Mexico (1538)-Mo P 4 reales
This coin was lot 9096 in Ponterio sale 150 (Los Angeles, August 2009), where it sold for $6,325. The catalog description[1] noted,
"MEXICO. Carlos and Johanna, Early Series. 4 Reales Assayer P (oMo-oMo), ND (1538-1539). EXTREMELY RARE and highly important first Four Reales issue of assayer P, with assayer’s letter placement on obverse between the pillars of Heracles, produced with re-cut dies of assayer 'R'. Somewhat of a missing link that is key in assessing the correct assayer sequence in the early series. A hint of light porosity in the legends, well struck. VERY FINE."
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: 13.53 g, 0.931 fine silver, .399 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM 17; Nesmith-unlisted; Cal-type-49#70, Cayón-3122.
- 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, and Kent Ponterio, Ponterio sale 150: The 2009 Los Angeles ANA Auction, Irvine, CA: Bowers and Merena, 2009.
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