Peru 1794-L IJ 1/2 real
This specimen was lot 73570 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, September 2023), where it sold for $600. The catalog description[1] noted, "PERU. 1/2 Real, 1794-LIMA IJ. Lima Mint. Charles IV. NGC AU-58. Finest known by many grade levels at NGC. Deep charcoal toning on both faces presents a slight sepia brown iridescence under light. With nearly complete, softly frosted luster emanating from underneath and freedom from even trivial distractions, this premium example has solid originality and decent eye appeal." This specimen is one of a series struck 1791-1808 during the reign of Charles IV (1788-1808). As a class, colonial coinage of Peru is much less plentiful than that of Mexico, tho it is more available than the remaining mints. However, Harris[2] noted only one-sixth as many Peruvian half reales of Charles IV as that of Mexico, so it is safe to say that this type is scarce.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.69 grams, 0.896 fine silver, .048 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: Cayón-13251, KM-93; Cal-232.
- 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 Felipe VI, 1474 a 2020, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2019.
- [2]Harris, Robert P., Pillars & Portraits, San José, CA: Bonanza Press, 1968.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, September 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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