Venezuela 'Ano 2' (1811-1812) 1/2 real
This is a specimen of a type one year by the republicans in Caracas, Venezuela. The date is written as 'Ano 2' which is about 1812. Like most local issues produced outside the major mints (Lima, Potosi, etc.), it usually comes crudely struck; this specimen is above average. The city fell to the Colombians in 1821, who issued silver quarter reales (KM C31). Venezuela attained separate independence in 1830.
The coin shown went unsold as lot 1745 on Apr 9, 2010 at an auction by Daniel Frank Sedwick. The catalog description reads: "Caracas, Venezuela, 1/2 real, Ano 2 (1811-12), extremely rare. Nicely toned Fine with weak centers, broad flan extending beyond the rims (slightly off-center strike), holed at very edge, very important and quite rare (only 5 known)."
Recorded mintage: 16,000.
Specification: 1.2g, silver, this specimen 1.2 grams.
Catalog reference: KM C25.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Stohr, Tomas, El Circulante en la Capitania General de Venezuela, Caracas, Banco Central de Venezuela, 1998.
Link to: