Portugal (1698) 500 reis
The first specimen was lot 21082 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2020), where it sold for $1,800. The catalog description[1] noted,
"PORTUGAL. 500 Reis, ND (1698). Pedro II. PCGS AU-53 Gold Shield; Countermark: AU Details. Issued by decree of 14 June 1698. Circular bi-facial legend countermark with cren[ell]ated border. Countermark applied to a 400 Reis of Lisbon Mint of Joao IV (Gomes-J4.97) with a previous crowned S00 (500) Reis of Afonso IV (by decree of 22 March 1663, Gomes-A6.44.01). VERY RARE in this state of preservation and one of the nicest examples seen. Legend countermark boldly applied with sharp details while the crowned S00 Reis countermark is slightly doubled muddling the first digit. An attractive example with mottled argent to slate patina. From the Kyle Ponterio Collection."
The second specimen was lot 21456 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2023), where it sold for $720. The catalog description[2] noted,
"PORTUGAL. 500 Reis, ND (1698). Pedro II. NGC VF-30, Countermark: EF Standard. Issued by decree of 14 June 1698. Countermark: Bifacial legend overstrike. Applied to an undated Porto, Portugal 400 Reis (Cruzado) of Joao IV (Gomes-J4.100.04, narrow crown and obverse legend ending with PORTVGALIÆ variety) with previous crown 500 within shaped indent by decree of 22 March 1663. This handsome looking survivor exhibits moderate even wear displaying lovely rich old cabinet patina with minor earthen deposits amongst the devices. The legend overstrike is bold, though slightly uneven, with clear legends on both sides. The previous 500 countermark is remarkably well preserved for this issue retaining most details. A couple flat spots are noticed due to the previous countermark compounded with the legend overstrike adding a bit of character to this charming example. Clearly this piece sat for a prolonged period of time undisturbed adding to its originality and pleasing appearance and is sure to catch the attention of many collectors."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 14.18 g, 0.833 fine silver, this specimen 56.45 g. The second specimen is KM-438.3; Gomes-P2.117.01.
Catalog reference: KM-Countermark type not listed; Gomes-P2.112.02.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Alberto Gomes and Francisco Antonio Magro, Moedas Portuguesas e do Território Que Hoje é Portugal: Catálogo das Moedas Cunhadas para o Continentes e Ilhas Adjacentes, para os Territórios do Ultramar e Grão-Mestres Portugueses da Ordem de Malta, 6ª Edição, Lisbon: Associação Numismática de Portugal, 2013.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The January 2020 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2019.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The January 2023 NYINC Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Taraszka Collection and the Mark and Dottie Salton Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
Link to:
- Portugal (1663) 250 reis KM-434.1
- Portugal (1663) 500 reis KM-437.3
- 1695 4000 réis = moidore
- Portugal (1698) 250 reis counterstamped on a previously counterstamped 200 réis
- Coins and currency dated 1698