Guatemala 1872-R peso
This peso is a scarce variation on the familiar slouched Justice type struck 1872-79 and 1894-97. It is the first year of the type and is scarce; the 1873 is slightly more common. This type superseded the Rafael Carrera type struck 1859-71. The "R" on the reverse is an assayer's initial, not a mintmark. This specimen was lot 24463 in Heritage sale 3030 (New York, January 2014), where it sold for $5,581.25. The catalog description[1] noted, "Republic Peso 1872-R, KM 197.1. XF45 NGC. 'R' is for assayer Rafael Romaña. Even wear over the surfaces with pleasant toning and no damage or rim nicks. The 'R' initial is very clear. Struck in early 1872 before assayer 'P' (Paz-Roman) took over (the 1872-P 1 Peso is common). An extremely rare date/assayer combination with only three confirmed examples, of which this is the second finest specimen. The finest is the ex. Norweb (Christie's Dallas, 11/1985, lot 901) example in XF-AU now housed in a preeminent California collection. Missing in practically all collections, this specimen will undoubtedly attract strong bidding and interest. From The Isaac Rudman Collection of Guatemala Coins."
Recorded mintage: 14,000 (including assayer P).
Specification: 25 g, 0.900 fine silver, .723 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM 197.1.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3030, featuring the RLM Collection, the Isaac Rudman Collection, the Hans Cook Collection and the Collection of Donald E. Bently, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2013.
Link to: