Post on 09-Mar-2016
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Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC
TREASURE AUCTION #6
Session I: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:00 am EDT
Gold coins, shipwreck coins
Session II: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 4:30 pm EDT
Silver coins and medals
Session III: Friday, October 16, 2009, noon EDT
Shipwreck ingots, artifacts, documents, books
Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLCP.O. Box 1964
Winter Park, FL 32790 U.S.A.
(407) 975-3325 • Fax (407) 975-3327
www.SedwickCoins.com
Auction and catalog production by:
Dan Sedwick, Augi García, and Cori Sedwick Downing
Daniel Frank Sedwick, licensed Florida auctioneer #AU3635, AB2592
© Copyright Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC, 2009. All rights reserved.
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TERMS AND CONDITIONS
1) Each lot will be sold to the highest bidder unless the reserve or starting price is not met. Bids may be submitted in
person or by mail, phone, fax, email, or live on the Internet until each lot is closed during the live session. We cannot be
responsible for errors in bidding or the loss or delay of any bids that do not reach us by the closing date and time. All
bids are in U.S. dollars.
2) Winning bids will be reduced automatically to the next increment above the second-highest bid. In the case of tie bids,
the earliest bidder will win the lot. Bidders are advised to provide allowable percentage increases to avoid losing lots due
to a tie.
3) A winning bid is considered a formal contract between the buyer and the consignor. The winning bidder, by submitting
his bid, agrees to purchase the lot(s) he has won and further agrees to pay the Buyer’s Premium and any shipping, sales
tax, customs duties, or other surcharges involved in delivering the lot(s) to the buyer. Winning bidders will be notified
as soon as possible after the sale with an invoice reflecting the total amount due and shall remit payment within two
weeks of notification. If payment has not been received after two weeks, we reserve the right to re-open the lot(s) to
second- and third- (etc.) highest bidders. Title to each lot does not pass until the item has been paid in full. Any late
payments (one month past invoice date) will be assessed an accrued interest charge of 1½% per month.
4) Unless other arrangements are made, all lots will be sent to winning bidders via U.S. Mail when the invoice has been paid
in full. All domestic shipments will carry full insurance, but foreign shipments are made at the buyer’s risk (insurance
available in some cases).
5) A Buyer’s Premium of 18% will be added to the winning bid for the total purchase price before any applicable tax or
surcharges. Winning bidders who pay by cash, check, money order, wire transfer or direct deposit are eligible
for a reduction of the Buyer’s Premium by 3% (net 15%).
6) Acceptable forms of payment are cash, check, money order, wire transfer, direct deposit, PayPal, Visa/MC, American
Express and Discover. All payments by check or money order should be made payable to Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC.
Payments by PayPal should be made to auction@sedwickcoins.com. All payments shall be in U.S. dollars drawn on a
U.S. bank.
7) New bidders who do not have established credit with us must supply references and/or a 25% deposit. Credit cards are
acceptable in lieu of a deposit. If your bids are unsuccessful, your deposit will be refunded, but if you are a winning
bidder, your deposit will be applied to your purchase unless other arrangements are made. Any bidders with an
overdue balance with Daniel Frank Sedwick or Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC must complete payment of their
previous balance before their bids will be accepted.
8) You may opt for “either/or” and/or “total budget” bids on your bid sheet. “Either/or” bids are used when you want
just one (or whatever number you specify) of two or more lots but it does not matter which of those lots you get. “Total
budget” bids are used when you are bidding on more lots than you expect to win and do not wish to spend more than
a specified amount. Both options are subject to a minimum of $5,000 total in bids and “either/or” bids are additionally
subject to a minimum of $100 per lot (below that, bidders should bid live on the Internet instead).These options are not
available for live Internet bidders.
9) Most lots are unreserved, but some lots do have a reserve or minimum bid assigned by the consignor. Any reserve will
be at or below the stated low estimate and starting price. All estimates are given in U.S. dollars.
10) As an active dealer, Daniel Frank Sedwick, LLC is able to estimate a reasonably low wholesale level for each lot and
reserves the right to reject any bids below this level. Furthermore we reserve the right to reject any bids that we have
reason to believe are not submitted in good faith.
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11) All items are guaranteed genuine and as described. Returns will NOT be accepted
UNLESS there was an error in the listing. Note that grading and estimation of
corrosion are subjective and differences of opinion cannot be considered errors.
Disputes as to authenticity shall be resolved by submission to NGC or PCGS. Any
returns must be agreed upon BEFORE return shipment to us, and any applicable
refunds will be made immediately upon receipt of the returned item(s). All returns
must be submitted to us in unaltered condition no later than one month after the
sale. Any refunds for returns paid for by credit card will be subject to a 3% return
fee.
12) Lots may be inspected at our private office in Winter Park by appointment only
during our office hours of Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. High-quality
photos of all items are viewable on our website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
13) For any won lots that are sent to a Florida address, Florida sales tax (6% to 7.5%,
depending on your county) will be added to all purchases of items that are NOT
coins or bullion. Coins and bullion are also taxed if the total coin and/or bullion
purchase is less than $500.
14) The winning bidder pays for all costs of shipping or delivery of his lots. In some cases special delivery must be arranged
between the consignor and the winning bidder. There are no surcharges for packing or handling in this sale.
15) This auction is conducted in accordance with the auction laws of the State of Florida. The licensed auctioneer is Daniel
Frank Sedwick, AU#3635, AB#2592.
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ORDER OF SALE
Section Lots Pages
Consignors’ biographies ..................................................................................................8-9
Shipwreck histories .......................................................................................................... 10-20
SESSION I: Thursday, October 15, 11:00 am EDT
Gold cobs by mint .................................................................................... 1-73 ................21-30
World gold coins by country .................................................................... 74-147 ............31-41
Shipwreck silver coins (chronologically by wreck) ................................. 148-683 ..........41-143
SESSION II: Thursday, October 15, 4:30 pm EDT
Silver cobs of Mexico ............................................................................... 684-764 ..........145-155
Silver cobs of Lima, Peru ......................................................................... 765-876 ..........156-167
Silver cob of La Plata, Bolivia .................................................................. 877 .................168
Silver cobs of Potosí, Bolivia ................................................................... 878-1160 .........169-201
Other silver cobs by country .................................................................... 1161-1207 .......202-208
World silver coins by country ................................................................... 1208-1608 .......209-256
Medals by country .................................................................................... 1609-1615 .......257-258
SESSION III: Friday, October 16, noon EDT
Shipwreck ingots and other bullion ......................................................... 1616-1650 .......259-270
Artifacts from shipwrecks ........................................................................ 1651-1810 .......270-298
Non-shipwreck artifacts:
Pre-Columbian ......................................................................................... 1811-1813 ........298
Circa-1590 Spanish colonial site in the southern Caribbean ................... 1814-1848 .......298-302
Mid-1600s Spanish colonial site in the southern Caribbean ................... 1849-1853 .......302
Port Royal, Jamaica .................................................................................. 1854-1857 .......302-303
Religious ................................................................................................... 1858-1860 .......303
Arms/armor/militaria ............................................................................. 1861-1883 .......303-307
Viking ....................................................................................................... 1884-1887 .......307-308
Natural history ......................................................................................... 1888-1891 .......308
Miscellaneous ........................................................................................... 1892-1922 .......308-311
Vintage diving equipment........................................................................ 1923-1933 .......312-314
Media:
Engravings ............................................................................................... 1934-1941 .......314-315
Manuscripts .............................................................................................. 1942-1949 .......315-316
Maps ......................................................................................................... 1950-1957 .......316-318
Miscellaneous documents........................................................................ 1958-1967 .......318-320
Paintings ................................................................................................... 1968-1970 .......320-321
Photos ....................................................................................................... 1971-1972 .......321
Prints ........................................................................................................ 1973-1981 .......322-323
Games ....................................................................................................... 1982-1983 .......323
Books ........................................................................................................ 1984-2025 ......323-326
Auction catalogs (featuring the Tom Sebring Treasure Library) ............ 2026-2082 ......326-330
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A note about the order: As the world’s leading purveyors of New World cobs and shipwreck coins, we have always separated
and highlighted our cob and shipwreck offerings from the rest of what we sell. We have preserved that arrangement in our
auctions as well, with cobs presented in order of establishment of each mint (the rare and unusual mints at the end) and the
shipwreck coins, ingots and artifacts presented in chronological order by wreck.
REFERENCES CITED
Where possible, in the description for each lot we supply one or more numbers in reference to acknowledged publications in the field.
References used in this catalog include the following:
CT = Calicó’s Numismática española (2008), formerly by Calicó and Trigo (nine previous editions).
KM = Krause-Mishler’s Standard Catalog of World Coins, various editions, including Spain, Portugal and the New World.
R = Restrepo’s Monedas de Colombia, 1619-2006, second edition (2006).
S = Sedwick’s The Practical Book of Cobs, fourth edition (2007).
Sp = Spink’s (formerly Seaby’s) Coins of England and the United Kingdom, forty-first edition (2006).
Other references mentioned include: Gilboy’s The Columnarios of Central and South America (1999); Grove’s Medals of Mexico, Volumes 1 and 2
(1970, 1972); Lázaro’s Los Redondos de Lima, Mejico y Potosí y otras acuñaciones especiales (1996); Proctor’s The Forgotten Mint of Colonial Panama
(2005); and Sellschopp’s Las acuñaciones de las cecas de Lima, La plata y Potosí (1971).
COIN GRADING and DESCRIPTIVE TERMS
From best to worst, UNC is Uncirculated, AU is Almost Uncirculated, XF is Extra Fine, VF is Very Fine, F is Fine, VG is Very Good, and
G is Good, with Fair and Poor below that. (“About” or “A” means the coin is just shy of the indicated grade. “Mint State” refers to lustrous,
choice UNC coins.) We do not always assign numismatic grades to sea-salvage and land-burial coins, which were usually Uncirculated (or
close to it) before the effects of corrosion and/or cleaning. Corrosion is usually assessed, from least to most, as follows: none, minimal, light,
moderate, and heavy. Also note that we sometimes use the abbreviations E for escudos and R for reales in the listings for Spanish and
Spanish colonial items.
BOOK GRADING and TERMS
We use several standard terms in our book descriptions, as follows:
HB or HC = Hardbound (hard cover)
SC = Soft cover
DJ = Dust jacket
ed = Edition
pp = Pages
ex-lib = Ex-library (with stampings and/or card-holders pasted in)
Our book grading is very similar to the coin grades above, with top condition indicated as “mint” or “new,” then “Very Fine” (VF) for not
new but unread (or very slightly read) condition, then “Fine” (F) for slightly used, “Very Good” (VG) for moderately used, and “Good” (G)
for well-used condition. Any significant damage is separately noted, as opposed to including it in the grade.
A NOTE ABOUT PHOTOS
Coin photos in this catalog are generally shown at actual size, with the exception of large lots, which are often reduced, as are
most medals, paper money, artifacts and media. Photos of coins in the most recent NGC capsules have four white intrusions
into the rims of the coins due to a special design meant to enable viewing of the edges of those coins.
We encourage bidders to examine lots in person at our premises in Winter Park, Florida, up until the day
before the first session (by appointment only, 9 am-5 pm weekdays).
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TREASURE AUCTION #6Sessions I-II-III, Thursday-Friday, October 15-16, 2009
These days it is fashionable to present huge sales with important-sounding and mysterious names, like Caballero
or Millennium, usually linked to the offering of one specific and private collection. Our Treasure Auctions are still
maturing and rapidly growing, and until now we have not had a chance to bless any of our sales with a fancy nickname,
especially since they are always a blend of many different collections. This time, however, the consignments are so
impressive that we feel the auction deserves an appropriate nickname.
The first name that comes to mind for this auction would be “The Dealer’s Sale,” as there are many group
lots and almost everything opens at very reasonable levels (NOT artificially low “starting bids” below hidden reserves)
and are just the kind of thing treasure dealers want and need, like gold cobs and Atocha Grade-1 8 reales. It is a dealer’s
sale in another sense too: Featured on these pages are the collections and de-accessions of some of the world’s best-
known treasure dealers, like Louis Hudson (with a collection of Potosí countermarks 1649-52) and the late Mark Bir
(with all Spanish colonial but particularly pillars-and-waves cob 1 and 2 reales by date). This sale also features parts of
collections amassed by Herman Blanton (Colombian Republic silver) and Tom Sebring (treasure books and catalogs).
Another good name for this auction would be “The Million-Dollar Sale,” since, for the first time, we are
auctioning well over a million dollars’ worth of lots based on the low estimates, not inflated numbers, and all of it
viable material. In fact the total high estimate exceeds $2 million! Largely this is due to the fact that we have over 70
gold cobs, mostly from the 1715 Fleet, and a wealth of gold and silver bars from many different shipwrecks, particularly
6 “tumbaga” silver bars from the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528), 2 gold “finger” bars and 4 huge silver bars from
the Atocha (1622) and one highly desirable small-size Justh & Hunter California Gold Rush ingot from the SS
Central America (1857). Also included are selections from the Atocha Research Collection of silver coins and a newly
formed “Coconut wreck” Research Collection, all starting at levels that any dealer would pay.
A third possible nickname for this auction would be “The Trophy Sale,” because it boasts several unique and
choice items: a unique Mexican cob 8 escudos (possible) Royal 1709; an extremely rare Lima cob 8 escudos 1702;
a Mexican bust 8 escudos 1733 PCGS AU-58; a Paraguayan cut 4 pesos fuertes, one of only two known; a
Cartagena cob 8 reales 1621, first date of issue and one of three known; a La Plata cob 1 real, the first ever offered
at auction; a unique Potosí cob 2 reales specially struck on a zoomorphic planchet in the form of a double-
headed condor; the finest-known Panama cob 4 reales; a very high-quality emerald cross from the 1715 Fleet…
and many more. Latin American collectors will notice we are offering more and more of the “trophies” of the post-
colonial field as well, an area that has been somewhat neglected by auction houses for at least three decades.
Alas, we prefer to call this auction simply Treasure Auction #6, our sixth great sale in three short years, and
just one of many to come. Our consignors for each auction now number in the hundreds. These days we are traveling
all over the country to get whole collections and large consignments, while people worldwide are sending us treasure to
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sell in our auctions. They know, as do our bidders, that we research and present each item diligently and put our long-
standing reputation behind every lot. This is not an “as is” estate sale or no-name Internet auction; this is simply the
world’s best available treasure from the world’s most highly regarded divers, dealers and collectors.
One final note about sessions, bidding and buyer’s fees: After our first live Internet auction last time, we listened
to all your requests and have made a couple significant improvements for Treasure Auction #6. First, we have split the
auction into three sessions over two days to provide breaks and avoid your having to monitor the auction all day long
to bid live on the lot you want (a problem that can also be avoided by placing your hidden bid in advance). And second,
we have contracted with iCollector now to handle all our live bids online, so there is no need to bid by other means to
avoid a higher fee, which we are holding steady at 18% (discounted to 15% for payments by cash, check or wire). If you
have not registered to bid on iCollector yet, please do so NOW at www.iCollector.com/sedwick in order to establish
your bidding credit in time. Of course, as always, we welcome bids by email, mail, fax and phone (remember to
schedule phone bids ahead of time, as we call you when your lot comes up), but please consider the convenience of
sitting at home on your computer and bidding LIVE online at NO extra cost.
Best of luck to everyone!
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CONSIGNORS’ BIOGRAPHIES
Mark Bir (1961-2009)
Conspicuously absent from the Chicago International Coin Fair this year was world-coins dealer Mark Bir. Unbeknownst
to his colleagues, Mark had suffered a heart attack just prior to the show, not long after completing a favorable “pre-show” coin
deal. Sad as we all are to lose a colleague, let alone one who was so honest and likeable, at least we know Mark died doing what
he loved.
Born in Indiana, Mark reportedly swallowed a penny when he was very young and launched a lifelong attachment to
numismatics. While he was still young, Mark’s family moved to Tucson, Arizona, where he began attending the local annual coin
show there from age seven. At age 14 Mark earned a scholarship for a free coin-grading class through the ANA in Colorado
Springs. Shortly after graduation from high school, Mark set up his first dealer’s table and began his professional career in
numismatics. Soon he became an acknowledged expert in the challenging field of Mexican cobs and other Spanish colonial
coins, as well as anything odd and curious, particularly primitive African money. He was also a skilled visual artist and vocalist in
his parish choir.
As a full-time coin dealer, Mark had a unique advantage in putting together his own type collection of Spanish colonial
coins, which he later focused into cob 1 and 2 reales by date. Quietly and modestly, Mark assembled one of the best and largest
silver cob collections we have ever seen, which we had no choice but to split into two auctions, starting with this one. Almost all
his coins, whose pedigree is clearly indicated in our listings, reflect Mark’s keen eye for detail.
Mark’s greatest asset, however, was his big heart. Mark was always there to lend a hand to those in need, ranging from
donations to odd jobs, expert advice or just a compassionate ear. Most of Mark’s charity work was through the Catholic Church,
specifically the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Tucson. Back in numismatics, Mark’s reserved but cheerful spirit earned him the
title of Sir Mark of the Joyful Countenance in fellow dealer Allen Berman’s light-hearted fantasy Kingdom of Bermania. We
used to kid around that he was the only coin dealer in the world whose first and last names were both coin denominations (as in
German marks and Ethiopian birrs). It was impossible not to be his friend.
The motto on the back of Mark’s business cards says it all: “Make love your greatest treasure and you will lack nothing.”
In that sense and in many other ways too, Mark died a very rich man indeed.
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Louis Hudson
We are honored to offer in this sale the Louis Hudson collection of Potosí countermarked coins of 1649-52. As an
active and savvy dealer, Louis had the opportunity to acquire and save some of the most important and underrated rarities in
this fascinating area, particularly from 1990s offerings from the wrecks of the Capitana (1654) and the Maravillas (1656). As a
friend and respected colleague, Louis is well known for his vast numismatic knowledge developed over many decades.
What you probably did not know about Louis is that he started out as a farmer.
Growing up on a tobacco farm in Virginia near the remains of a Revolutionary War supply
depot, from a young age Louis was attracted to early colonial coins uncovered by his plow. In
1967 Louis moved to Argentina after responding to a Philip Morris ad to teach tobacco
farming in that country. While there, Louis became fluent in Spanish and began visiting local
silversmiths to buy coins that he brought back to the U.S. every summer to sell to collectors,
an avocation that led to full-time dealing when the Philip Morris project ended after a few
years.
Carving out a niche in Latin American coins and banknotes, Louis has been a fixture
at coin shows and important auctions around the country. His knowledge and influence are
evident in countless publications and numismatic collections, perhaps the most important
of which was that of the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, which he single-handedly appraised in 2002. Today Louis is
assisted in the numismatic business by his daughter, Stephanie.
On a personal note, we would like to point out that Louis sold Dan Sedwick his first coin in 1979, the beginning of a
collection and profession that continue to grow with the same zeal and fascination instilled by Louis thirty years ago.
Herman Blanton
Tom Sebring
In this auction we present Part I of the Colombian Republic silver collection of Herman
Blanton. An active collector and researcher in the field since 1983, and longtime contributor and
current editor of the NI Bulletin magazine of Numismatics International, Herman has narrowed his
focus to the even more challenging area of Colombian cobs (he maintains the educational site
www.macuquina.com) and has decided to liquidate his Republic collection for others to enjoy. He
recently donated the 20th-century portion of his collection to the KHM museum in Vienna, which
houses the Habsburg family collections, in order that those coins may be preserved and made available
for future generations to study.
This auction marks the final segment (Part III, Treasure Auction Catalogs) of the Tom Sebring
Treasure Library. Since 1968 Tom has been an avid collector of shipwreck coins and artifacts and
assembled a comprehensive collection of coins from over eighty different wrecks around the
world (sold at auction in 2004). With similar enthusiasm he has also sought out relevant books
and auction catalogs, many of which are scarcer than the coins! Using the research from these
books and catalogs, Tom has written over seventy articles for various numismatic publications,
and in 1987 he authored one of the most highly regarded books in the field of shipwreck collecting:
Treasure Tales—Shipwrecks and Salvage. While still collecting and writing, Tom has placed his library
up for sale with us in the hope that other collectors will enjoy the books and catalogs as much as
he has.
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SHIPWRECK (AND HOARD) HISTORIES
Throughout this catalog we offer coins, ingots and artifacts from several dozens of different shipwrecks and hoards—”treasure”
in the truest sense. So as not to break up the flow of the catalog in the listings, we offer the history behind each wreck here in
chronological order. Some lots in the catalog do not have histories here either because we have no further information or what
we do know is brief enough to include with the lots. Please feel free to contact us for more information about any of these
wrecks or about shipwrecks or treasure in general.
“Tumbaga wreck,” sunk ca. 1528 off Grand Bahama
IslandBefore there were coins and Spanish Treasure Fleets, Hernán
Cortés and his men acquired treasure in the form of Native-American
gold and silver artifacts that were melted down in Mexico for easier
transportation. The variable-fineness ingots thus created were known
to archeologists but were not thought to exist until the discovery of
a wreck full of them off Grand Bahama Island in 1992. After the
salvage of what ultimately was determined to be a ca.-1528 wreck,
the ingots came to be known as “tumbaga” bars and were
subsequently distributed to the collecting community by Frank and
Daniel Sedwick. Like most official Spanish colonial bullion, each bar
was marked with the fineness (the gold in parts per 24, the silver in
parts per 2400) and assayer, and especially with tax stamps to show
that the king got his cut. On these particular bars the tax stamps
show a legend that reads CAROLVS QVINTVS IMPERATOR for
Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire (who was also Charles I of
Spain, son of Queen Joanna).
Each bar is described in detail in the 1993 book Tumbaga
Silver for Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire, by Douglas
Armstrong, a professional conservator hired by the salvage company
to clean and preserve all the silver “tumbaga” bars. A new publication
in the works by Agustín García-Barneche entitled The Tumbaga Saga
should soon shed more light on the history and manufacture of these
ingots.
“Golden Fleece wreck,” sunk ca. 1550 in the northern
CaribbeanThis wreck was nicknamed for a royal stamping (“Golden
Fleece”) on several of the gold “finger” bars (ingots) it yielded.
Practically all the coins from this wreck were Mexican Carlos-Juana
silver coins (all assayers prior to S), including several rarities, the most
important being three specimens of the Rincón “Early Series” 8 reales
of 1538, the very first 8 reales ever struck in the New World (the
best of which achieved a record in 2006 for the highest amount ever
paid at auction for a Spanish colonial coin: $373,750!). To date the
finders of the wreck have not identified the wreck or disclosed its
exact location, but they affirm it was in international waters in the
northern Caribbean. Though it was a relatively small find of a few
thousand coins at most, it has been the primary source for Mexican
Carlos-Juana coins on the market since the mid-1990s.
Perhaps more impressive than the coins from this wreck
are the few dozen gold and silver ingots it has yielded, all of which
have entered the market exclusively through Daniel Frank
Sedwick. The varying purities of these bars are reminiscent of the
“tumbaga” bars (see above), although the later gold ingots were been
cast in somewhat standard shapes (“fingers”) and sizes. The silver
ingots from this wreck, popularly known as “splashes,” were simply
poured onto the ground, leaving a round, flat mound of silver that
was subsequently stamped with a tax stamp in the form of a crowned
C for King Charles I and/or a fineness in the usual block Roman
numerals in parts per 2400, much like the karat system we use
today. The gold ingots also show a fineness marking, but no tax stamps
or other markings, in parts per 24, with a dot being a quarter karat.
Many of the silver and gold ingots from this wreck were cut into two
or more parts, presumably to divide into separate accounts.
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Unidentified ca.-1554 wreck in the northern CaribbeanIn 1554 the Spanish fleet coming from Mexico, consisting
of four caravels, the San Andrés, the Santa María de Yciar, the San
Estéban, and the Espíritu
Santo, hit a violent storm
and foundered off of what
is now Padre Island, Texas,
where it is known that all
but the first mentioned
sank. The one ship that
escaped, the San Andrés, did
make it to Havana, but just
barely, and its treasure had
to be offloaded onto other
vessels for the journey
through the Bahama
Channel and up the Straits
of Florida and back to
Spain. Archival records in
Spain indicate that not all
of the treasure from the
San Andrés made it there, however. In addition to a documented loss
off Portugal, there is some evidence that these ships were hit by
another storm and lost somewhere in the northern Caribbean, at
least one of them hitting the east coast of Florida and being salvaged
by the Ais Indians. A few coins found on the east coast of Florida in
recent decades, particularly in the vicinity of Cape Canaveral, seem
to confirm this. Archival records also indicate that some of the treasure
from the San Andrés was brought to and left at Puerto Rico to be
retrieved later in the 1550s.
The material we are seeing on the market today (coins, ingots
and some artifacts like plates with markings) is identical to what was
found off Texas, so it MUST have come from the same 1554 shipment
originally, and is therefore most likely the part that was offloaded
from the San Andrés in Havana. Because the salvagers say the source
is somewhere off the Dominican Republic, it may have more to do
with the part that was left in Puerto Rico than with the losses in the
Bahama Channel.
Espadarte, sunk in 1558 off the Island of Mozambique,
east of AfricaDiscovered in 2001 by Arqueonautas and code-named IDM-
002, the Espadarte was a Portuguese nau that sank in May or June of
1558 after breaking her mast and being stranded in about 9 meters
of water off Mozambique Island. She was on a return trip to Portugal
from India and was carrying gold and porcelains, most of which was
salvaged soon after sinking but at least some of which remained on
the sea-bed until our time.
“Cidade Velha shipwrecks,” sunk in the late 1500s off the
Cape Verde Islands, west
of AfricaCidade Velha was one
of the first cities established by
Europeans in the Cape Verde
Islands. Strategically located in
the crossroads of the Atlantic,
prosperous Cidade Velha
became both a rest stop and a
target. In 1585 the city was attacked by Sir Francis Drake, who returned
in 1586 and sank half a dozen ships in her harbor. These wrecks,
none of them traceable to any one specific ship, were visited by
Arqueonautas in 1998 and yielded up many small artifacts like manilas
(slave bracelets), crucifixes and pottery shards.
Santiago, sunk in 1585 on the Bassas da India atoll between
Mozambique and Madagascar (east of Africa)This relatively obscure wreck sank on a reef at night due to
pilot error, following which the captain and crew absconded with the
one useable lifeboat, leaving some 400 or more passengers to perish
on the wreck. The Santiago was found again and salvaged in the late
1970s by Ernest Erich Klaar and eventually yielded thousands of
silver cobs (marketed in the 1980s) of both Spain and Spanish America
(particularly the mints of Seville and Mexico). This shipwreck is also
numismatically notable as one of only two wrecks (along with the
Atocha of 1622) to have produced the extremely rare cobs of the
Panama mint.
Unidentified (presumably Spanish) wreck sunk ca. 1590
off the Yucatán peninsula of MexicoSalvaged surreptitiously by Florida divers, this wreck yielded
Philip II cobs of Mexico, Lima and Potosi, some in remarkably good
condition. Many of this wreck’s coins are recognizable by their jagged,
truncated edges (from corrosion) with pristine interior details. Without
consideration of that characteristic pattern of corrosion, the coins
from this wreck can pass for Atocha (1622) coins, which is how many
of them were successfully sold with fraudulent Atocha certificates in
the 1990s.
“Rill Cove wreck,” sunk ca. 1618 off Cornwall, EnglandThe name and nationality of the ship are unknown and even
the date of sinking is not certain. All we know is that records of its
local salvage began in 1618. After rediscovery of the wreck by Ken
Simpson and Mike Hall in 1975, eventually some 3,000 coins were
recovered and sold, all silver cobs, mostly Mexican, but also from
Potosí and Spain. Most of the coins are thin from corrosion but with
dark toning on fields to enhance details. Because it is rather early, this
wreck has yielded several important rarities like the F-oD dual-assayer
issue from Mexico.
“Wild Horse River wreck,” sunk ca. 1620 in the Río de la
Plata off Colonia, UruguaySomewhere in the River Plate opposite Buenos Aires is a
remote beach where beautiful wild horses run free next to untold
treasures just past the river bank. Quietly, local fisherman and salvagers
over the years have brought up some of these treasures, which appear
to be from a Spanish ship that sank without a trace.
All evidence indicates that this “Wild Horse River Wreck”
is from an early period of unofficial commerce in the River Plate (no
earlier than about 1605, but possibly as late as 1620). So far it has
yielded only a few silver coins, gemstone rings and mostly small iron
artifacts, all in incredibly well-preserved condition due to lack of
salinity and the muddy composition of the riverbed. But metal detector
readings indicate massive metallic deposits at the bottom of crevices
in the mud, just out of reach for now. What will be found? Slave
shackles? Chests of gold and silver? Only time will tell.
12
Atocha, sunk in 1622 west of Key West, FloridaArguably the most famous of all Spanish galleons salvaged
in our time, the Atocha was the almiranta of the 1622 Fleet, which left
Havana several weeks late and ran afoul of a hurricane. Eight of the
28-ship fleet were lost, wrecked on the reefs between the Dry Tortugas
and the Florida Keys or sunk in deeper water. Five people survived
the sinking of the Atocha and were rescued by another vessel, but the
wreck itself was scattered after another hurricane hit the site exactly
one month later. The Spanish were never able to salvage what was
one of the richest galleons ever to sail.
The cargo of the Atocha did not see light again until 1971,
when the first coins were found by the now-famous salvager Mel
Fisher and his divers, who recovered the bulk of the treasure in 1985
and thereby unleashed the largest supply of silver cobs and ingots
the market has ever seen. Well over 100,000 shield-type cobs were
found in all denominations above the half real, the great majority of
them from Potosí, as were also the approximately 1,000 silver ingots
(most the size of bread loaves). A handful of gold 1- and 2-escudos
cobs were also recovered, mostly from mainland Spanish mints, but
also a few from Colombia, officially the first gold coins ever struck in
the New World. The Atocha was also the source for most or all of the
first silver cobs struck in Colombia, as well as a few early coins from
Mexico, Lima, Spain and even Panama. Even more significant were
the many gold ingots, jewelry items, emeralds and other artifacts.
Because of Mel Fisher’s huge publicity and because much
of the treasure was distributed to investors at high ratios compared
to their investment amounts, the coins from the Atocha have always
sold for much more—anywhere from 2 times to 10 times—than their
non-salvage counterparts, even in the numismatic market. (The
“glamour market” in tourist areas elevates these coins to as much as
twenty times their base numismatic value!) Individually numbered
certificates with photos of each coin are critical to the retention of
an Atocha coin’s enhanced value. Accompanying barcode tags with
the coins also make it possible to replace lost certificates through a
database system at the Fisher operation in Key West. With some
exceptions each certificate also specifies the coin’s Grade, from 1
(highest) to 4 (lowest), a highly subjective evaluation of corrosive
damage and overall quality. Most Atocha silver coins are also
recognizable by their shiny brightness, the result of a somewhat
controversial cleaning and polishing process catering more to non-
collectors than to serious numismatists.
Santa Margarita, sunk in 1622 west of Key West, FloridaFrom the same hurricane-stricken 1622 Fleet as the Atocha
(above), the Santa Margarita sank on a reef within sight of the Atocha
and was found in 1626 by Spanish salvagers, who recovered only
roughly half its treasure. The other half was found by Mel Fisher and
company in 1980. Margarita’s treasures were similar to those found
on the Atocha, with fewer coins in comparatively worse condition
overall (yet not as harshly cleaned afterward). As with Atocha coins,
original Fisher certificates are critical to the premium value for these
coins, which is on par with Atocha coins. In 2008 divers with the
subcontractor company Blue Water Recovery found more gold on
the Santa Margarita and also a lead box stuffed full of pearls.
“Dry Tortugas wreck,” sunk ca. 1622 off the Dry Tortugas,
west of Key West, FloridaPresumably a sister-ship to the Atocha and Santa Margarita
of the 1622 Fleet (above), the “Dry Tortugas wreck” was discovered
in 1989 and reworked in 1991 by Seahawk Deep Ocean Technology.
Among the finds were numerous gold bars (but no silver bars) and
about 1,200 heavily eroded silver cobs similar in composition to the
Atocha finds, all picked from the ocean floor by a robot. Cannons and
other artifacts expected on a typical galleon were notably absent. The
bulk of the treasure was eventually sold to a store/museum in Key
West that later went bankrupt. Years later it all turned up at a
bankruptcy auction, where the bulk of the treasure was repurchased
by some of the former principals of Seahawk for a new museum.
Campen, sunk in 1627 off the Isle of Wight, EnglandThe East Indiaman Campen was part of a seven-ship fleet
that encountered a heavy storm off the Isle of Wight in October of
1627. Seeking safety in the Solent north of the island, four of the
ships attempted to navigate through the Needles rocks at the island’s
westernmost tip and two of them—the Campen and the Vliegende
Draecke (“Flying Dragon”)—sank nearby. Soon after, all of the latter
ship’s cargo was saved, but only a couple thousand silver coins were
recovered from the Campen, leaving about 8,000 coins to be found in
our time. Most of these silver coins, recovered by divers beginning in
June of 1979, were Dutch “lion” daalders, but they also included a
few cobs, which are very rarely seen on the market today.
“Lucayan Beach wreck,” sunk ca. 1628 off Grand Bahama
IslandSince the accidental discovery in 1964 of around 10,000
silver cobs dating up to and including 1628 in 10 feet of water just
1,300 yards from the Lucayan Beach Hotel, the mystery of identifying
the lost vessel has never been solved. Because of the date, popular
opinion associates the wreck with the taking of the Spanish 1628
Fleet in Matanzas Bay, Cuba, by the Dutch pirate and national hero
Piet Heyn, who reported losing two of the vessels on the way back to
Europe. Three names proposed for the ship(s) by various sellers over
the years were the Van Lynden, the Santa Gertrude (or Gertrudis) and
the Romario, with scant evidence to support any of the attributions.
Spanish archival research suggested a new name, Nuestra Señora de los
Remedios, which sank in that general area in 1624. Since dates on the
recovered coins extend past 1624, this attribution must be incorrect.
A more recent recovery in the 1990s off Lucayan Beach turned up
similar material, but no further clues as to the ship’s (or ships’) identity.
Practically all of the coins have been Mexican 8 and 4 reales of the
assayer-D period, some in quite nice condition and a few with clear
dates, which are rare. Expect to pay a modest premium for specimens
in white clamshell boxes produced by Spink & Son (London) in the
1960s for a promotion that capped off years of disagreements
between the salvagers, their backers and the Bahamian government.
13
Concepción, sunk in 1641 off the northeast coast of
HispaniolaThe Concepción was one of the most significant Spanish
wrecks of all time, serving the Spanish with a loss of over 100 tons of
silver and gold treasure. The almiranta of a 21-ship fleet, the Concepción
was already in poor repair when the Europe-bound fleet encountered
a storm in September of 1641, leaving her disabled and navigating
under makeshift sails amid disagreement among its pilots about their
location. Weeks later, she grounded on a reef in an area now named
the Silver Shoals, just east of another shoal known as the Abrojos,
which the pilots were trying to avoid. After another storm hit the
wrecked ship and the admiral and officers left in the ship’s only
longboat, the remaining crew resorted to building rafts from the ship’s
timbers. Survivors’ accounts pointed to drowning, starvation and even
sharks for the approximately 300 casualties. In the fallout that ensued,
none of the survivors could report the wreck’s location with accuracy,so it sat undisturbed until New England’s William Phipps found it in
1687 and brought home tons of silver and some gold, to the delight
of his English backers.
The Concepción was found again in 1978 by Burt Webber, Jr.,
whose divers recovered some 60,000 silver cobs, mostly Mexican 8
and 4 reales, and also some Potosí and rare Colombian cobs, including
more from the Cartagena mint than had been found on any other
shipwreck. Unlike the Maravillas 15 years later, the Concepción did not
yield any gold cobs in our time, and any significant artifacts found
were retained by the government of the Dominican Republic who
oversaw the salvage. The bulk of the silver cobs found on the Concepción
were heavily promoted, even in department stores. The site is still
worked from time to time with limited success.
Lastdrager, sunk in 1653 off the Shetland Islands, north
of ScotlandThe Dutch East India Co. flute Lastdrager set sail for Batavia
(modern-day Jakarta, Indonesia) in February of 1653, during the first
Anglo-Dutch war, which made passage through the English Channel
unsafe. The alternate route north around the Shetland Islands proved
to be equally dangerous in stormy conditions, which ultimately led to
her demise. Only 26 people survived and only two chests of treasure
were saved, amounting to a small portion of the total of 37,500
guilders she was carrying. Modern salvage efforts in the early 1970s
yielded over 500 coins and some artifacts. The bulk of the treasure is
believed to be in the still-missing stern section.
Capitana (Jesús María de la Limpia Concepción), sunk in
1654 off Chanduy, EcuadorThis wreck was the largest loss ever experienced by the
Spanish South Seas (Pacific) Fleet, of which the Jesus María de la Limpia
Concepción was the capitana (“captain’s ship” or lead vessel) in 1654.
Official records reported the loss of 3 million pesos of silver (2,212
ingots, 216 chests of coins, and 22 boxes of wrought silver),
augmented to a total of as much as 10 million pesos when contraband
and private consignments were taken into account. By comparison,
the entire annual silver production in Peru at that time was only about
6-7 million pesos!
Obviously overloaded, the Capitana sank technically due to
pilot error, which drove the ship onto the reefs south of the peninsula
known as Punta Santa Elena, a geographic feature the pilot thought
he had cleared. Twenty people died in the disaster. For eight years
afterward, Spanish salvagers officially recovered over 3 million pesos
of coins and bullion (with probably much more recovered off the
record), leaving only an unreachable lower section for divers to find
in our time. Ironically, the main salvager of the Capitana in the 1650s
and early 1660s was none other than the ship’s silvermaster, Bernardo
de Campos, who was responsible for the ship’s being overloaded with
contraband in the first place.
The wreck was rediscovered in the mid-1990s and salvaged
(completely, according to some) in 1997. After a 50-50 split with the
Ecuadorian government in 1998, investors sold most of their half
of the more than 5,000 coins recovered at auction in 1999. Almost
exclusively Potosí 8 and 4 reales, the coins were a healthy mix of
countermarked issues of 1649-1652, transitional issues of 1652, and
post-transitional pillars-and-waves cobs of 1653-1654, many in
excellent condition and expertly conserved.
As an interesting footnote, the very coins salvaged from the
Capitana by the Spanish in 1654 were lost again on the Maravillas
wreck of 1656 (see next), and some of those coins salvaged from the
Maravillas were lost again in the wreck of the salvage vessel Madama
do Brasil off Gorda Cay (Bahamas) in 1657. Furthering Spain’s woes
was the destruction of another treasure fleet in 1657 by English
marauders fresh from a victory in the Bay of Cádiz off Santa Cruz
on the island of Tenerife in the Canary Islands.
Maravillas, sunk in 1656 off Grand Bahama IslandAs the almiranta of the homebound Spanish fleet in January
of 1656, the Nuestra Señora de las Maravillas was officially filled with
over five million pesos of treasure (and probably much more in
contraband, as was usually the case). That treasure included much of
the silver salvaged from the South Seas Fleet’s Capitana of 1654 that
wrecked on Chanduy Reef off Ecuador (see above). The ill-fated
treasure sank once again when the Maravillas unexpectedly ran into
shallow water and was subsequently rammed by one of the other
ships of its fleet, forcing the captain to try to ground the Maravillas
on a nearby reef on Little Bahama Bank off Grand Bahama Island.
In the ensuing chaos, exacerbated by strong winds, most of the 650
people on board died in the night, and the wreckage scattered. Spanish
salvagers soon recovered almost half a million pesos of treasure,
followed by more recoveries over the next several decades, yet with
over half of the official cargo still unfound.
The first rediscovery of the Maravillas in the twentieth
century was by Robert Marx and his company Seafinders in 1972,
whose finds were featured in an auction by Schulman in New York in
1974. Included among the coins in this sale were some previously
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unknown Cartagena silver cobs of 1655 and countermarked Potosí
coinage of 1649-1651 and 1652 transitionals, in addition to many
Mexican silver cobs and a few Bogotá cob 2 escudos. The second big
salvage effort on the Maravillas was achieved by Herbert Humphreys
and his company Marex in the late 1980s and early 1990s, resulting in
two big sales by Christie’s (London) in 1992 and 1993, which featured
many Bogotá cob 2 escudos, more Mexico and Potosí silver cobs,
and several important artifacts. The most recent big sale of Maravillas
finds, presumably from one of the many salvage efforts from the
1970s and 1980s, took place in California in 2005, again with a good
quantity of Bogotá cob 2 escudos. The wreck area is still being
searched today, but officially the Bahamian government has not
granted any leases on the site since the early 1990s. It is possible the
bulk of the treasure is still to be found.
Vergulde Draeck (“Gilt Dragon”), sunk in 1656 off
Western AustraliaMuch has been written about the loss and salvage of this
Dutch East India Company trading vessel (known as an East
Indiaman), which some consider to be Australia’s counterpart to
Florida’s 1715 Fleet in terms of availability of reasonably priced cobs
for collectors. In contrast to the Spanish treasure wrecks, the Vergulde
Draeck carried only a modest amount of just silver cobs (eight chests
totaling 45,950 coins), mostly Mexican but also some cobs from Potosí
and Spain as well as some Colombian rarities. The ship was on its
way from the Netherlands to Batavia (modern-day Jakarta, Indonesia)
when suddenly it found itself wrecked on a reef some three miles
from land in the early morning hours of April 28, 1656. Only 75 of
the 193 people on board were able to reach the shore, and seven of
them soon left in the ship’s pinnace to seek help in Batavia. When
authorities there learned of the wreck, several attempts were made
to rescue the other survivors and, more important, the eight chests
of treasure, but no sign of the wreck or survivors was ever found.
The wreck remained undiscovered until 1963 when spear-fishermen
stumbled upon it and began to recover coins and artifacts. Subsequent
salvage efforts, primarily under the supervision of the Western
Australian Museum, whose certificates often accompany the coins
and carry a small premium, have yielded only about half of the total
coins officially recorded to be on board this ship.
San Miguel el Arcángel (“Jupiter wreck”), sunk in 1659
off Jupiter Inlet, east coast of FloridaAs well known as this wreck has become among the Florida
treasure community and shipwreck collectors around the world,
surprisingly little has been written about it, and not one major auction
has been dedicated to its finds.
The San Miguel was
not a big treasure galleon in
a huge convoy; rather, she
was a lone aviso, a smaller
ship for carrying letters and
other communications
quickly back to Spain. But
unlike most avisos, the San
Miguel was carrying some
important treasure, as it was in the right time and place to take on
samples of the unauthorized “Star of Lima” coinage of 1659 for the
King to see. In October the San Miguel encountered a hurricane off
the southeast coast of Florida, grounded on a sandbar, and broke
apart rapidly, leaving only 34 survivors among the 121 people on
board. Those survivors were all quickly captured by natives (Ais) and
therefore had no opportunity to salvage the scattered wreck.
Today only parts of the wreck of the San Miguel have been
found, discovered by lifeguard Peter Leo in 1987, in about 10 to 20
feet of water and under as much as 20 feet of sand. Salvage is ongoing.
Besides a couple of gold ingots and one large silver ingot, the yield
to date has been modest, mostly low-end silver cobs of Mexico and
Potosí, a good amount of the rare 1659 “Star of Lima” silver coinage,
a couple Bogotá gold cobs, and some rare Cartagena silver cobs. All
were sold through various dealers and private transactions. If the
hull of the ship is ever found, as the salvagers think it will be, the
market may finally see some of the gold cobs of the “Star of Lima”
issue of 1659.
Sacramento, sunk in 1668 off Bay of All Saints, Bahia,
BrazilThe lead vessel of a 50-ship annual convoy between Lisbon,
Portugal, and Bahia, Brazil, the Sacramento hit a sandbar at night and
sank in a squall on May 5, 1668, sending some 400 people to their
grave. Official Brazilian government salvage on the wreck took place
beginning in 1976, at some point involving the famed salvager Robert
Marx. Because it was chiefly a military vessel sailing from Portugal to
Brazil, the Sacramento was carrying just a few consumer goods (like
textiles) and not any significant amount of coins. Nevertheless, what
little from the salvaging of this ship has reached collectors has been
almost exclusively Portuguese silver coins with Brazilian countermarks
from 1663, although a few Spanish colonial cobs (also countermarked)
and a few artifacts have surfaced too.
Unidentified wreck sunk ca. 1671 in Seville Harbor, SpainThe city of Seville is situated on the Guadalquivir River,
about 50 miles inland from the ocean port of Cádiz, where treasure
from the New World arrived on sea-going galleons. From there the
treasure sailed upriver by boat to Seville. Sometime in 1671 it is
believed one of these boats sank outside Seville, or at least its treasure
was lost there somehow in the river, for in the mid-1990s a large
hoard of obviously salvaged silver cob 8 and 4 reales of Potosí, none
dated later than 1671, and mostly in decent condition, began to emerge
from markets in Spain without provenance but reportedly found in
Seville Harbor during the installation of a fiber-optic cable across
the river.
It should be noted that the same type of coins (with
characteristics identical to those from the Seville wreck) have been
sold in recent years as having come from the so-called “Señorita de
Santa Cristina” of 1672 off Cádiz, but we can find no record of this
ship or its salvage.
Consolación (“Isla de Muerto shipwreck”), sunk in 1681
off Santa Clara Island, EcuadorWhen salvage first began on this wreck in 1997, it was initially
believed to be the Santa Cruz and later called El Salvador y San José,
sunk in August of 1680; however, research by Robert Marx after the
main find in subsequent years confirmed its proper name and
illuminated its fascinating history.
Intended to be part of the Spanish “South Seas Fleet” of
1681, which left Lima’s port of Callao in April, the Consolación
apparently was delayed and ended up traveling alone. At the Gulf of
Guayaquil, off modern-day Ecuador, the Consolación encountered
15
English pirates, led by Bartholomew Sharpe, who forced the Spanish
galleon to sink on a reef off Santa Clara Island (later nicknamed
“Isla de Muerto,” or Dead Man’s Island). Before the pirates could get
to the ship, the crew set fire to her and tried to escape to the nearby
island without success. Angered by their inability to seize the valuable
cargo of the Consolación, Sharpe’s men killed the Spaniards and tried
in vain to recover the treasure through the efforts of local fishermen.
Spanish attempts after that were also fruitless, so the treasure of the
Consolación sat undisturbed until our time.
When vast amounts of silver coins were found in the area
starting in the 1990s, by local entrepreneurs Roberto Aguirre and
Carlos Saavedra (“ROBCAR”) and the government of Ecuador in
1997 under mutual agreement, the exact name and history of the
wreck were unknown, and about 8,000 of the coins (all Potosí silver
cobs) were subsequently sold at auction by Spink New York in
December 2001 as simply “Treasures from the ‘Isla de Muerto.’” Most
of the coins offered were of low quality and poorly preserved but
came with individually numbered photo-certificates. Later, after the
provenance had been properly researched and better conservation
methods were used, a Florida syndicate arranged to have ongoing
finds from this wreck permanently encapsulated in hard-plastic holders
by the authentication and grading firm ANACS, with the wreck
provenance clearly stated inside the “slab”; more recent offerings
have bypassed this encapsulation. Ongoing salvage efforts have good
reason to be hopeful, as the manifest of the Consolación stated the
value of her registered cargo as 146,000 pesos in silver coins in
addition to silver and gold ingots, plus an even higher sum in
contraband, according to custom.
1681 Fleet (“Porto Bello wreck”), sunk in 1681 off Porto
Bello, PanamaAccording to Robert Marx, a storm in 1681 sank three ships
of the Spanish Caribbean Fleet: Chaperón (sunk in the mouth of the
Chagres River), Boticaria (sunk off Isla de Naranjas), and an
unidentified galleon (sunk off Punta de Brujas). Other reference
articles, probably in error, give the date of the disaster as 1682. Despite
these attributions, there is still some confusion about which wrecksite
belongs to which ship of the Fleet, and as a result, the sources of
finds from these wrecks tend to be referred to by location (like “Porto
Bello wreck”) or simply as “1681 Fleet.”
Joanna, sunk in 1682 off South AfricaAn English East Indiaman on her way to Surat on the west
coast of India, the Joanna separated from her convoy and sank in
rough seas on a reef off the southernmost tip of South Africa on
June 8, 1682, sending 10 people to their death. Eventually 104
survivors reached the Dutch colony of Cape Town, from which a
salvage party was soon dispatched. The Joanna’s cargo consisted of
70 chests of silver coins, of which the salvage party reported having
recovered only about 28,000 guilders’ worth. In 1982 the wreck was
rediscovered by a group of South African divers led by Gavin
Clackworthy, who brought up silver ingots (discs) and more than
23,000 silver cobs, most of them Mexican 4 and 8 reales of Charles
II in generally low grade, but a few showing bold, formerly very rare
dates 1679-1681. Over the past two decades, these cobs have entered
the market from both private dealers and auctions, but always in
relatively small quantities at a time. Almost all the coins are in very
worn condition, usually thin and nearly featureless, but without the
heavy encrustation and pitting that characterize Caribbean finds.
