Mexico 1725-Mo D 8 reales KM-49
This specimen was lot 2072 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2022), where it sold for $432,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"Magnificent Royal of Luis I, Standard Catalog of World Coins Plate Coin, MEXICO. "Royal" Presentation Cob 8 Reales, 1725/3-Mo D. Mexico City Mint, Assayer D. Luis I. NGC AU-55. Two-year type. The only straight graded example of the date on either the NGC or PCGS population reports. This INCREDIBLY RARE and short-lived issue boasts a strong even strike with a minor shift somewhat muddling parts of the legends. Beautifully preserved, this lovely example displays attractive mottled gray patina with areas of richer coloration amongst the devices. The tops of the devices and exposed areas exhibit minor signs of being handled, but was obviously given great care with all parts of the design bold and visible. Close inspection of the monarchs name reveals that the obverse die was repurposed and touched up from a 1723 Philip V issue. Though faint, evidence that this monarch's name and ordinal were punched over the previous ruler becomes apparent; "LVDOVICVS/PHILIPPVS" and "I/V". We are aware that some later presentation issues of Philip V, after he became ruler again, are the opposite where it is Philip over Luis. This intriguing issue offers much originality and is very attractive with good eye appeal, this Royal represents what is likely the best of the best for this date and is destined for a fine numismatic cabinet. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Ex: Federico Claveria Collection. Ex: Virgil Brand Collection."
The SCWC lists 1725 eight reales for Philip V and Luis I. This type was struck for Luis I 1724-25 and is rare. The fineness was lowered from 0.931 to 0.917 in 1728.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 27.07 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 27.28 g.
Catalog reference: KM-R49 (plate coin); Lazaro-89 (same dies); Cal-40, Cayón-10122.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- 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.
- Menzel, Sewall, Cobs, Pieces of Eight and Treasure Coins, New York: The American Numismatic Society, 2004.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 NYINC Sale: World and Ancient Coins, featuring the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection and the Pat Johnson Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.
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