Zacatecas 1858 1/4 real

from the Stack's Bowers September 2023 Collector's Choice sale, lot 73368

This specimen was lot 73368 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, September 2023), where it sold for $432. The catalog description^[1] noted, "MEXICO. Zacatecas. 1/4 Real, 1858. PCGS EF-45. A popular and seldom-seen issue depicting a cherub carrying a pole and Phrygian cap. Honest surface wear, with wholesome earthy coloration on each face that demonstrates originality. Certainly an intriguing piece that would be at home in any thorough Mexican cabinet." This specimen is one of a series of brass quarter reales issued 1825-64 by the "free and sovereign" state of Zacatecas. It is a common date. The Mexican constitution reserved the right to coin gold and silver to the federal government but granted the right to mint copper to the states, which right they used and abused. For some states, this was a major source of revenue as the metal content was much less than the face value. For others, it was an opportunity to thumb their noses at the central government by proclaiming their "free and sovereign" status.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 8 g, brass, 28-29 mm diameter.

Catalog reference: KM-366.

Source:

• Bailey, Don and Lois, Whitman Encyclopedia of Mexican Money, Volume 1, An Illustrated History of Mexican Coins and Currency, Atlanta: Whitman Publishing, 2014.
• Bailey, Don, State & Federal Copper and Brass Coinage of Mexico, 1824-1872, Hemet, CA, 2008.
• Buttrey, T. V., and Clyde Hubbard, A Guide Book of Mexican Coins, 1822 to date, 6th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 1992.
• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
• Utberg, Neil S., The Coins of Mexico, 1536-1963, San Antonio, TX, 1963.
• ^[1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, September 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.

Link to:

• 1852 ¼ real
• 1858 ¼ real, DURANGO
• Durango 1858 1/4 real KM-347
• Jalisco 1858 ⅛ real
• Zacatecas 1858 1/8 real
• 1858-M^O ¼ real
• 1858-D^O ½ real
• 1858-G^O ½ real
• 1858-M^O ½ real
• 1858-Z^S real
• 1858-D^O 2 reales
• 1858-C 4 reales
• 1858-G^A 4 reales
• 1858-G^O 4 reales
• 1858-Z^S 4 reales
• 1858-C^A JC 8 reales
• 1858-C 8 reales
• 1858-D^O 8 reales
• 1858-G^A 8 reales
• 1858-G^O 8 reales
• 1858-M^O 8 reales
• 1858-O 8 reales
• 1858-P^I MC 8 reales
• 1858-P^I PS 8 reales
• 1858-Z^S 8 reales
• 1858-G^O ½ escudo
• 1858-M^O ½ escudo
• 1858-M^O escudo
• 1858-G^A 2 escudos
• 1858-M^O 2 escudos
• 1858-G^O 4 escudos
• 1858-M^O 4 escudos
• 1858-C 8 escudos
• 1858-C^A 8 escudos
• 1858-D^O 8 escudos
• 1858-G^O 8 escudos
• 1858-M^O 8 escudos
• 1858-Z^S 8 escudos
• 1859 ¼ real
• Coins and currency dated 1858
• return to Mexican imperial and republican coinage, 1822-1905