Panama 1930 1/2 balboa
This specimen was lot 34187 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $24,000. The catalog description[1] noted,
"PANAMA. 1/2 Balboa, 1930. Philadelphia Mint. PCGS MATTE PROOF-62. This seldom encountered format, clearly struck in limited quantities, exhibits lovely frosty surfaces with rich slate patina amongst the devices. The intricate design features are bold and well-defined with plenty of remaining lustrous that pops out when rotated in the light. This handsome specimen offers a pleasing appearance that is sure to excite many collectors. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Ex: Superior (8/1975) Lot # 2018."
This type was struck in the United States for Panama using half dollar blanks. The type was issued 1930-34 and 1947, which last is the only reasonably common date.
Recorded mintage: 300,000 plus 20 proofs.
Specification: 12.5 g, 0.900 fine silver, .361 troy oz ASW, 30.6 mm diameter, reeded edge.
Catalog reference: KM 12.1.
- Raymond, Wayte, The Coins of Central America, Silver and Copper, 1824-1940, New York: Wayte Raymond Inc., 1941.
- Robinson, Charles, The Coins of Central America, 1733-1965, San Benito, TX: 1965.
- Stickney, Brian, A Monetary History of Central America, New York: American Numismatic Society, 2017.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1901-2000, 47th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 ANA Auction - Ancients & World Coins - Featuring The Salton Collection Part III, the Augustana Collection and the Robert C. Knepper Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
Link to: