Guatemala 1861-R 4 reales
This specimen was lot 71606 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $384. The catalog description[1] noted, "GUATEMALA. 4 Reales, 1861-R. Nueva Guatemala Mint. PCGS AU-50. A RARE two-year type, this example is the only one of this date certified by PCGS. Gently handled and displaying light gray patina with darker tones around the peripheries. The well-preserved devices appear handsomely set against the lustrous fields. From the Pat Johnson Collection." Silver four reales with the portrait of el Presidente were struck 1860-68 in various styles, KM 136 being listed for 1860-61. Gold four reales were also minted in 1861, among the smallest gold coins struck in Latin America. On Carrera's death, the obverse legend was changed to "FUNDADOR" (Founder) instead of President. Guatemala was the last country in Latin America to abandon the real, in 1912, a reflection of the extreme conservatism of the peasant society.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 12.50 g, 0.903 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-136.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Raymond, Wayte, The Coins of Central America, Silver and Copper, 1824-1940, New York: Wayte Raymond Inc., 1941.
- 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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