Peru 1723-L M 4 reales
This specimen was lot 72042 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2022), where it sold for $1,200. The catalog description[1] noted, "PERU. Cob 4 Reales, 1723-L. Lima Mint; Assayer Felix Cristobal Cano Melgarejo (M). Philip V. PCGS VF-35. This 4 Reales cob is well-struck on a rather round flan. The obverse displays the denomination, date, and assayer's initial with impressive clarity. The reverse cross and its castles and lions are pleasantly preserved, as is the mintmark to its left. The coin's surfaces offer an elegant deep tone. An altogether attractive piece that presents excellent detail. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Ex: Sellschopp Collection (UBS Zurich 9/1988) Lot # 217 (part of)." Four reales of this type were struck through the reign of Philip V. Assayer Melgarejo stamped his coins 1709-27. Specimens with legible dates are scarce. In 1728, the silver cobs were debased from 0.931 fine to 0.917 fine with no change in design. The mintage of gold commenced in 1696.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.54 g, 0.931 fine silver, this specimen 13.02 g.
Catalog reference: Cayón-9019, KM-33; Cal-1037.
- 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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