Mexico (1536-38)-Mo R real
The first specimen was lot 1218 in Stack's Bowers ANA auction (Chicago, August 2014), where it sold for $7,637.50. The catalog description[1] noted, "MEXICO. Carlos & Johanna, Early Series. Real, ND (1536-38). Assayer R (oMo-oMo) Francisco del Rincon. NGC EF-40. Gothic legends. Struck on a large round planchet with full legends. Choice for this denomination. Pedigree: From the David O'Harrow Collection." The second specimen was lot 34097 in Heritage sale 3098 (New York, January 2022), where it sold for $2,640. The catalog description[2] noted, "Mexico: Charles & Johanna "Early Series" Real ND (1536-1538) R-M/M XF40 NGC, Mexico City mint. Francisco del Rincon as assayer. A generally scarce early Mexican type that can seldom be located free of punctures or cleaning, with none currently certifying above the XF level at NGC. Likely to be the last issue from Rincón's tenure as assayer before the move to the rounded motto pattern employed by later assayers P, F, and G, this piece shows slate toning and darkened crevices, which crown the well struck devices, with minor doubling, where the key features are altogether clear. Tied in technical grade with the Rudman specimen, which brought $10,200 in April 2016, and a scarce denomination/assayer desired by serious collectors of early Cobs. From the Long Island Collection." The "Carlos and Johanna" coinage of 1536-55 is complicated and difficult to disentangle as records are sparse and the coins are not dated. Ponterio[1] gives details of the latest research. The early series of 1536-41 is rare in all denominations.
Recorded mintage: Unknown.
Specification: 3.38 g, 0.931 fine silver, .100 troy oz ASW. The second specimen is 3.40 g.
Catalog reference: KM-7; Nesmith-3; Cal-type-96#133, Cayón-3053. The second specimen KM0007, Cal-60, Nesmith-3a var.
- Krause, Chester L., and Colin R. Bruce II, Standard Catalog of World Coins: Spain, Portugal and the New World, Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2002.
- 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 Felipe VI, 1474 a 2020, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2019.
- Menzel, Sewall, Cobs, Pieces of Eight and Treasure Coins, New York: The American Numismatic Society, 2004.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2014 Chicago ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Featuring the David O'Harrow Collection, Irvine, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2014.
- [2]Cristiano Bierrenbach, Warren Tucker and Sam Spiegel, NYINC World Coins Signature Auction 3098, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2021.
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