Mexico 1720-Mo J 1/2 real
This specimen was lot 34145 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Chicago, August 2022), where it sold for $1,800. The catalog description[1] noted,
"MEXICO. 'Royal' Presentation Cob 1/2 Real, 1720-Mo J. Mexico City Mint, Assayer Jose E. de Leon (J). Philip V. PCGS Genuine--Holed, AU Details. The only certified example of the date in this format on either the NGC or PCGS census. This nicely preserved minor issue is quite handsome and original looking. The surfaces display an attractive old envelope patina with minor earthen deposits amongst the devices adding to it pleasing appearance. Like many from this series of presentation issues a small hole is noticed at 12 o'clock, but is hardly a distraction. Despite its shortcomings this EXTREMELY RARE and charming little silver coin is attractive with bold design features and an excellent provenance. From the Pat Johnson Collection. Ex: Miguel Munoz Collection (Superior - 6/1978) Lot # 364."
The silver cobs were debased from 0.931 fine to 0.917 fine in 1728. They are not rare but very scarce with legible dates.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 1.69 g, 0.931 fine silver.
Catalog reference: Cayón-8175, KM-R24; Cal-198.
- 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 Juan Carlos I, 1474 a 2001, Barcelona: Aureo & Calicó, 2008.
- Menzel, Sewall, Cobs, Pieces of Eight and Treasure Coins, New York: The American Numismatic Society, 2004.
- Michael, Thomas, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701-1800, 7th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2016.
- [1]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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