALA. 4 Reales, 1781-NG. Nueva Guatemala Mint; Assayer Pedro Sanchez de Guzman (P). Charles III. PCGS VF-25. A VERY RARE date; this example is the only one certified by PCGS. Rarity aside, this piece could stand apart on account of its eye appeal alone. The well-executed strike offers superior details on both obverse and reverse, particularly noticeable on the portrait and the castles and lions. Nearly perfect centering and elegant deep toning heighten the allure. Combining rarity with attractiveness that surpasses its grade, this piece presents a rare opportunity to collectors of the type. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Privately purchased from Louis Collins, ca. 1980." In 1776, an earthquake demolished Antigua Guatemala (including the mint) and a new city was built some miles away. To mark the move, the mintmark was changed to "NG" ("Nueva Guatemala", still the capital of Guatemala) on all issues of 1777 and after. Assayer "P" is noted for the years 1759-85. Unlike the other colonial mints, Guatemala portrait four reales are not so rare compared to other denominations. Guatemala issues are notably cruder than other mints.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.54 g, 0.903 fine silver.
Catalog reference: Cayón-11823, KM-35.2; Cal-811.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Cayón, Adolfo, Clemente Cayón and Juan Cayón, Las Monedas Españolas, del Tremis al Euro: del 411 a Nuestros Dias, 2 volumes, Madrid: Cayón-Jano S.L., 2005.
- Calicó, Xavier, Numismática Española: Catálogo General con Precios de Todas las Monedas Españolas Acuñadas desde Los Reyes Católicos Hasta Juan Carlos I, 1474 a 2001, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2008.
- Harris, Robert P., Pillars & Portraits, San José, CA: Bonanza Press, 1968.
- Robinson, Charles, The Coins of Central America, 1733-1965, San Benito, TX: 1965.
- Stickney, Brian, A Monetary History of Central America, New York: American Numismatic Society, 2017.
- [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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