Peru (1577-88)-* P 1/4 real
This specimen was lot 72686 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2023), where it sold for $216. The catalog description[1] noted, "PERU. Cob 1/4 Real, ND (1577-88)-★ P. Lima Mint. Philip II. NGC AU Details--Sea Salvaged. A charming example of this diminutive fraction, offering clear detail especially on its castle side. While the surface texture suggest saltwater submersion, the effect is fairly subtle and largely countered by the coin's moderate gray tone." This specimen is from the second period of operation for the Lima mint, 1577-88. When it was closed and the machinery taken to Potosi in Upper Peru to strike the silver emanating from there, the Lima mint would not reopen until 1660, despite repeated pleas from the Viceroy of Peru. Many variations exist in the position of the assayer's initial ("D" or "oD", missing on this example) and mintmark ("P" with various combinations of stars).
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specifications: 0.87 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 0.88 g.
Catalog reference: KM-2; Cal-102, Cayón-3369.
- 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.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, November 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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