Guatemala 1799-NG M 4 reales
This specimen was lot 71580 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $1,440. The catalog description[1] noted, "GUATEMALA. 4 Reales, 1799-NG. Nueva Guatemala Mint; Assayer Manuel Eusebio Sanchez (M). Charles IV. PCGS AU-50. Quite SCARCE in this condition, this piece is remarkably original and sharply detailed. The finely preserved portrait is matched by the crisp reverse devices. The surfaces show deep cabinet toning with flashes of iridescence complemented by the abundant remaining luster in the fields. An impressive coin, suitable for a discerning collector. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Privately purchased from Clyde Hubbard, 1970." 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 "M" is noted for the years 1785-1821. In 1786, the silver coinage was secretly debased from 0.903 fine to 0.896 fine. 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, 0.896 fine silver.
Catalog reference: Cayón-13758, KM-52; Cal-740.
- 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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