Peru 1717-L M 4 reales
This specimen was lot 72035 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $3,120. The catalog description[1] noted, "PERU. Cob 4 Reales, 1717-L. Lima Mint; Assayer Francisco Hurtado (H). Philip V. PCGS VF-35. A delightfully presented 4 Reales piece rich with details to admire. The obverse mintmark, denomination, date, and assayer's initial are boldly struck with full legibility. An additional mintmark appears on the reverse to the left of the sharp central cross. Snippets of the outer legends are visible on both sides of the coin. Beyond what details exist on its surfaces, this piece exudes charm thanks to its pleasing strike and deep tone. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Ex: Kagin's 1983 ANA sale, August 1983, lot 1043." Not until 1684 was the Lima mint opened on a permanent basis. Four reales of this type were struck through the reign of Philip V--unlike that of Europe, his reign was never challenged in America. Assayer Melgarejo stamped his coins 1709-27 (this example is assayer M, not H). Specimens with legible dates are scarce. The mintage of gold commenced in 1696.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.54 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 13.45 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-8990, KM-33; Cal-1031.
- 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 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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