Sunken city of Port Royal, Jamaica (submerged by
earthquake in 1694)As a notorious pirate hangout in the 17th century, Port Royal’s
famous bars and brothels became repositories for much of the looted
treasure of the Caribbean. In 1692 an earthquake sent most of the
city plunging into the sea, and it never fully recovered. What was left
of Port Royal became a British Naval station for years afterward and
it was continually racked by hurricanes (in 1721, 1726, 1744, and
1951), fires (in 1703 and 1815), and even another earthquake (in
1907). In the period of 1965 to 1968, the famous salvager Robert
Marx dove the sunken city and recovered more than two million small
artifacts (many lost AFTER 1692), some of which have appeared in
the treasure market from time to time.
Merestein, sunk in 1702 off South AfricaThis Dutch East Indiaman was outbound when she tried to
put into Saldanha Bay to alleviate rampant scurvy on board the ship.
On April 3, 1702, she hit reefs on the southwest point of Jutten
Island and within hours was smashed to pieces. Only 99 of the 200
people aboard the Merestein survived.
On board the Merestein were several chests of silver coins
for trade in the East Indies and for which immediate salvage plans
were undertaken. But Jutten Island is no easy dive, and all attempts
were abandoned until modern times.
The wreck was rediscovered and salvaged in the early 1970s,
yielding almost exclusively Dutch silver ducatoons from the 1600s.
The number of coins found in the 1970s was around 15,000 and is
believed to be nowhere near all of the treasure that was lost.
Thousands more coins and artifacts were recovered by the salvage
company Sealit in the 1990s.
Association, sunk in 1707 off the Scilly Isles, southwest
of EnglandThe sinking of this ship and four others in a fleet of 21
returning from the Mediterranean was one of the worst British naval
disasters of all time. The Association sank on October 22 under stormy
conditions after what can only be described as guesswork navigation
that led the ships straight onto the rocks of the Scilly Isles, where as
many as 2,000 sailors lost their lives as a result. The admiral of the
fleet, Sir Cloudisley Shovell, whose ten chests of personal wealth (in
16
addition to several others) were rumored to be aboard the Association,
was one of the casualties of the sinking, although legend has it he
reached shore alive, only to be murdered there by a local woman for
a ring on his finger.
The wrecksite was located in 1967 by British Navy divers,
touching off a frenzy of activity on the site for years to come. Cannons
and a few coins were raised in the 1960s, but it was not till 1973 that
a significant amount of coins were found (8,000 in that year alone).
These coins, mostly British silver and gold but also many Spanish
and Spanish-American silver cobs, were sold at auction beginning in
1969 and into the early 1970s. The cobs presented an eclectic mix,
mostly 8 reales from the 1650s forward (even a “Royal” presentation
issue from 1676), but from nearly all mints (especially Lima and
Potosí), some even left in as-found conglomerate form combined
with British coins. It is interesting to note that parts of this wreck,
like others in the area, were flattened hard to the muddy sea floor by
huge boulders that still roll around with the currents, making for
dangerous and difficult salvage.
DeLiefde, sunk in 1711 off the Shetland Islands, north of
ScotlandDuring the War of Spanish Succession it was deemed safer
to take the northern route around Scotland than to skirt French coasts
in the English Channel, but in so doing the Dutch East Indiaman
DeLiefde wrecked on a reef in the Out Skerries due to faulty navigation
under overcast skies, leaving only one survivor to tell the tale. Prompt
salvage attempts by the VOC to recover the cargo of silver and gold
coins turned up nothing—looting by locals was greatly suspected.
Modern expeditions in the 1960s, however, located the ship and
yielded upwards of 4000 coins (mostly silver “rider” ducatoons and
gold ducats) in 1966-1968, many of which were sold at auction by
Glendining (London) in 1969.
1715 Fleet, east coast of FloridaThe Spanish 1715-Fleet disaster was probably the greatest
to befall any of the Spanish treasure fleets in terms of casualties and
money, with reports of a loss of 14 million pesos (plus an equal or
greater amount in contraband) and as many as 1,000 or more lives. It
was a typical case of overloaded Spanish galleons foundering in a
hurricane after delayed departure. In effect the 1715 Fleet was a
combination of two fleets: the Nueva España (New Spain, i.e., Mexico)
Fleet from Mexico and the Tierra Firme (Mainland) Fleet from South
America, some 12 or 13 ships in all. Encountering a hurricane on
July 30, all the ships were driven shoreward and destroyed except for
a lone vessel, the tag-along French ship Grifón, which sailed onward
without incident. Hundreds of the crew and passengers lost their
lives while other hundreds of survivors improvised a camp on shore
to await aid from the Spanish fort at St. Augustine, to which a party
was sent.
Salvage commenced soon afterward and lasted for several
years. Nearly half of the vast treasure (at least the registered part)
was recovered and kept in a nearby storehouse. In 1716, a flotilla of
British freebooters under Henry Jennings raided the storehouse and
carried off some 350,000 pesos of the treasure to Jamaica. The
Spaniards, however, resumed operations until they could salvage no
more and quit in 1719. The rest of the treasure remained on the
ocean floor until our time.
Modern salvage on the 1715 Fleet began in the late 1950s,
when local resident Kip Wagner found a piece of eight on the beach
after a hurricane and decided to pursue the source. With the help of
a 1774 chart and an army-surplus metal detector, he located the
original Spanish salvage camp and unearthed coins and artifacts. Then,
using a rented airplane to spot the underwater wrecksite from the air
and check the location again by boat, Kip found the source of the
coins and soon formed a team of divers and associates backed by a
salvage permit from the State of Florida. All of this took place over
a period of years before it evolved into the Real Eight Company,
whose ranks later included such luminaries as Robert Marx and the
flamboyant Mel Fisher. The Fisher family still sub-leases the sites to
hopeful salvagers today.
The vast treasures yielded by the 1715 Fleet in our time fall
into nearly every category, from coins to jewelry, precious stones to
cannons, religious artifacts to Chinese porcelains. The 1715 Fleet
remains the world’s largest source for New World gold cobs, while
the silver cobs recovered number in the hundreds of thousands.
Promotions of the coins by Real Eight and others have spanned the
decades, in addition to significant auctions by Henry Christensen
(1964); Parke-Bernet Galleries (1967) and Sotheby Parke Bernet
(1973); the Schulman Coin and Mint (1972 and 1974); Bowers and
Ruddy Galleries (1977); and even the U.S. Customs Service (2003).
Despite a wealth of publications pertaining to the 1715 Fleet
with names of the ships and the known locations of some of the
wrecks, there is no universal agreement as to the identity of the vessel
at each wrecksite. In many cases, in fact, it is possible that separate
wrecksites represent different parts of the same ship. As a result,
salvagers over the decades have resorted to nicknames for the sites
based on landmarks, local individuals, and even features from the
wrecks themselves, such as (from north to south): “Pines” (Sebastian),
“Cabin” (Wabasso), “Cannon” (Wabasso), “Corrigans” (Vero Beach),
“Rio Mar” (Vero Beach), “Sandy Point” (Vero Beach), “Wedge” (Fort
Pierce), and “Colored Beach” (Fort Pierce). Regardless of the exact
site of origin, a great majority of the coins and artifacts are sold
simply as “1715 Fleet.”
Guadalupe-Tolosa, sunk in 1724 in Samaná Bay,
Dominican RepublicInbound from Spain and often referred to as the “quicksilver
galleons,” these two ships were carrying a cargo of 400 tons of
mercury, a critical element in the silver- and gold-refining process in
Mexico, where these ships were headed. In late August the ships were
blown by a hurricane into Samaná Bay on the northeast coast of
what is now the Dominican Republic and wrecked there in relatively
close proximity to each other (about 7½ miles), which is why their
names are intermingled today. Well over 500 people died in the tragedy.
17
The wrecks were discovered and salvaged in the late 1970s and yielded
many earthenware olive jars and other artifacts in addition to the
mercury. In 2005 it became known that the 1970s salvage also turned
up a small group of gold coins (including thirteen cobs from the
mints of Bogotá, Cuzco, Lima, and Mexico), which were auctioned
that same year.
Le Chameau, sunk in 1725 off Nova Scotia, CanadaThis French man-of-war was attempting to reach Louisburg
harbor with a consignment of troops and coins for the French colony
when a storm sent her onto the rocks of Cape Breton instead, killing
all on board. The main wrecksite was never found until 1961, when
Alex Storm spotted cannons on the seabed and led a successful salvage
expedition on the site in 1965, yielding many French silver ecus and
gold Louis d’ors. The Chameau has been salvaged more recently as
well.
Akerendam, sunk in 1725 off the coast of NorwaySeparated from her two companion vessels in a heavy storm,
the East Indiaman Akerendam foundered off the northern point of
Runde Island off the west coast of Norway on March 8, with no
survivors among the 200 people on board. Throughout the next
several months, five of the 19 chests of coins aboard the Akerendam
were recovered, and one of those five had opened up, scattering coins
over the wrecksite. No more was found, and the site was forgotten
until Norwegian amateur divers rediscovered it in 1972 and brought
up almost 40,000 gold and silver coins, with another 16,000 or so
found the next year. Ultimately the coins were split between the divers
and the Norwegian and Dutch governments, and the divers’ portion
was offered as a whole at auction in 1978, following which the coins
were largely assembled into leather-bound promotional sets (each
consisting of one Dutch gold ducat and up to 23 silver coins, generally
Mexican cobs and Dutch ducatoons and minors).
1733 Fleet, Florida KeysMuch like the 1715-Fleet disaster, the 1733 Fleet was an
entire Spanish convoy lost in a hurricane off Florida. However, due
to the lesser severity of the 1733 hurricane, which struck the fleet on
July 15, and the shallowness of the wrecksites in the Keys, there were
many survivors, and four ships remained in good enough condition
to be refloated and sent back to Havana. A highly successful salvage
effort by the Spanish yielded even more than the 12 million pesos of
precious cargo listed on the Fleet’s manifest (thanks to the usual
contraband).
The wrecks themselves are spread across 80 miles, from
north of Key Largo down to south of Duck Key, and include the
following galleons (note there is not universal agreement as to which
wrecksite pertains to each galleon, and each name is a
contemporaneous abbreviation or nickname): El Pópulo, El Infante,
San José, El Rubí (the capitana), Chávez, Herrera, Tres Puentes, San Pedro,
El Terri (also spelled Lerri or Herri), San Francisco, El Gallo Indiano (the
almiranta), Las Angustias, El Sueco de Arizón, San Fernando, and San Ignacio.
This last ship, San Ignacio, is believed to be the source of many silver
coins (and even some gold coins) found in a reef area off Deer Key
known as “Coffins Patch,” the south-westernmost of all the 1733-
Fleet wrecksites. In addition, many other related sites are known,
mostly the wrecks of tag-along ships that accompanied the fleet
proper.
The first and arguably most famous of the wrecks of the
1733 Fleet to be located in modern times was the capitana El Rubí,
which was discovered in 1948 and salvaged principally in the 1950s
by Art McKee, whose Sunken Treasure Museum on Plantation Key
housed his finds for all to see. Unfortunately throughout the next
several decades the wrecksites in the Keys became a virtual free-for-
all, with many disputes and confrontations, until the government
created the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary in 1990. The
removal of artifacts from any of the sites is prohibited today.
In contrast to the 1715 Fleet, and because of the extensive
Spanish salvage in the 1730s, the finds by modern divers have been
modest, especially in gold coins, of which there are far more fakes
on the market than genuine specimens. Nevertheless, the 1733 Fleet
has been a significant source for some of the rare Mexican milled
“pillar dollars” of 1732-1733 as well as the transitional “klippe”-type
coins of 1733.
Vliegenthart, sunk in 1735 off Zeeland, the NetherlandsThe East Indiaman Vliegenthart (“Flying Hart” in Dutch)
had just departed Rammekens for the East Indies when the deadly
combination of a northeast gale, a spring tide and pilot error sent her
into a sand bank behind her sister-ship Anna Catharina. The latter
ship broke apart in the storm while the Vliegenthart, damaged and
firing her cannons in distress, slipped off the bank and sank in 10
fathoms of water. All hands on both ships were lost.
Contemporaneous salvage under contract with the Dutch
East India Company was unsuccessful, but it provided a piece of
evidence, a secret map, that emerged from obscurity in 1977.
Stemming from that, divers employed by the former London attorney
Rex Cowan discovered the wreck in 1981, and in 1983 they found
their first coins, one of three chests of Mexican silver and Dutch
gold coins (totaling 67,000 guilders or dollar-sized units) for the East
India trade aboard the Vliegenthart. The second chest was smashed
on the seabed and its contents partially salvaged, while the third chest,
intact like the first, came up in 1992. The divers also recovered several
smaller boxes of large Dutch silver coins known as “ducatoons,”
illegally exported and therefore contraband. Among the silver coins
found were thousands of Mexican cobs, predominantly 8 reales, many
with clear dates in the early 1730s and in excellent condition.
Rooswijk, sunk in 1739 off southeast EnglandOff the southeastern tip of England, just north of the Straits
of Dover, the sea hides a most unusual feature known as the Goodwin
18
Sands, where sandbanks appear and disappear unpredictably and move
with the tides. Many ships over the centuries have sunk here and
silted over, and occasionally one of the wrecks will surface and be
discovered. Such is the case with the Rooswijk, a Dutch East Indiaman
that foundered on the Goodwin Sands in a storm on December 19,
1739 (by the calendar in use by the British at the time), with all hands
and 30 chests of treasure, virtually gone without a trace.
By chance in December 2004, the sands that had swallowed
the wreck of the Rooswijk parted and allowed diver Ken Welling to
retrieve two complete chests and hundreds of silver bars. Operating
in secrecy, salvage continued in 2005 under the direction of Rex Cowan
(in agreement with the Dutch and British governments) and is ongoing
today. So far, several hundred Mexican silver cobs of the 1720s and
early 1730s and transitional “klippes” of 1733-1734, as well as many
more hundreds of “pillar dollars” and a smattering of cobs from
other mints, have hit the market from this wreck, mostly through
auction.
Hollandia, sunk in 1743 off the Scilly Isles, southwest of
EnglandBlown off course on her way to the East Indies, the Hollandia
struck Gunner Rock and sank in about 110 feet of water about 1½
miles east of it on July 13, 1743. There were no survivors.
The first sign of the wreck came in 1971, when divers under
Rex Cowan located the wrecksite and within a couple years salvaged
more than 35,000 silver coins among the nearly 130,000 guilders
(dollar-sized units) recorded to be on board the Hollandia. A great
majority of the coins were Mexican “pillar dollars,” but there were
also some silver cobs, including the scarce Mexican transitional
“klippes” of 1733-1734 and a few Guatemala cobs, in mixed
condition.
Princess Louisa, sunk in 1743 off the Cape Verde Islands,
west of AfricaLaden with 20 chests (69,760 ounces) of Spanish silver, the
East Indiaman Princess Louisa fell victim to surprise currents and
inaccurate charts and struck a reef and sank off Isla de Maio in the
early morning hours of April 18. Forty-two of the 116 people aboard
floated to safety on the nearby island, but nothing on the ship could
be saved. Contemporaneous salvage never came to fruition.
In 1998 and 1999
the wrecksite was located and
salvaged by the Arqueonautas
firm, whose finds from this
wreck have been largely
marketed by a Houston coin
and jewelry dealer ever since,
although some coins were also
sold at auction in 2000-2001.
Most of the coins were New
World silver cobs from all the mints that were operating in the early
1700s (including rare Bogotá cobs), predominantly minors (smaller
than 8 reales), in average condition, with quite a few preserved in as-
found multiple-coin clusters.
Reijgersdaal, sunk in 1747 off South AfricaMore popularly known in the U.S. as Reygersdahl, this typical
East Indiaman was carrying eight chests of silver coins (nearly 30,000
coins) when she sank on October 25, 1747, between Robben and
Dassen Islands. After four-and-a-half months at sea, the crew had
anchored there to fetch rock rabbits (“dassies,” for which Dassen Island
was named) and other fresh food to relieve massive illness on board
the ship, on which some 125 had died and 83 were incapacitated out
of 297 people; but in the face of a gale, the anchor-line snapped and
the ship foundered on the rocks. Only 20 survived the sinking, and
only one incomplete chest of coins was recovered. The area was
deemed too dangerous to attempt further salvage.
