Spain 1631-Seg A+ 50 reales
This specimen was lot 52610 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Pittsburgh, PA, August 2023), where it sold for $36,000. The catalog description[1] noted, "Stunningly Detailed 50 Reales of Philip IV. SPAIN. 50 Reales (Cincuentin), 1631-A+. Segovia Mint. Philip IV. PCGS Genuine--Test Cut, EF Details. A stunning and EXCEEDINGLY RARE survivor from the scant emission of 50 Reales, this example, though exhibiting the noted test cut at nearly 6 o'clock, stands as a giant among the already hulking series on account of its elevated state of preservation. The fields are pleasingly toned, with only minimal wear across the higher points and some enchanting hints of brilliance emanating from the protected areas. For the connoisseur seeking an ultimate piece, the present specimen should undoubtedly serve extraordinarily well." The silver fifty reales was struck erratically from 1609 to 1682 and all dates are rare. It is probable that these pieces were not intended for circulation but for presentation to courtiers, officials and other dignitaries.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 170 g, 0.931 fine silver, 5.08 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM-81.2; Cal-1698, Cayón-6586, Dav-LS567.
- 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.
- Cuhaj, George S., and Thomas Michael, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1601-1700, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2014.
- Davenport, John S., Large Size Silver Coins of the World, 16th-19th Centuries, 3rd Ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1991.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2023 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
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