Venezuela 1863-H centavo
Though Venezuela declared independence in 1810 and fully routed Spanish troops from the region by 1821, it was not until the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1830 that Venezuela became fully a sovereign nation. The first republican coinage was denominated in centavos and reales. The 1863 centavo shown was struck at the Heaton mint (HEATON is written out below the bust). This specimen was lot 34505 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $6,300. The catalog description[1] noted, "VENEZUELA. Centavo, 1863-HEATON. Birmingham (Heaton) Mint. NGC MS-66 Red Brown. Exceptionally vibrant and alluring, this decided Gem radiates with intense luster and brilliance, with the color being composed of light brown, subtle magenta, and hints of peach. An entrant that undoubtedly will be coveted by all who gaze upon its refined nature."
Recorded mintage: 500,000, a better date.
Specification: 7.5 g, copper, 25 mm diameter.
Catalog reference: KM-Y7; Stohr-30.
- 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.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 ANA Auction - Ancients & World Coins - Featuring The Salton Collection Part III and the Robert C. Knepper Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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