Mexico (1598-1606)-Mo F 4 reales
This specimen was lot 73253 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, September 2023), where it sold for $432. The catalog description[1] noted, "MEXICO. Cob 4 Reales, ND (1598-1606)-Mo F. Mexico City Mint. Philip III. PCGS VF-30. A RARE early Mexican Cob that, when presented, almost always has some form of damage or salt water corrosion marring enjoyment of the surfaces. However, the present example is wholly original with pewter gray cabinet patina and deeper dove gray coloration in the recesses. Headed for the cabinet of quite a lucky collector after some tense contention at the auction block. From the David Sterling Collection." This type was not dated and the terms of service of the various assayers ("F" in this case) are still hotly disputed. In 1728, cobs were debased from 0.931 to 0.917 fine silver.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.73 g, 0.931 fine silver.
Catalog reference: Cayón-4706, KM-R38; Cal-745.
- 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 Juan Carlos I, 1474 a 2001, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2008.
- Krause, Chester L., and Colin R. Bruce II, Standard Catalog of World Coins: Spain, Portugal and the New World, Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2002.
- Menzel, Sewall, Cobs, Pieces of Eight and Treasure Coins, New York: The American Numismatic Society, 2004.
- Utberg, Neil S., The Coins of Mexico, 1536-1963, San Antonio, TX, 1963.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, September 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
Link to: