Peru 1720-L M 4 reales
This specimen was lot 72039 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $576. The catalog description[1] noted, "PERU. Cob 4 Reales, 1720-L. Lima Mint; Assayer Felix Cristobal Cano Melgarejo (M). Philip V. PCGS Genuine--Plugged, VF Details. This cob is rather well worn and was holed and plugged at the 12 o'clock position on the obverse. The piece was quite well-struck, however, and the hole did not interfere with any of its details. The nicely centered obverse displays the denomination, mintmark, assayer's initial, and the date, all clear and readable. On the reverse, part of the assayer's initial peeks through and the three-digit date is satisfyingly complete. The details of the castles and lions around the cross in the center have been softened from circulation, but their forms are distinct and pleasing. This remains an appealing coin with attractive light gray surfaces. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Privately purchased from Paul Karon." 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. 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 12.36 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-9008, KM-33; Cal-1034.
- 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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