Honduras 1895 5 pesos
The first specimen was lot 3565 in Goldberg sale 90 (Los Angeles, January 2016), where it did not sell. The catalog description[1] noted, "Honduras. 5 Pesos, 1895. Republic. Liberty head. Only 20 pieces struck. Extremely Rare. NGC graded About Uncirculated, Details (Surface Hairlines)." The second specimen was lot 21019 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), where it sold for $2,232.50. The catalog description[2] noted, "HONDURAS. 5 Pesos, 1895. NGC AU Details--Surface Hairlines. Republic issue. A great LATIN AMERICAN RARITY with a reported mintage of only 20 pieces. Cleaned, but with considerable detail remaining, especially in the intricate reverse design. Lustrous and quite attractive." This type was issued irregularly 1883-1913 but never in large quantities. Honduras is one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere and it is unlikely the government ever had access to much bullion.
Recorded mintage: 20.
Specification: 8.064 g, 0.900 fine gold.
Catalog reference: Fr-6; KM-53.
- 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]Goldberg, Ira, Larry Goldberg, John Lavender, Yifu Che, Jason Villareal and Stephen Harvey, Goldberg Sale 90: the Pre-Long Beach Auction, Los Angeles: Goldberg Coins and Collectibles, 2016.
- [2]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2016 Anaheim ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2016.
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