Peru (1577-88)-P *oD 4 reales
This specimen was lot 72001 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $1,080. The catalog description[1] noted, "PERU. Cob 4 Reales, (1577-88)-P. Lima Mint; Assayer Diego de la Torre (Do). Philip II. PCGS Genuine--Environmental Damage, AU Details. This elegant early Lima cob exhibits some areas of roughness and corrosion that account for its details designation. However, the faults are far outweighed by the excellent strike, fine detail, and attractive toning that this piece has to offer. Each section of the Habsburg shield on the obverse is intricately rendered and distinguishable. To its left, the star mintmark, placed above the denomination in Roman numerals, indicates Lima as the mint city. On the right, the mintmark for 'Peru' and assayer's monogram are boldly presented. The outer legend is mostly complete despite some areas of roughness, and the crown is quite striking. The reverse boasts complete octolobes and most of the legend. A wonderfully preserved piece of exceptional beauty. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Ex: Sellschopp Collection (UBS Zurich 9/1988) Lot # 91." The mint at Lima operated briefly in the reign of Philip II before the Potosi mint was opened and operated again 1659-60 without the permission of royal officials. Not until 1684 was the mint opened on a permanent basis.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.54 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 13.65 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-3735, KM-11; Cal-498.
- Krause, Chester L., and Colin R. Bruce II, Standard Catalog of World Coins: Spain, Portugal and the New World, Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2002.
- 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 November 2022 Collectors Choice Ancient & World Coins Auction, Featuring the Pat Johnson Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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