Philippines 1743 barillo KM-Pn5
The first specimen was lot 21311 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), where it sold for $2,820. The catalog description[1] noted, "PHILIPPINES. Cast Lead Barilla, 1743. Philip V (1700-46). CHOICE VERY FINE. RARE. AB monogram in center surrounded by 'Ano De 1743' in obverse legend, with normal (not inverted) 7 in date; Reverse: Crowned shield of arms. An extraordinarily well preserved example of this crudely struck issue that is instantly identifiable for type. Well made with even dark overall color, and a few minor deposits within the devices. A seldom offered type in any condition, at this level the coin is nothing short of 'highly prized'." The second specimen was part of lot 21534 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Las Vegas, August 2020), where it sold for $12,000. The catalog description[2] noted,
"PHILIPPINES. Early Cast Issues (3 Pieces), ND (ca. Early to Mid-18th Century). Average Grade: VERY FINE. A highly interesting gathering of early cast Philippines issues that seldom appear in the market place. Each piece exhibits varying degree of earthen deposits and the 1743 appears to have environmental damage. A real treat for the specialist looking to expand their knowledge and appreciation of Philippines numismatics. ...2) Barrilla, 1743. Basso-3b. Cast lead. BA monogram in center surrounded by "Ano De 1743" in obverse legend; Reverse: Crowned arms of Manila. With collectors envelope. ...All have been sent to NGC and PCGS who were unable to render an opinion as to authenticity. Close personal inspection is advised and will reward the diligent bidder. Due to the third part grading services unable to render an opinion this lot is SOLD AS IS/NO RETURNS."
The Philippines were conquered by Spain in the late 1500's. Other than introducing Christianity, the colonizers made little effort to develop the islands which gradually fell into the hands of the friars. Manila was important only as a way station on the route from China to Mexico and whatever coins were used there were derived therefrom. Crude, locally produced copper coins were issued c.1798-1835 and in the 1830's large quantities of Latin American pesos were counterstamped "F.7" or "Y.II" for local circulation. Finally, about 1860, a reforming government in Madrid sent the resources to reorganize the Manila mint and modern coinage began. These included gold one, two and four pesos (struck 1861-68). This seems to be a locally made pattern or die trial; we doubt anyone seriously contemplated issuing lead coinage.
Recorded mintage: unknown but few.
Specification: lead, this specimen 5.04 g.
Catalog reference: Basso-3a; cf.KM-Pn5.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- Basso, Aldo P., Coins, Medals and Tokens of the Philippines, Menlo Park, CA: 1968.
- Ganzon de Legarda, Angelita, Piloncitos to Pesos, A Brief History of Coinage in the Philippines, Manila: Bancom Development Corporation, 1976.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2016 Anaheim ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2016.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The August 2020 ANA Auction: World Coins, featuring the Duke of Lansing Collection, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.
Link to: