Mexico 1630-Mo D 1/2 real
This specimen was lot 638 in Sedwick sale 34 (Winter Park, FL, November 2023), where it sold for $900. The catalog description[1] noted, "Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, 1630 D, extremely rare. Off-center obverse with remarkably full date (large 3), bold full cross and oMD, also nearly full crown, lightly toned AVF with some surface oxidation and minor wrinkling. The 1/2R coins of this era are all very rare and crude, making attribution difficult and not 100% agreed among experts (this coin being no exception). Exacerbating the situation is an apparent indecision on the part of the mint in the early 1630s as to whether the assayer-mark D was to be placed to the right of the monogram or under the mintmark to the left (this case is the latter). In many aspects this coin differs greatly from known 1630/29 examples (particularly the size and shape of the 3), but perhaps that is to be expected, as it is rumored that Mexico City flooded in 1630 and the minting operation was temporarily moved to Puebla. Pedigreed to the Clyde Hubbard Collection of Mexican silver cobs, accompanied by original tag or holder." The SCWC states that this type was struck 1622-67 but lists only 1622, 1650 and 1653-62 as confirmed dates, making this an unlisted date. This denomination is not rare but few have legible dates, making an assembly of all the dates very challenging.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.69 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 1.70 grams.
Catalog reference: Cayón unlisted, S-M18a; KM-22 (unlisted date).
- 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.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Menzel, Sewall, Cobs, Pieces of Eight and Treasure Coins, New York: The American Numismatic Society, 2004.
- [1]Sedwick, Daniel Frank, Augi Garcia, Cori Sedwick Downing and Connor Falk, Treasure Auction 34, World, U.S Coins and Paper Money, Winter Park, FL: Daniel Frank Sedwick LLC, 2023.
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