Peru (1)741-L V 1/2 real
This specimen was lot 1791 in Sedwick Treasure Auction 39 (Winter Park, FL, May 2026), where it sold for $390. The catalog description[1] noted, "PERU, Lima, cob ½ real, 1741 V. Choice example of this rare denomination from this wreck with a clear date and two assayers, edges a bit crude as made but with no corrosion. With original photo-certificate from the salvor. Recovered from HMS Assurance, sunk in 1753 off Isle of Wight, south of England." This type was struck 1729-47 for the Bourbon king Philip V. Unlike earlier types, this one has a date (if partial), mintmark and assayer. Assayer de Vargas ("V") stamped his coins 1739-49. In 1728, the cobs were debased from 0.931 fine to 0.917 fine silver. In 1732, the Mexico City mint began its transition to milled coinage, a process Lima would not undertake until 1751.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.69 g, 0.917 fine silver, this specimen 1.89 grams.
Catalog reference: Cayón-8293, S-L22; KM-30a; Cal-173.
- 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.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Sedwick, Daniel Frank, Augi Garcia, Cori Sedwick Downing, Connor Falk and Sarah Sproles, Auction 39, World, U.S Coins and Paper Money, featuring the Jorge Ugaz Collection of Lima Silver Cob 2 Reales and the Darby Collection of Guatemala Silver Cobs, Winter Park, FL: Daniel Frank Sedwick LLC, 2026.
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