Valparaiso (1833) 4 reales
This specimen was lot 22321 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (Newport Beach, CA, January 2021), where it sold for $16,600. The catalog description[1] noted,
"CHILE. Chile - Argentina. 4 Reales, ND (1833). Valparaiso Treasury Office. NGC EF-45; Countermark: EF Weak. Countermark: volcano with another mountain; VALP below; all within circular beaded border. Issued by local decree of 29 March 1833. Countermark applied to the reverse of an 1815-PTS F Argentina Republic 4 Reales (KM-4). An EXTREMELY RARE countermark issue, this pleasantly toned specimen stands as just one of only a few known examples on a coin of this module, and the only 4 Reales denominated piece that we are aware of--the other more "common" host being the 4 Soles with 3 or 4 examples known. The countermark itself, classified as "XF Weak," is slightly rotated and a bit on the weaker side as indicated, but is still clearly indicative of its authority. A great example of this seldom encountered issue, possibly UNIQUE for the type; perfect for the enthusiast of Latin American or countermarks.
This popular sunface type was issued on two different occasions--first from 1813-1815, then again starting in 1824. However, this later emission was produced at a lower fineness, and the government in Chile banned their usage by 1832. In order to differentiate the earlier, higher quality examples from the later, lower quality specimens, a countermark was authorized to be placed upon earlier types, with this process occurring at one of six different treasury offices around the state; Valparaiso stands as one of the most difficult and desirable."
The countermarks are also listed for Chiloe, Concepcion, Santiago, Serena and Valdivia. Valparaiso countermarks are also noted on Argentina 4 soles and 2 reales.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: host coin 13.54 g, 0.903 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-B112; Med-11.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Richard Ponterio and Kyle Ponterio, The January 2021 NYINC Sale: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, featuring the Oro del Nuevo Mundo and Matt Orsini Collections, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2020.
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