Mexico 1767-Mo MF 4 reales
The first specimen was lot 34163 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022) where it sold for $8,400. The catalog description[2] noted, "MEXICO. 4 Reales, 1767-Mo MF. Mexico City Mint. Charles III. PCGS AU-58. The single finest certified of the date on either the NGC or PCGS population reports. Beautifully preserved, this gently handled survivor exhibits boldly struck design features with relatively smooth surfaces. Gorgeous old cabinet patina radiates from the devices immediately commanding the attention of those who behold it. This fantastic looking survivor, dripping with originality, is a bit of numismatic eye candy. Compounding the pleasing nature and seldom appearance in the market, this VERY RARE and attractive example is sure to catch the attention of quality conscious collectors. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Purchased privately from Mike Dunigan." The second specimen was lot 36184 in Heritage sale 3039 (New York, January 2016), where it sold for $470. The catalog description noted, "Mexico, Charles III 4 Reales 1767 Mo-MF VF30 NGC, Mexico City mint. Wholesome and pleasant for the grade with rather sharply defined features and moderate surface scuffing marks. A very scarce or rare date, missing in Norweb and Patterson and one of only two graded examples by NGC, both at this VF level. Rare and highly collectible in this unflawed preservation." This is one of a series struck 1760-71 during the reign of Charles III (1759-88). Altho the SCWC prices the 1764 and 1765 the highest, Yonaka[3] suggests that this is the rarest date four reales after the 1732.
Mexican numismatists hotly debate which side of the coin constitutes the obverse. Gilboy[1] depicts the shield side as the obverse as that side bears the king's name. However, auction catalogs and dealer listings more frequently use the pillars and globes side as the obverse, as that side bears the date.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 13.54 grams, 0.917 fine silver, 0.399 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: Cayón-11719, KM-96; Gil-M-4-42; Cal-880; Yonaka-M4-67.
- [1]Gilboy, Frank F., The Milled Columnarios of Central and South America: Spanish American Pillar Coinage, 1732 to 1772, Regina, Saskatchewan: Prairie Wind Publishing, 1999.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- 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 Felipe VI, 1474 a 2020, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2019.
- Harris, Robert P., Pillars & Portraits, San José, CA: Bonanza Press, 1968.
- [3]Yonaka, Brad, A Variety Guide to the Fractional Pillar Coinage of Mexico City, 1732-1771, Long Beach, CA: Agorocu Consulting, 2017.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 ANA Auction - Ancients & World Coins - Featuring The Salton Collection Part III, the Augustana Collection and the Robert C. Knepper Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2022.
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