Beginning in 1979, modern salvage on the wreck by the
salvage company Sealit yielded thousands of coins (as many as 15,000
by the early 1980s, when protective legislation was enacted in South
Africa), mostly in near pristine condition, which have been sold in
various auctions and private offerings ever since. A great majority of
the coins from this wreck are Mexican pillar dollars in excellent
condition, but there were also a few hundred New World silver cobs,
including Guatemala cobs, which are rarely seen from shipwrecks.
Nuestra Señora de la Luz, sunk in 1752 off Montevideo,
UruguayActually a Portuguese vessel leased by the Spanish, the Luz
left Buenos Aires in the summer of 1752 with a load of money bound
for Spain and had just stopped in Montevideo for provisioning when
a strong storm swept her into the coastline, spreading wreckage over
a wide area and killing all on board. While over 90% of the treasure
was recovered soon afterward, the powder-hold was never found,
and as it turns out, that is where some 200,000 pesos (according to
later reports) of contraband had been stored.
In April 1992, divers working under Rubén Collado began
to recover gold coins on a wrecksite in the Río de la Plata, and soon
it became clear the wreck in question had to be from 1751 or 1752, as
none of the coins was dated later than 1751. The finds, which were
split with the Uruguayan government and then sold at auction in
New York and Montevideo, consisted of mostly milled (bust-type) 8
escudos from the new mint at Santiago, Chile. Also in these auctions
were 95 gold cobs and 353 silver cobs, the former mostly Lima 8 and
4 escudos (but also some Bogotá 2 escudos), and the latter mostly 8
and 4 reales from Potosí (with several more gold and silver cob sold
privately). The gold is pristine, but the silver coins all show at least
moderate corrosion.
Bredenhof, sunk in 1753 off MozambiqueThe Bredenhof was a Dutch East Indiaman headed to India
with 14 barrels of copper “duits” (penny-like coins), 29 chests of
silver bars, and one chest of gold ducats. On June 6, 1753, about 13
miles from the eastern coast of Africa and 120 miles south of the
Portuguese settlement of Mozambique, the Bredenhof found herself
in difficult currents and struck a reef. Amazingly, among the first
items jettisoned to try to raise the ship off the reef were some of the
chests of silver bars! The gold was taken by the ship’s officers, some
of whom survived the trip to Mozambique, but the silver bars and
copper coins were lost until modern times, despite salvage attempts
in the 1750s.
In 1986 divers with the salvage company Sealit found the
wreck and recovered hundreds of silver ingots and hundreds of
thousands of copper coins, all sold at auction by Christie’s Amsterdam
that same year.
19
Tilbury, sunk in 1757 off Nova Scotia, CanadaIn an expedition against the French fortress at Louisbourg,
the Tilbury was one of four ships (in a fleet of twenty) that were
carrying a total of 34 chests of silver coins when the fleet encountered
a hurricane off the southeast coast of Cape Breton. The Tilbury and
one of the non-coin-bearing ships, the smaller sloop Ferret, sank in
the middle of the night on September 25, 1757. Two hundred eighty
of the 400 men on board the Tilbury survived to become French
prisoners; the other ship and its crew were lost without a trace.
Famous diver and author Alex Storm (with Adrian Richards)
located the bow section of the Tilbury in 1969 on a stretch of coastline
known, appropriately enough, as “Tilbury Rocks,” where until the
1980s there was even a cannon from the wreck lying on shore for all
to see. In 1986 divers Pierre LeClerc and Gilles Brisebois found what
is believed to be the midsection of the ship farther offshore, and
these divers recovered several hundred coins, many of which were
auctioned in 1989. Most of the coins were silver pillar dollars, but
there were also several silver cobs and even at least one gold cob
among the finds. The missing stern section of the ship, where the
bulk of the treasure was stored, is still to be found.
Auguste, sunk in 1761 off Nova Scotia, CanadaAfter the end of the Seven Years’ War between England
and France in 1759, French officers and aristocrats in Canada were
sent from Quebec back to France in ships such as the Auguste. In
stormy conditions and damaged by fire, the Auguste struck a sand bar
on November 15 and subsequently sank in Aspy Bay off Cape Breton
Island, Nova Scotia. Only seven of the 121 on board survived, and
the wealth of the passengers was lost until our time. To date, well
over a thousand coins of various nationalities have been found, along
with many important artifacts.
Count Ernst Schimmelmann, sunk in 1781 off the Cape
Verde Islands, west of AfricaThe actual name of
this Danish East Indiaman (if
it even had one) is unknown,
and instead it is referred to by
the name of her captain, who
was taking her from Denmark
to China when she sank in
April of 1781 off the Isle of
Maio. When salvaged by
Arqueonautas in 1999, the
Schimmelmann yielded over 800
pieces of Swedish copper
“plate money,” huge slabs of
copper that actually had
monetary value in the late
1600s and early 1700s but
were demonetized and
shipped as scrap copper by the
time of this wreck.
Royal George, sunk in 1782 off Spithead, EnglandFlagship of the British Royal Navy, the Royal George was the
largest ship in the world when she was first launched in 1756. Among
other distinctions, this ship took part in the American Revolutionary
War. In 1782, while anchored at Spithead and heeled over slightly for
repairs before sailing again, the Royal George suddenly flooded and
sank in 65 feet of water, drowning hundreds of people on board, a
national disaster of epic proportion.
Salvage began right away, but only fifteen cannons were
saved. Twenty-eight more cannons were hauled up in 1834. A more
extensive salvage operation in 1839-1843 brought up the rest of the
guns and even recovered most of the ship’s timbers. The bronze guns
and timbers were then used to make small “relics” (replica cannons
and small books with wooden covers, among other items), which are
valuable souvenirs today.
Cazador, sunk in 1784 off New Orleans, LouisianaThe Cazador was a Spanish brig of war headed from Vera
Cruz, Mexico, to New Orleans under the direction of Captain Gabriel
de Campos y Piñeda. Her cargo of some 450,000 pesos of newly
minted silver coins was meant to stabilize the fragile economy in the
Spanish possession of Louisiana, which had suffered from the use
of French paper currency. The fact that the coins never arrived
probably hastened the decision to cede the colony to Napoleon in
1800, soon after which Louisiana was sold to the fledgling United
States of America for $15 million.
Nobody knows how the Cazador was lost, and no evidence
of the ship was found until 1993, when a fishing crew led by Captain
Jerry Murphy snagged their net on something about 50 miles south
of New Orleans in the Gulf of Mexico. When the net was brought
up, it spilled out hundreds of silver coins onto the deck of Jerry’s
boat, aptly named Mistake. Shortly thereafter, the fishermen obtained
the rights to the find and began recoveries under the name of Grumpy
Inc.
Hartwell, sunk in 1787 off the Cape Verde Islands, west
of AfricaOn her maiden voyage to China, the British East Indiaman
Hartwell was heavily laden with silver when the crew mutinied. After
quelling the fight, the captain headed to the Cape Verde Islands to
offload the mutineers. Exhausted from the mutiny, the weary sailors
ran the ship into a reef off the Island of Boavista, losing the ship
entirely. Fortunately all hands were saved.
Salvage by the British East India Company 1788-1791
yielded nearly half of the approximately 200,000 ounces of silver
cargo on board the Hartwell. Pirates at the time recovered another
40,000 coins.
The wrecksite was found again and salvaged by Afrimar in
1994-1996 and by Arqueonautas in 1996-1999, providing the market
with Spanish colonial bust-type 8 reales in generally poor condition.
Leocadia, sunk in 1800 off Punta Santa Elena, EcuadorThis wreck, salvaged periodically in the late twentieth
century, typically yielded portrait (bust) 8 reales from Lima, Peru, but
more recent work in 2001 brought up a handful of small silver cobs
of the mid- to late 1700s mostly from the Potosí mint. These were
probably from a small, private purse and not part of the more than 2
million pesos of registered silver and gold cargo aboard the Leocadia
when she departed Paita, Peru, bound for Panama in a convoy of
merchant vessels. On November 16, 1800, the Leocadia struck a shoal
and broke apart 100 yards from the beach at Punta Santa Elena, with
a loss of over 140 lives in the disaster. Within the next year the Spanish
salvaged about 90 percent of the registered treasure, leaving more
than 200,000 pesos (not to mention the expected contraband) behind
20
to tempt divers in our time. Judging from the paucity of coins from
this ship on the open market, we may assume that many more are still
to be found.
Admiral Gardner, sunk in 1809 off the southeast coast of
EnglandAlong with her sister-ship Britannia, the English East
Indiaman Admiral Gardner was outbound with an immense cargo (48
tons!) of copper coins for circulation in India when both ships sank
in a storm on the Goodwin Sands on January 24, 1809. Ten lives
were lost, as was all the cargo. The coins were recovered in modern
times, literally a million of them packed in wax inside wooden barrels.
“Coconut wreck,” sunk ca. 1810 in deep water off BermudaThis fascinating find has been touted as the deepest treasure
wreck ever found, and it should hold that title for a long time! While
searching in 1999 for Gus Grissom’s space capsule Liberty Bell 7
(lost in a test at sea, in which Grissom nearly died) from the Mercury
program of 1961, underwater explorer Curt Newport (supported by
the Discovery Channel) noticed an unidentified anomaly at a depth
of 16,300 feet—not the space capsule (which was eventually found
and recovered), but something interesting to be investigated later.
That day came in 2001 when Michael McDowell used a pair of Russian
submarines to view the wreck, whereupon they discovered the remains
of a wooden trading vessel loaded with coconuts! A chest full of
over 1300 silver coins was soon recovered, along with a small, ornate
gold box containing 13 gold coins wrapped in a newspaper dated
August 6, 1809. These gold coins were sold at auction in 2008 by
Stack’s in New York, who dubbed this the “Coconut wreck,” despite
its earlier names (given by divers and promoters) of “Piña Colada
wreck” and “Atlantic Target Expedition wreck”.
We had the honor of being the first auction house to offer
the silver coins from this wreck in 2008, following which we brokered
a sale of the entire cache of over 1000 coins. Working with the new
owner, we are privileged to offer here in Treasure Auction #6 the
“Coconut Wreck Research Collection” of the top 50 silver coins from
the find, consisting of one of every date and denomination found in
collectible grade.
Diana, sunk in 1817 off MalaysiaAfter trading goods in China for the English East India Co.,
the Diana was headed back to India when she hit rocks in the Straits
of Malacca and sank with a cargo of porcelains. Salvaged by Dorian
Ball in 1994, the Diana’s porcelains were sold at auction by Christie’s
(Amsterdam) in 1995.
Sabina, sunk in 1842 off South AfricaA Spanish vessel returning to Spain from Manila with the
retired governor and his wealth, the Sabina wrecked off Cape Recife
on August 8, 1842. She was located in our time by the salvage company
Sealit, who recovered thousands of coins and donated them to the
Port Elizabeth museum in South Africa.
Santo Andre, sunk in 1856 off the Cape Verde Islands,
west of AfricaThe Santo Andre was a Spanish galera that sank on July 25,
1856, on Rifona Reef off Boavista Island in the Cape Verde Islands.
The wrecksite was salvaged in our time by different companies
beginning in 1993 and ending in 1996, yielding thousands of Spanish
and French silver coins and small artifacts.
S.S. Central America, sunk in 1857 in deep water off North
CarolinaSunk in a hurricane on September 12, 1857, the mail steamer
Central America took with her more than 400 lives and over three tons
of gold. The wreck lay undisturbed until 1986, when Tommy
Thompson and his Columbus-America Discovery Group located the
ship in 8500 feet of water. After 10 years of legal struggles, the
salvagers were awarded about 92 percent of the treasure, with most
of the rest going to insurance companies who had paid the claim
when the ship sank. Widely touted as the greatest treasure ever found,
the gold from the Central America has been very heavily promoted
and cleverly marketed.
S.S. Republic, sunk in 1865 in deep water off Savannah,
GeorgiaOriginally christened the Tennessee (which is how she was
identified in our time), the sidewheel steamer Republic was carrying
some $400,000 in specie from New York to New Orleans when she
sank in a hurricane about 100 miles offshore on October 25, 1865.
One of many deep targets located by the salvage company Odyssey,
the site of the Republic was salvaged by submersible craft beginning
in 2003. In addition to gold and silver coins of the Civil War-era
United States, Odyssey found the ship’s bell with part of the name
Tennessee, confirming the ship’s identity and launching a massive,
ongoing promotional campaign for coins and artifacts from the wreck.
Douro, sunk in 1882 off Cape Finisterre, SpainThe British Royal Mail Steamer Douro was en route to
England from Portugal when she collided with the Spanish steamship
Yrurac Bat and sank in the early morning hours of April 2, 1882, in
deep water off the northwest coast of Spain. All but six people on
board survived, but the ship and its cargo of tens of thousands of
gold coins were a total loss. The wreck was found and salvaged in
1995 by Sverker Hallstrom and Nigel Pickford using a remote-
operated vehicle (ROV) at a depth of 1,500 feet. The cargo of gold
coins, mostly British sovereigns was sold at auction by Spink (London)
in 1996.
Any questions? Please email us
at info@sedwickcoins.com
or call (407) 975-3325
21
SESSION I: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 11:00 a.m.
GOLD COBSMexico City, Mexico
1. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, 1709J, possible “Royal” presentation issue, extremely rare and choice high
grade, from the 1715 Fleet. S-M30, KM-57.1, CT-101. 26.9 grams. Arguably the most important coin in this catalog, our lot #1 is
unique in several ways and is among the highest-grade cob 8E we have ever seen, with full mint luster and certain details, like the
cross, tapering to sharp, completely unworn tops and (to our eyes at least) apparently specially prepared on a much rounder than
usual flan and with more complete and more evenly struck design than expected for the crude 1702-1710 period. Exceptional
quality aside, the fact is that this coin is the ONLY clear example known of the 1709 date, and careful study indicates that the
date may be re-engraved over both (170)8 and (170)7, further evidence that this was a special presentation die retained and
reused for several years. Complicating matters is the fact that there are NO KNOWN Royals for the years 1703-1710 to compare
with. We expect this lot will fetch well above its conservative estimate, as other Royals (even relatively common dates) have
recently gotten well into six figures at auction. From the 1715 Fleet. Estimate: $35,000-$50,000.
2. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, 1710J, from the
1715 Fleet, very rare. S-M30, KM-57.1, CT-102. 26.7 grams. With
full and beautiful shield and oXMJ, bold 171 and round bottom
of the final digit of the date, also high grade (UNC) and a
lovely gold color, this specimen is one of the best known of
this rare date and is exceptional for this generally crude period.
From the 1715 Fleet, with Real Eight Co. certificate. Estimate:
$10,000-$15,000.
3. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, 1711J, from the
1715 Fleet. S-M30, KM-57.1, CT-103. 26.9 grams. Nice full shield
and oXMJ and denomination VIII, clear 11 of date, crude cross
(with special “ears” type ornaments in quadrants), much legend,
lightly sandwashed AU-. From the 1715 Fleet, with Real Eight Co.
certificate. Estimate: $8,000-$12,000.
22
4. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, 1713J, from the
1715 Fleet, encapsulated NGC AU-55, choice strike. S-M30,
KM-57.1, CT-106. Excellent strike for the date, with choice full
shield, oXMJ, denomination, crown and even the 1713 date,
plus a fully detailed cross on the other side, light tan sediment
in crevices. From the 1715 Fleet, with provenance printed inside slab.
Estimate: $10,000-$15,000.
5. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, 1713J, from the
1715 Fleet, encapsulated NGC MS-63, choice grade. S-M30,
KM-57.1, CT-106. Crude shape (four distinct “bevels” to edge, as
made) but choice high grade and with bold full oXMJ and clear
date. (Note new slab with four prongs to enable edge-viewing.)
From the 1715 Fleet. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000.
6. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, 1714J, from the
1715 Fleet, encapsulated NGC AU-55. S-M30, KM-57.2, CT-
108. Full date, cross, shield, crown and oMJ, and high grade
(Mint State in our opinion), just lightly struck. (Note new slab
with four prongs to enable edge-viewing.) From the 1715 Fleet.
Estimate: $10,000-$15,000.
7. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, 1714J, from the
1715 Fleet, encapsulated NGC AU-50. S-M30, KM-57.2, CT-
108. Bold date, full cross and crown, lightly polished but
accurately graded. From the 1715 Fleet, with provenance printed inside
slab. Estimate: $9,000-$13,500.
8. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, (1714)J, from the
1715 Fleet, scarce variety with “GRAT” where date
normally appears. S-M30, KM-57.2, CT-107. 26.9 grams. Choice full
cross, no evidence of date but clear (GR)AT on shield side, a
scarce one-year type with several distinctive errors in the die,
like denomination VIII/IIIV and Austria (bar) punched over
New Burgundy (fleurs) on left side of shield, AU+. From the
1715 Fleet. Estimate: $6,000-$9,000.
9. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, (17)14J, from the
1715 Fleet, scarce variety with “GRAT” where date
normally appears. S-M30, KM-57.2, CT-107. 27.1 grams. Good full
shield and cross and oMJ, clear 14 of date above cross, lightly
polished and with a few minor scratches as once in jewelry, AU.
From the 1715 Fleet. Estimate: $5,000-$7,500.
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catalog for fax or mail bids)
Want to see your collection here? Consign
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deadline January 31
23
10. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 escudos, 171(5)J, from the
1715 Fleet. S-M30, KM-57.2, CT-109. 26.7 grams. Choice bold shield
and denomination VIII with flanking ornaments, nice full cross,
full oMJ, fully Mint State in a lovely shade of gold. From the
1715 Fleet. Estimate: $5,000-$7,500.
11. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 escudos, date and assayer
not visible (style of 1702-10, oXMJ), from the 1715 Fleet.
KM-55.1. 13.3 grams. A bit more worn than most (VF) and lightly
polished as previously worn in jewelry, still with nearly full and
well-centered cross and shield and clear denomination IIII. From
the 1715 Fleet, with photo-certificate. Estimate: $2,500-$3,250.
12. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 escudos, 1713J, from the
1715 Fleet, encapsulated NGC MS-63. S-M30, KM-55.1, CT-
233. Choice high grade proven by high points in details
(particularly the full cross), bold full shield and oXMJ, bottoms
of all 4 digits of the date visible. From the 1715 Fleet, with provenance
printed inside slab. Estimate: $6,000-$9,000.
13. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 escudos, Philip V, date
and assayer not visible (style of 1711-13, oXMJ), from the
1715 Fleet, encapsulated NGC AU-55. KM-55.1. Lustrous and
high grade (closer to Mint State in our opinion), great full shield
(well centered) and crown and denomination. From the 1715
Fleet, with provenance printed inside slab. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
14. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 escudos, 171(4)J, from the
1715 Fleet. S-M30, KM-55.2, CT-234. 13.3 grams. Typically choice
details (full cross and shield, albeit slightly off-center, plus full
crown and oMJ and IIII) and high grade (Mint State), last digit
of date flat, rounder flan than most, a few recent marks in
periphery but not overly distracting. From the 1715 Fleet.
Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
15. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 escudos, 1714J, from the
1715 Fleet. S-M30, KM-53.2, CT-350. 6.8 grams. Complete date and
oMJ, choice full shield and cross, very high grade (probably
MS-63), desirable certificate. From the 1715 Fleet, with original
Treasure Salvors certificate signed by Rupe Gates. Estimate: $3,000-
$4,500.
16. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 escudos, 1714J, from the
1715 Fleet. S-M30, KM-53.2, CT-350. 6.8 grams. Very bold full date,
full oMJ, crown, shield and cross, Mint State with slightly crude
edge. From the 1715 Fleet. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
17. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 escudos, (1)715J, from the
1715 Fleet, rare. S-M30, CT-351. 6.6 grams. Bold full 715 of date
(much rarer than 1714 and highly desirable as the date of
sinking), full crown and cross and most of shield, AU but with
some flatness, desirable certificate and provenance (same
Memorial Day 1964 chest as lot #21 in this sale). From the Colored
Beach site of the 1715 Fleet, with Real Eight Co. certificate. Estimate:
$3,000-$4,500.
18. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 escudos, (171)5J, from the
1715 Fleet, rare, mounted in 18K necklace bezel. S-M30, CT-
351. 11.5 grams. Choice full crown, nearly full shield, bottom of 5
of date only (rare and desirable as the date of sinking), full but
double-struck cross, nicely aligned axes and therefore reversible
in jewelry. From the 1715 Fleet. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
24
19. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 escudo, 1713J, from the 1715 Fleet, encapsulated NGC MS-61. S-M30, KM-51.1, CT-509. Bold
713 of date (rare thus), choice full crown, well-detailed shield and cross, also rare grade. From the 1715 Fleet and pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
20. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 escudo, (1714)J, from the 1715 Fleet. S-M30, KM-51.2, CT-510. 3.4 grams. Choice full shield and
crown and cross, perfectly detailed and high grade (Mint State), also well centered and with none of the doubling that sometimes
plagues this otherwise beautiful type, desirable certificate. From the 1715 Fleet, with original Treasure Salvors certificate signed by Rupe
Gates. Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
Lima, Peru
21. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1702H, from the 1715 Fleet, very rare, Calicó Plate Coin. S-L25a, KM-38.1, CT-12. 26.9 grams.
A key rarity (4 known, missing in the State of Florida collection), one of only 2 found by the Real Eight Co. on the 1715 Fleet
(this one among some 1800 cobs stacked up in a disintegrated wooden chest found on Memorial Day of 1964 by Bob Johnson
about 150 yards from the ballast pile of the Colored Beach wreck site), also a very photogenic coin (Plate Coin #218 in Calicó’s
La Onza reference) on a broad and perfectly round planchet with 100% full legends and inner details, clear date despite very
minor doubling on pillars only, lustrous AU. One of the major highlights of this sale. From the Colored Beach site of the 1715 Fleet,
with Real Eight Co. certificate. Estimate: $20,000-$30,000.
22. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1709M, from the 1715 Fleet.
S-L28, KM-38.1, CT-20. 26.9 grams. Choice full and well-centered
cross with nearly full legend on that side, full but slightly off-
center pillars with full crown above, near Mint State in a lovely
shade of gold, the date a bit scarce. From the 1715 Fleet, with
Artifacts Ltd (Cayman) certificate. Estimate: $8,000-$10,000.
23. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1712M, from the 1715 Fleet.
S-L28, KM-38.2, CT-23. 26.9 grams. Bold full second date in legend,
great full cross and pillars, somewhat compact flan, AU, with
desirable certificate and provenance (found in July of 1964 on
the patache site at Colored Beach). From the 1715 Fleet, with Real
Eight Co. certificate. Estimate: $7,000-$10,000.
25
24. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1712M, from the 1715 Fleet.
S-L28, KM-38.2, CT-23. 26.9 grams. Full-sized planchet with complete
cross and crown, clear second date in legend, doubled on the 2
of the primary date and with one castle flat, otherwise AU+.
From the 1715 Fleet, with Artifacts Ltd (Cayman) certificate. Estimate:
$6,000-$9,000.
25. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1712M, obverse legend
beginning at 6 o’clock, from the 1715 Fleet. S-L28, KM-38.2,
CT-23. 26.9 grams. Bold and well-centered full pillars and cross,
clear second date in legend, near AU. From the 1715 Fleet.
Estimate: $6,000-$9,000.
26. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1712M, from the 1715 Fleet.
S-L28, KM-38.2, CT-23. 27.0 grams. Bold legends, nice full crown,
full cross and pillars (the latter doubled), AU with reddish toning
in crevices, well centered on a broad flan. From the 1715 Fleet,
with Sinclair and Pearson photo-certificates. Estimate: $6,000-$9,000.
27. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1712M, from the 1715 Fleet.
S-L28, KM-38.2, CT-23. 26.9 grams. Full cross and pillars, much bold
legend (including second date “71,” lacking the final digit
entirely), well centered but doubled on the pillars side (weak
date as a result), lightly toned AU. From the 1715 Fleet. Estimate:
$5,000-$7,500.
28. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1713/2M, from the 1715
Fleet, scarce. S-L28, CT-24. 26.9 grams. Very bold, well-centered
and choice full cross and pillars with clear date and overdate,
XF grade, desirable certificate and provenance (same Memorial
Day 1964 chest as lot #21 in this sale). From the Colored Beach site
of the 1715 Fleet, with Real Eight Co. certificate. Estimate: $8,500-
$12,500.
29. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1716M, rows of dots,
encapsulated NGC XF-45. S-L28, KM-38.2, CT-28. Curious one-
year type with dots for the rows and also filling all the blank
spaces on the pillars side, which is fully detailed and well
centered, also full cross, possibly salvaged. Estimate: $6,000-
$9,000.
30. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1727M, from the 1733 Fleet.
S-L28b, KM-38.2, CT-40. 26.9 grams. Choice full cross and pillars,
bold second date in legend, high grade (AU or better) with
light red toning on most of the surface (except a round place
near the edge where another coin was protecting it), rare
provenance as from the 1733 Fleet and surely one of the finest
known. From the 1733 Fleet and pedigreed to our Treasure Auction
#3, lot #14, with Sedwick photo-certificate. Estimate: $6,000-
$9,000.
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26
31. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1734/3N, encapsulated
NGC VF-25, rare overdate. S-L29. Not high grade but well
struck with full cross and pillars, lightly toned, unlisted overdate.
Estimate: $5,000-$7,500.
32. Lima, Peru, cob 8 escudos, 1750R, from the Luz (1752),
encapsulated NGC XF-45. S-L31, KM-47, CT-17. Full pillars and
cross (the latter with clear second date below), 2 mintmarks
and assayers, full king’s ordinal VI in legend, lustrous but
double-struck all over. From the Luz (1752), with provenance printed
in slab. Estimate: $6,000-$9,000.
33. Lima, Peru, cob 4 escudos, 1750R, from the Luz (1752).
S-L31, KM-A47, CT-91. 13.5 grams. Round, compact flan with choice
full cross and pillars, high grade (lustrous Mint State with fine
sediment in crevices), very slightly doubled on pillars side but
still nicely detailed. From the Luz (1752) and pedigreed to our Treasure
Auction #3, lot #18. Estimate: $5,000-$7,500.
34. Lima, Peru, cob 2 escudos, 1697/6H, from the 1715
Fleet, scarce. S-L25. 6.9 grams. Large planchet with choice full
cross-lions-castles and pillars-and-waves, clear date and
overdate, bold C.II. in legend, lustrous Mint State, desirable
certificate and provenance (same Memorial Day 1964 chest as
lot #21 in this sale), unlisted overdate for this denomination.
From the Colored Beach site of the 1715 Fleet, with Real Eight Co.
certificate. Estimate: $7,000-$10,000.
35. Lima, Peru, cob 2 escudos, 1701H, posthumous Charles
II, from the 1715 Fleet, very rare. S-L25, KM-29, CT-129. 6.7
grams. Choice pillars-side details with bold date (far superior to
the State of Florida collection specimen, which may be the only
other one known), full but slightly off-center cross with king’s
ordinal II in legend, lustrous Mint State with dark orange
sediment in crevices, desirable certificate. From the Corrigans site
of the 1715 Fleet, with Real Eight Co. certificate. Estimate: $6,000-
$9,000.
36. Lima, Peru, cob 2 escudos, 1705H, from the 1715 Fleet,
rare. S-L25a, KM-36, CT-300. 6.7 grams. Very choice full cross, nice
full pillars with weak but certain 5 of date, lustrous Mint State.
From the 1715 Fleet, with Sedwick photo-certificate. Estimate: $5,000-
$7,000.
37. Lima, Peru, cob 2 escudos, 1707H, from the 1715 Fleet,
scarce, encapsulated NGC XF-45. S-L25a, KM-36, CT-301. Very
large, round flan with full cross and pillars (the latter double-
struck), ISPANIA (without the H) in legend. (Note new slab
with four prongs to enable edge-viewing.) From the 1715 Fleet.
Estimate: $6,000-$9,000.
38. Lima, Peru, cob 2 escudos, 1709M, from the 1715 Fleet.
S-L28, KM-36, CT-303. 6.7 grams. Broad flan with perfect cross side
(full legend) and choice pillars side (full crown), the tail of the
9 of the date typically lost in the waves and easily mistaken for
a 0, AU with faint orange toning all over. From the 1715 Fleet,
with NumisTreasure photo-certificate from 2008. Estimate: $5,000-
$7,000.
27
39. Lima, Peru, cob 2 escudos, 1710H, from the 1715 Fleet.
S-L25a, KM-36, CT-304. 6.8 grams. Very bold and choice full pillars-
and-waves and cross-lions-castles, lustrous Mint State, patches
of gray coral here and there, very attractive, with desirable
certificate and provenance (Ubilla/Colored Beach find by Real
Eight in the 1960s). From the Colored Beach site of the 1715 Fleet,
with Real Eight Co. certificate. Estimate: $6,000-$9,000.
40. Lima, Peru, cob 1 escudo, 1698R, from the 1715 Fleet,
very rare assayer for date. S-L26, KM-27, CT-178. 3.4 grams. Slightly
crude design, easily mistaken at first for some kind of
contemporary counterfeit, but further study proves it is the
very rare (in this denomination) first date of issue for assayer
R, with full and choice castle, bold date and R, full cross on
other side, fully Mint State (and proper weight) with minute
bits of coral in crevices, with desirable certificate. From the 1715
Fleet, with Real Eight Co. certificate. Estimate: $7,000-$10,000.
Cartagena, Colombia
41. Cartagena, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, 162(2)
SF, posthumous Philip III, from the SantaMargarita (1622). S-C5, KM-4.3, CT-16. 6.7 grams. Highly
touted as “the first gold coin struck in the Americas,”
this 1622 issue shows a mysterious SF mintmark
without an assayer, as the die was engraved in Spain
before the assayer was known (another, less popular
theory being that the F is a broken-E assayer-mark),
which is also why the legend indicates Philip III, who
died in 1621. This specimen (one of only 7 known)
shows a nice full shield and SF and bold king’s name
and clear ordinal III, but the date is mostly off the
edge, and the cross and part of the shield are plagued
by areas of flatness (otherwise UNC), the non-flat
parts nevertheless bold and graced with dark,
contrasting sediment. Also desirable for its
provenance and early certificate (in fact probably the
first specimen ever found, but not known to
numismatists until 2008). From the Santa Margarita
(1622), with Fisher photo-certificate #178-M-80, and
pedigreed to our Treasure Auction #3, lot #23. Estimate:
$15,000-$25,000.
42. Cartagena, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, 1635E,
choice, Lasser-Restrepo Plate Coin. S-C7, KM-4.6,
CT-137. 6.7 grams. One of the finest known specimens
anywhere, with clear date and •C•E•, choice full shield
and cross, bold ordinal •II•, near AU with contrasting
sediment on fields, also highly pedigreed, as a coin
of such ultimate quality should be. Pedigreed to the
Joseph Lasser collection, Plate Coin in his book The Cob
Coinage of Colombia (2000) and Restrepo’s Monedas
de Colombia (2009). Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.
28
Bogotá, Colombia
43. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 4 escudos, 1740M, rare, encapsulated PCGS AU-50. S-B26, KM-23, CT-254. Thick and compact
round flan with choice full shield, small bold cross, bold 174 and certain 0 of date, closer to Mint State in our opinion, with
attractively contrasting sediment on fields. Pedigreed to our Treasure Auction #3, lot #25. Estimate: $3,500-$4,750.
44. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 4 escudos, Ferdinand VI, assayer S (style of 1755-56), encapsulated NGC VF-35. S-B27a, KM-
27. Choice full cross (with distinctive ribbons) and shield, bold 4•S• to right, round and thick flan, nicely contrasting sediment on
fields. Estimate: $2,250-$3,500.
45. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, Philip IV, NR to left, II-R to right (early 1650s), from the Maravillas (1656). S-
B21, KM-4.1. 6.7 grams. Choice full cross and shield and crown, lustrous Mint State, desirable provenance. From the Maravillas
(1656), with Sedwick photo-certificate from 2007. Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
46. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, 1689G, rare, encapsulated NGC VF-35. S-B23, KM-14.1, CT-152. Full cross with
bottom of all four digits of date in legend, full but slightly crude shield (rusty die?) with clear II•G and part of king’s name in
legend, toned on fields. Pedigreed to the Lasser collection, with pedigree printed inside the slab. Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
47. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, Charles II, assayer not visible, cut down to weight of a 1E. KM-14.1. 3.3 grams. Very
odd little coin with details of pre-1700 Charles II (nearly full cross, most of shield) but with the periphery evidently chopped
away in the just right amount to make this a 1E, also with some scratches near the edge, VF with toning on fields. Estimate:
$500-$750.
48. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, posthumous Charles II, from the 1715 Fleet, encapsulated PCGS MS-62. S-B24,
KM-14.2. Broad flan with choice full cross and shield, lustrous and with sharp, high-grade details, well centered. From the 1715
Fleet. Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
49. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, Charles II posthumous, from the 1715 Fleet. S-B24, KM-14.2. 6.7 grams. Full cross and
shield on a thick, compact flan, Mint State or close to it. From the 1715 Fleet, with 2007 Sedwick photo-certificate. Estimate: $1,500-
$2,250.
50. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, 1712, from the 1715 Fleet. S-B24, KM-14.2, CT-15. 6.7 grams. Full date with bold 2, very
broad flan with small edge-split, full but doubled shield and cross, AU with lots of dark staining from the sea, desirable certificate.
From the Rio Mar site (Echevez’ Capitana) of the 1715 Fleet, with Real Eight Co. certificate. Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
51. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, 1713, with 3 punched over “backwards” 3
(unique), from the 1715 Fleet. S-B24, KM-14.2, CT-16. 6.8 grams. Interesting and unique
issue with the 3 punched over a previous 3 that was rotated 180 degrees, which makes it
look backwards, in a 100% full and bold date, also lustrous Mint State, big flan with
nearly full cross and shield, desirable certificate. From the Rio Mar site (Echevez’ Capitana)
of the 1715 Fleet, with Real Eight Co. certificate. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
29
52. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, 1714, from the 1715
Fleet. S-B24, KM-14.2, CT-17. 6.8 grams. Big flan with full date,
nearly full shield, doubled cross, Mint State with some spots
of deep toning, desirable certificate. From the Rio Mar site
(Echevez’ Capitana) of the 1715 Fleet, with Real Eight Co. certificate.
Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
53. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, (1)729(S), mintmark
F to left. S-B25b, KM-17.2, CT-384. 6.7 grams. Clear 29 of date above
full cross and mintmark F (for Santa Fe) to left of well-detailed
upper-left portion of shield that shows transposed lions and
castles, compact-flan XF+ with old scratch below cross.
Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
54. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 2 escudos, 1736M. S-B26, KM-
17.2, CT-392. 6.8 grams. Bold 17 and weak but certain 36 of date,
crude tiny cross, full shield, XF but with areas of flatness.
Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
55. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 1 escudo, Charles II
posthumous, from the 1715 Fleet. S-B24, KM-13. 3.3 grams.
Choice full cross, nearly full shield, AU- with subtle orange
toning all over. From the 1715 Fleet, with Sedwick photo-certificate.
Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
56. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 1 escudo, Philip V, assayer S
(early 1720s), encapsulated NGC VF-30. S-B25, KM-22. Nice
full cross, nearly full shield with bold S to right, which makes it
odd that NGC attributed it to Charles II, also we would call it
XF. Pedigreed to the Lasser collection, with pedigree printed inside slab.
Estimate: $1,250-$2,000.
Seville, Spain
57. Seville, Spain, cob 8 escudos, Charles II, assayer S,
scarce but crude, encapsulated NGC VF-20. KM-168.2, CT-
Type 14. Very large and rustic coin with bold S•S to left, just
above the king’s ordinal II in legend, full but very crude cross,
a testament to the deterioration in quality under Charles II but
oddly attractive to the true collector of cobs. (Note new slab
with four prongs to enable edge-viewing.) Estimate: $3,500-
$5,000.
58. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, 1612D. KM-20, CT-38. 6.7
grams. Bold S-D and 6 of date (the rest clear too, just weaker),
full but slightly crude cross and shield, VF. Estimate: $1,000-
$1,500.
59. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer B,
from the Atocha (1622), rare provenance. KM-20, CT-Type 19.
6.7 grams. Good full cross and shield, bold S mintmark, interesting
edge, lightly toned XF, one of only about 100 gold cobs found
on this wreck, all of which are highly coveted when
accompanied by original certificates as this one is. From the
Atocha (1622), with original Fisher photo-certificate #GC-59.
Estimate: $6,000-$9,000.
60. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer B,
choice. KM-20, CT-Type 19. 6.7 grams. Full flan with nice and
complete shield and cross, bold S-B and denomination •II•,
king’s ordinal III in legend, XF with light sediment in crevices.
Estimate: $750-$1,100.
30
61. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer B.
KM-20, CT-Type 19. 6.6 grams. Full but crude cross and shield, full
S-B, flat and slightly bulged area above cross with cracks that
could be evidence of a plug from long ago, AVF. Estimate:
$600-$900.
62. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer D.
KM-20, CT-Type 20. 6.7 grams. Lustrous, lemon-yellow AU with
full shield and cross, bold S-D, king’s ordinal III. Estimate:
$600-$900.
63. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer D.
KM-20, CT-Type 20. 6.7 grams. Compact flan with full and well-
centered shield and cross, clear S-D, VF. Estimate: $600-$900.
64. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer D.
KM-20, CT-Type 20. 6.7 grams. Lustrous AU with full shield and
•S•D•, full but weak cross. Estimate: $600-$900.
65. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer G.
KM-20, CT-Type 22. 6.7 grams. Oval-shaped AU, lustrous, with full
cross, nearly full shield, weak but certain assayer G. Estimate:
$600-$900.
66. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer V.
KM-20, CT-Type 21. 6.7 grams. Full cross and shield, lustrous and
high grade (AU), with full S-V. Estimate: $600-$900.
67. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer V,
broad flan. KM-20, CT-Type 21. 6.7 grams. Extra large flan with
full shield and cross (the latter slightly doubled), bold mintmark
S but weak assayer V, lustrous UNC. Estimate: $600-$900.
68. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer V. KM-
20, CT-Type 21. 6.7 grams. Somewhat crude, with nearly full shield
and crown and cross, clear S-V, AXF with flat spots. Estimate:
$600-$900.
69. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III, assayer V. KM-
20, CT-Type 21. 6.7 grams. Lustrous AU with choice full shield, nearly
full crown and cross, bold assayer V, just a little off-center.
Estimate: $600-$900.
70. Lot of 4 Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip III,
assayers not visible. KM-20. 6.7 to 6.8 grams each. All with full or
nearly full crosses and shields, VF-XF, great for jewelry.
Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
71. Seville, Spain, cob 2 escudos, Philip IV, assayer D. KM-
22.1, CT-Type 39. 6.7 grams. Lustrous Mint State, with small full
cross and most of shield, bold S-D above king’s ordinal IIII in
legend (very close in style to the Philip III’s above). Estimate:
$600-$900.
72. Seville, Spain, cob 1 escudo, Philip III, assayer B. KM-
48.1, CT-Type 29. 3.4 grams. Nearly full cross and shield, lightly toned
VF with flat area at top, clear S-B. Estimate: $600-$900.
73. Seville, Spain, cob 1 escudo, Philip III, assayer V. KM-
48.1, CT-Type 29. 3.3 grams. Worn Fine with dark sediment in
crevices, nearly full shield and cross, some old (minor) scratches.
With Numismatic Treasures photo-certificate. Estimate: $500-$750.
31
WORLD GOLD COINS
Brazil (colonial)
74. Rio, Brazil, 6400 reis, 1771. KM-172.2. 14.3 grams. Problem-
free XF. Estimate: $800-$1,200.
Chile (colonial)
75. Santiago, Chile, bust 8 escudos, 1751J, from the Luz
(1752), encapsulated NGC MS-62. KM-3, CT-72. Much better
strike than usual, lustrous and problem-free. From the Luz (1752).
Estimate: $5,000-$7,500.
76. Santiago, Chile, bust 8 escudos, 1751J, from the Luz
(1752), encapsulated NGC MS-61. KM-3, CT-72. Typically weak
centers, matte obverse but lustrous reverse with small
lamination. (Note new slab with four prongs to enable edge-
viewing.) From the Luz (1752). Estimate: $3,500-$5,000.
Chile (Republic)
77. Santiago, Chile, 8 escudos, 1819FD. KM-84. 26.8 grams.
Lustrous VF with scratch in center above mountains, slightly
crude edge. Estimate: $800-$1,200.
78. Santiago, Chile, 8 escudos, 1822FI. KM-84. 26.9 grams.
Lustrous AXF with the usual minor laminations. Estimate:
$750-$1,100.
79. Santiago, Chile, 8 escudos, 1836IJ, overstruck on a
Santiago 8E of 1818-34, very rare. KM-93. 26.6 grams. Well-
struck VF with parts of the old design peeking through (most
of FUERZA above DE CHILE in the legend). In 1835 Chile
implemented a new design to commemorate the promulgation
of a new constitution in 1833. In early 1836 officials discovered
that some of the 8 escudos of the years 1826-30 of the previous
type (1818-1834, KM-84), which were still legal tender, were
found to be counterfeit and were recalled for melting. In the
process the genuine coins that were turned in for examination
were overstruck with the new design, and in fact Santiago’s
mint records from 1836 document the overstriking of 2400
pesos in that year (and only in that year), an amount equal to
just 150 coins. Surviving examples of these coins number fewer
than 10, and in Calicó’s La Onza book the plated example is
stated as unique and valued at 4000 Euros, an overstatement
of rarity to be sure, but perhaps accurate in terms of value.
Estimate: $1,800-$2,500.
32
80. Santiago, Chile, 8 escudos, 1850LA. KM-105. 26.9 grams.
Lightly cleaned AXF with minor rim-bump. Estimate: $800-
$1,200.
Colombia (colonial)
82. Popayán, Colombia, bust 8 escudos, Charles III,
1774JS, from an unidentified shipwreck. KM-50.2, CT-125. 27.0
grams. AU or even UNC details but with matte fields and
sediment and a few minor pecks that prove its salvage origin,
which was probably either McKee’s mysterious “Pitch Barrel
wreck” or the 1815 San Pedro de Alcántara off Venezuela, or
possibly some other wreck off Colombia. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $1,250-$2,000.
83. Popayán, Colombia, bust 8 escudos, Charles III,
1776SF, desirable date. KM-50.2, CT-129. 26.9 grams. Lustrous
XF, slightly crude rim (as made). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $1,250-$2,000.
84. Popayán, Colombia, bust 4 escudos, Ferdinand VI,
1758J, nice grade. KM-31.2, CT-116. 13.5 grams. Lustrous AU with
slightly weak bust, lightly buffed fields, very scarce type. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
81. Santiago, Chile, 10 pesos, 1852. KM-123. 15.3 grams. Slightly
off-center VF+. Estimate: $450-$600.
85. Popayán, Colombia, bust 2 escudos, Charles III,
1776SF, desirable date. KM-49.2, CT-506. 6.7 grams. Lustrous XF+
with slightly weak bust, minor scratches. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $400-$600.
86. Bogotá, Colombia, bust 2 escudos, Charles III, 1779JJ,
choice high grade. KM-49.1, CT-557. 6.7 grams. Choice AU,
lustrous, no problems. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $350-$500.
87. Popayán, Colombia, bust 1 escudo, Charles III, 1772JS,
encapsulated NGC MS-60. KM-48.2, CT-671. Highly lustrous,
perfect strike. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $325-
$475.
88. Popayán, Colombia, bust 1 escudo, Charles III, 1776SF,
desirable date. KM-48.2, CT-675. 3.3 grams. Lustrous AVF with
weak bust, black specks in crevices. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
89. Popayán, Colombia, bust 1
escudo, Charles III, 1779SF. KM-
48.2, CT-678. 3.4 grams. Lightly polished
AXF, nice strike. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $175-$275.
33
Colombia (Republic)
90. Bogotá, Colombia, 8 escudos, 1823JF, encapsulated ANACS AU-50 details (cleaned). KM-82.1. Beautifully red-toned
XF+ with natural surfaces (despite what the slab says), nice strike and no problems. Estimate: $900-$1,300.
91. Popayán, Colombia, 1 escudo, 1825FM. KM-81.2, R-162.5. 3.5 grams. Problem-free Fine, possible overdate. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
92. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1825JF. KM-84, R-160.1. 1.7 grams. Holed and polished VF, size of a half escudo. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
93. Popayán, Colombia, 20 pesos, 1869. KM-142.3. 32.2 grams. Problem-free AXF with no more marks than normal for the
grade. Estimate: $800-$1,200.
Cuba
94. Cuba (struck in Philadelphia), 20 pesos, 1915, José
Martí, encapsulated NGC AU-58. KM-21. Very lustrous, just
a few contact marks here and there, curiously minted in the
U.S. using dies engraved by Charles Barber. This coin was very
popular in the mid-1970s after a proof specimen was sold by
Christensen for $40,000, the record at the time for the highest
price ever paid at auction for a Latin American gold coin, and
the same coin soon escalated to six figures by a subsequent
owner, while another was offered at auction by Almanzar
estimated at $20,000. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
95. Cuba (struck in Philadelphia), 10 pesos, 1915, José Martí, encapsulated NGC AU-58. KM-20. Very lustrous, just a few
contact marks here and there. The 10 pesos of this type were struck in the U.S. on the same blanks used for U.S. $10 Indians using
dies engraved by Charles Barber. Estimate: $400-$600.
96. Cuba (struck in Philadelphia), 10 pesos, 1916, José Martí, encapsulated NGC AU-58. KM-20. Very lustrous, just a few
contact marks here and there. The 10 pesos of this type were struck in the U.S. on the same blanks used for U.S. $10 Indians using
dies engraved by Charles Barber. Estimate: $300-$450.
97. Cuba (struck in Philadelphia), 5 pesos, 1915, José Martí, encapsulated NGC AU-58. KM-19. Very lustrous, just a few
contact marks here and there. The 5 pesos of this type were struck in the U.S. on the same blanks used for U.S. $5 Indians using
dies engraved by Charles Barber. Estimate: $200-$300.
34
98. Cuba (struck in Philadelphia), 5 pesos, 1916, José
Martí, encapsulated NGC AU-58. KM-19. Very lustrous, just
a few contact marks here and there. The 5 pesos of this type
were struck in the U.S. on the same blanks used for U.S. $5
Indians using dies engraved by Charles Barber. Estimate: $200-
$300.
99. Cuba (struck in Philadelphia), 4 pesos, 1915, José
Martí, encapsulated NGC AU-53. KM-18. Very lustrous, just
a few contact marks here and there, minted in the U.S. using
dies engraved by Charles Barber. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
100. Cuba (struck in Philadelphia), 4 pesos, 1916, José
Martí, encapsulated NGC MS-61. KM-18. Highly lustrous,
bagmarks only, minted in the U.S. using dies engraved by Charles
Barber. Estimate: $300-$450.
101. Cuba (struck in Philadelphia), 2 pesos, 1915, José
Martí, encapsulated NGC AU-58. KM-17. Very lustrous, just
a few contact marks here and there, minted in the U.S. using
dies engraved by Charles Barber. Estimate: $200-$300.
102. Cuba (struck in Philadelphia), 2 pesos, 1916, José
Martí, encapsulated NGC AU-58. KM-17. Very lustrous, just
a few contact marks here and there, minted in the U.S. using
dies engraved by Charles Barber. Estimate: $150-$225.
103. Cuba (struck in Philadelphia), peso, 1915, José Martí,
encapsulated NGC MS-62. KM-16. Gemlike luster, no marks
that we can see, minted in the U.S. using dies engraved by Charles
Barber, desirable pedigree. Pedigreed to the Brand collection, the pedigree
printed in the slab. Estimate: $350-$500.
Ecuador
104. Quito, Ecuador, 8 escudos, 1852/0GJ. KM-34.1. 27.0
grams. Lightly toned XF with two minor rim flaws, popular issue.
Estimate: $5,000-$7,500.
French West Indies
105. French West Indies (?), fleur-de-lis countermark on
a Brazilian 6400 reis, 1791-R. KM-226.1 (host). 14.2 grams. Host
coin lustrous AU with super fine detail, unique countermark
behind head not fully attributed, possibly a French West Indies
merchant mark of some sort, undoubtedly rare and highly
desired by West Indies collectors. Estimate: $3,000-$4,000.
35
Great Britain
106. London, England, sovereign, Victoria (young head),
1852, from the Douro (1882). Sp-3852C, KM-736.1. 7.9 grams.
Lustrous UNC, no problems. From the Douro (1882), with Spink
lot card and flyer. Estimate: $350-$500.
107. London, England, sovereign, Victoria (young head),
1855, from the Douro (1882). Sp-3852D, KM-736.1. 7.9 grams. AU
or nearly so, good luster. From the Douro (1882), with Spink lot
card and flyer. Estimate: $325-$475.
108. London, England, sovereign, Victoria (young head),
1857, from the Douro (1882), encapsulated NGC AU-55.
Sp-3852D, KM-736.1. Lustrous, with some red stains on back to
prove its provenance. From the Douro (1882). Estimate: $300-
$450.
109. London, England, sovereign, Victoria (young head),
1860, from the Douro (1882). Sp-3852D, KM-736.1. 7.9 grams. AXF,
no problems. From the Douro (1882), with Spink lot card and flyer.
Estimate: $275-$400.
110. London, England, sovereign, Victoria (young head),
1861, from the Douro (1882). Sp-3852D, KM-736.1. 7.9 grams.
Lustrous AU, rather nice. From the Douro (1882), with Spink lot
card and flyer. Estimate: $325-$475.
111. London, England, sovereign, Edward VII, 1906, from
the Egypt (1922), with vintage postcard showing the ship.
Sp-3969, KM-805. 7.9 grams. VF-XF with lots of crud and staining
from the sea, popular provenance. From the Egypt (1922).
Estimate: $400-$600.
112. London, England, sovereign, George V, 1915, choice,
lustrous Mint State from the Egypt (1922). Sp-3996, KM-820.
8.0 grams. Bright and highly lustrous Mint State, a few nicks and
marks from salvage but otherwise quite choice for this popular
provenance. From the Egypt (1922). Estimate: $700-$1,000.
113. Perth, Australia, sovereign, George V, 1919-P, with
two North African (Arabic) countermarks. Sp-4001, KM-29.
7.9 grams. Cleaned AU with unattributed countermarks below
chin and neck, very curious and possibly rare and valuable.
Estimate: $300-$450.
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(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
Any questions? Please email us
at info@sedwickcoins.com
or call (407) 975-3325
36
Mexico (colonial)
114. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 escudos, Philip V, 1733F, very rare, choice grade, from the 1733 Fleet. KM-148, CT-123.
From a highly celebrated find of 5 specimens by Jack Haskins and D.L. Chaney in the late 1970s on the San José of the 1733
Fleet, this example is highly lustrous, just shy of Mint State but fully original and beautiful. One of the classics of Spanish
colonial numismatics, a far inferior sister-coin from the same find was touted in 1979 by Almanzar as “a king in numismatics”
and realized $26,660, a near-record price at the time (30 years ago). We can account for the other 3 known specimens from the
same find as follows: One is pictured on page 153 of Weller’s Galleon Alley (2001); one was featured in the 4th-quarter 2002 issue
of PLVS VLTRA newsletter; and the third one was sold by Dan Sedwick to a private collector in 2000. (The whereabouts of up
to 5 other reported specimens, not necessarily from the 1733 Fleet, are unknown.) The current piece has only recently come out
of hiding and has every right to achieve greater than Almanzar’s 1979 record. To our knowledge it is also the only one in a PCGS
holder. From the 1733 Fleet and accompanied by a special certificate from Lou Ullian. Estimate: $15,000-up.
115. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 escudos, Ferdinand VII
transitional (“armored bust”), 1812JJ. CT-42, KM-160, CT-50.
26.7 grams. Scarce type, AXF with weak spots due to slightly
uneven flan. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
116. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 2 escudos, Charles III,
1780FF, mint and initials facing inward. KM-130.2, CT-483.
6.7 grams. Well-struck XF, no problems. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
Mexico (Republic)
117. Durango, Mexico, 8 escudos, 1834RM. KM-383.3. 26.8
grams. AXF with a few light marks, nothing drastic. Estimate:
$1,500-$2,000.
37
Netherlands (United)
118. Utrecht, United Netherlands, ducat, 1724, Mint State, from the Akerendam (1725). KM-7. 3.4 grams. Typically lustrous
Mint State, with full knight’s head and full legends (better than most). From the Akerendam (1725). Estimate: $450-$675.
119. Utrecht, United Netherlands, ducat, 1729, Mint State, from the Vliegenthart (1735). KM-7. 3.5 grams. Lustrous Mint
State with full knight’s head, one of the better coins from this wreck. From the Vliegenthart (1735), with certificate and custom
clamshell case. Estimate: $500-$750.
120. Utrecht, United Netherlands, ducat, 1729, Mint State, from the Vliegenthart (1735). KM-7. 3.5 grams. Lustrous Mint
State with full knight’s head, one of the better coins from this wreck. From the Vliegenthart (1735), with certificate and custom
clamshell case. Estimate: $500-$750.
Paraguay
121. Paraguay (Republic, War of the Triple Alliance), cut 4 pesos fuertes (1866-69), Francisco Solano Lopez, quarter-
cut section of a Spanish colonial Charles IV 8 escudos with countermark “4” in corner of the cut and diagonal
reeding applied on the cut surfaces, one of 2 known. KM-E2. 6.7 grams. While the quarter-cut silver coins (cut from Bolivian
4 soles) are well known from this period, the cut gold coins are so rare as to be represented by just two known examples, of
which this is arguably the finer. The War of the Triple Alliance (1864-70), so-called for the alliance of Brazil, Uruguay and
Argentina against Paraguay over economic issues and boundary disputes and the over-ambitious policies of the Paraguayan
president/dictator Solano López, is considered one of the bloodiest wars in all of South America and resulted in the loss of
about half of the Paraguayan territory and male population. Curiously, in order to make gold coins during the war, Paraguayan
women donated their wedding rings to the cause, but also Spanish colonial portrait 8 escudos were cut down and marked. These
cut coins, however, were outlawed in 1872 and nearly completely eradicated, with the exception of only the 2 known examples,
which are cited in references as far back as 1866 (presumably when they were made) by the collector and owner Manuel José de
Guerrico (the other known specimen is in the Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes). The host coin is a nicely toned XF, and the
countermark is virtually Uncirculated (as we must assume the coin did not circulate after it was acquired in 1866), with old
scratches above the countermark. Plate Coin in KM and pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $12,500-up.
38
Peru (colonial)
122. Lima, Peru, bust 8 escudos, Charles III (scarce “rat
nose” type), 1769JM. KM-73, CT-18. 26.9 grams. XF with trace
of luster around letters, slightly off-center strike and adjustment
marks at about 9 o’clock on the reverse, also cleaning and minor
repair on obverse (face and fields). Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
123. Lima, Peru, bust 8 escudos, Charles III, 1772JM, first
date of type, rare variety with assayer to left and mintmark
to right. KM-82.2, CT-24. 27.0 grams. Lustrous XF, off-center strike,
minor natural planchet flaw in front of face, rare early issue
but its value over-estimated in CT. Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
124. Lima, Peru, bust 8 escudos, Charles III, 1774MJ,
encapsulated PCGS AU-58. KM-82.1, CT-29. Well-struck and
beautiful and lustrous, with just a few too many marks in the
fields to make Mint State. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
Portugal
125. Lisbon, Portugal, 4 escudos, 1778. KM-271. 14.3 grams.
Lightly rose-toned XF with a few old scratches (nothing too
distracting). Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
Spain
126. Madrid, Spain, bust 4 escudos, Charles III, 1787DV,
encapsulated PCGS AU-58. KM-418.1a, CT-313. Technically
perfect but with slight evidence of wear. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
127. Madrid, Spain, bust 2 escudos, Charles III, 1773PJ,
encapsulated PCGS AU-55. KM-417.1, CT-446. Lustrous and
bright yellow with some field marks per the grade and flatness
on shoulder and cheek that were probably misinterpreted as
wear. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
128. Madrid, Spain, bust 2 escudos, Charles III, 1774PJ,
encapsulated PCGS AU-58. KM-417.1, CT-447. Lustrous and
bright yellow with some field marks per the conservative grade.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
39
129. Madrid, Spain, bust 2 escudos, Charles III, 1776/4PJ, desirable date. KM-unlisted (cf. 417.1), CT-unlisted (cf. 449). 6.7 grams.
Problem-free AXF with clear overdate, faint red toning around letters. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $275-$400.
130. Madrid, Spain, bust 2 escudos, Charles III, 1776PJ, desirable date. KM-417.1, CT-449. 6.7 grams. Attractively red-toned
AXF, no problems, all details rather bold for the grade. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $275-$400.
131. Madrid, Spain, bust 2 escudos, Charles III, 1776PJ, desirable date. KM-417.1, CT-449. 6.5 grams. Problem-free AVF. With
Treasures of Maryland photo-certificate. Estimate: $200-$300.
132. Madrid, Spain, bust 2 escudos, Charles III, 1788M. KM-417.1a, CT-459. 6.7 grams. Nice AU, no problems. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
133. Cadiz, Spain, bust 2 escudos, Ferdinand VII, 1813CJ. KM-468, CT-183. 6.6 grams. Deeply copper-toned AVF, no problems
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $225-$325.
134. Madrid, Spain, bust 1 escudo, Charles IV, 1798MF, encapsulated NGC MS-63. KM-434, CT-497. Very choice and highly
lustrous, quite lovely. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
135. Madrid, Spain, bust 1/2 escudo, Charles III, 1776PJ, desirable date. KM-415.1, CT-770. 1.7 grams. Problem-free VF. With
NumisTreasure photo-certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
136. Madrid, Spain, bust 1/2 escudo, Charles III, 1776PJ, desirable date. KM-415.1, CT-770. 1.7 grams. AVF with nicely
contrasting toning. With NumisTreasure photo-certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
United States of America
137. USA, Coronet $20, 1856-S, encapsulated PCGS MS-
65 (20A Spiked Shield), from the S.S. Central America(1857). KM-74.1. Frosty and lustrous, just a few tiny nicks away
from top grade, housed in its original PCGS holder with golden
tag (worth more than re-slabbed specimens of same grade)
and desirable Thompson certificate. Be sure to see the Justh &
Hunter gold ingot from this wreck in Session III of this auction.
From the S.S. Central America (1857) with California Gold Marketing
Group promotional display box with certificate signed by Tommy
Thompson. Estimate: $7,500-$11,500.
40
138. USA, Coronet $20, 1856-S, encapsulated PCGS MS-
65 (20A Spiked Shield), from the S.S. Central America(1857). KM-74.1. Frosty and lustrous, just a few tiny nicks away
from top grade, housed in its original PCGS holder with golden
tag (worth more than re-slabbed specimens of same grade).
Be sure to see the Justh & Hunter gold ingot from this wreck
in Session III of this auction. From the S.S. Central America
(1857) with California Gold Marketing Group promotional display box.
Estimate: $7,500-$11,500.
139. USA, commemorative restrike 1855 Kellogg &
Company $50 (struck September 3, 2001), encapsulated
PCGS Gem Proof, made from gold from the S.S. CentralAmerica (1857). A big slug of gold from one of the huge
Kellogg ingots from the wreck, made in exact reproduction of
the 1855 original but with 2001 striking date stamped above
eagle. Be sure to see the Justh & Hunter gold ingot from this
wreck in Session III of this auction. With California Historical
Society promotional display box. Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
140. USA, commemorative restrike 1857/0 Baldwin &
Company 49er Horseman $10 (struck in 2002),
encapsulated PCGS Deep Cameo Proof, made from gold
from the S.S. Central America (1857). Exact reproduction
made from Justh & Hunter ingot #4282 from the wreck (as
stamped on the coin) but with “2002 S.S. Central America”
below the eagle and date as “1857/0.” Be sure to see the Justh
& Hunter gold ingot from this wreck in Session III of this
auction. With California Historical Society promotional display box
and certificate signed by Bob Evans. Estimate: $600-$900.
141. USA, commemorative restrike 1857/0 Baldwin &
Company 49er Horseman $10 (struck in 2002),
encapsulated PCGS Deep Cameo Proof, made from gold
from the S.S. Central America (1857). Exact reproduction
made from Justh & Hunter ingot #4258 from the wreck (as
stamped on the coin) but with “2002 S.S. Central America”
below the eagle and date as “1857/0.” Be sure to see the Justh
& Hunter gold ingot from this wreck in Session III of this
auction. With Columbus-America Discovery Group promotional display
and certificate signed by Bob Evans. Estimate: $600-$900.
142. USA, Coronet $20, 1896-S, PCGS MS-61. KM-74.3.
Desirable old PCGS “green tag,” the coin a lovely lustrous
golden color with minor marks in field. Estimate: $900-$1,200.
143. USA, Coronet $20, 1897, PCGS MS-62. KM-74.3. Frosty
and with considerable luster, minor marks in fields. Estimate:
$1,000-$1,300.
144. USA, Coronet $20, 1899, NGC MS-62. KM-74.3. Blemish-
free reverse, bagmarks in obverse fields, frosty and lustrous.
Estimate: $1,000-$1,300.
41
145. USA, Coronet $20, 1899-S, PCGS MS-61. KM-74.3.
Desirable old PCGS “green tag,” the coin a lovely lustrous
golden color with some lighter areas, some old marks. Estimate:
$1,000-$1,300.
146. USA, St. Gaudens $20, 1907, PCGS MS-66, rare grade.
KM-127. Highly desirable grade for the date, typically lustrous
and perfect (a few trivial marks only), golden yellow color
alternating with lighter spots. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.
147. USA, Coronet $10, 1894, PCGS AU-58 KM-102. No wear
but plenty of bagmarks, frosty gray color around details.
Estimate: $500-$750.
SHIPWRECK COINS (ALL SILVER UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE)
Unidentified ca.-1554 wreck off Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
148. Mexico, 4 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Late Series,”
mintmark M to left, assayer R to right, rare. S-M7, KM-18,
CT-90. 13.2 grams. Broad, round flan with nearly full legends, nice
inner details, no doubling, very light corrosion only in spots.
Estimate: $350-$500.
149. Mexico, 4 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Late Series,”
mintmark M to left, assayer A to right, scarce. S-M6, KM-18,
CT-79. 11.5 grams. Deeply toned and with full details (including
legends) on a complete, round flan, light but even corrosion.
Estimate: $250-$375.
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Want to see your collection here? Consign
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deadline January 31
42
Santiago, sunk in 1585 on the Bassas da India atoll between Mozambique and Madagascar (east of Africa)
150. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip II, assayer
F on both sides of shield (unique). S-M12. 21.6 grams. First
specimen we have ever seen with assayer F on both sides of
the shield, with oMF to left and 8-F to right, full shield and
cross, the latter of the same style as the F-oD joint issue of
circa 1600, moderate corrosion and big black spot covering
shield. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
151. Seville, Spain, cob 8 reales, Philip II, assayer Gothic
P at 4 o’clock outside reverse tressure. CT-235. 25.9 grams.
Smallish planchet with the cross and shield nevertheless full,
most of crown, darkly toned, some flatness but no corrosion.
Estimate: $150-$225.
Unidentified ca.-1590 wreck off the Yucatán peninsula of Mexico
“Rill Cove wreck,” sunk ca. 1618 off Cornwall, England
154. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip II, assayer
not visible. KM-43. 25.0 grams. Nice full cross, full but corroded
shield, king’s ordinal II visible, curious “o” between words in
legend. Estimate: $125-$200.
153. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip II, oMF. S-
M12, KM-43, CT-154. 23.0 grams. Full shield and cross, thick and
solid flan, full oMF, toned, no corrosion. Estimate: $125-$200.
152. Lima, Peru, cob 8 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, *-8 (flat-top) to left, P-oD to right. S-L4, KM-14,
CT-148. 20.9 grams. Nice full shield and crown, full and well-
detailed cross despite heavy edge corrosion (small bits missing),
silvery from cleaning. With Sedwick photo-certificate from 2006.
Estimate: $350-$500.
43
155. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip II or III,
(oMF) to left, 8-oD to right (rare dual assayer). S-M14 or
14a. 21.9 grams. Rare and popular issue with two assayer marks,
this variety with (F) to left and oD to right, full but lightly
corroded shield, good full cross with distinctive lions. Estimate:
$350-$500.
156. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip II or III,
oMF to left, rare error with quadrants of cross transposed.
20.7 grams. Full shield and oMF, full cross with quadrants
transposed (rare), lightly toned and with light corrosion all over.
Estimate: $350-$500.
“Wild Horse River wreck,” sunk ca. 1620 in the Río de la Plata off Colonia, Uruguay
157. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip III, P-R (Ramos). S-P15, KM-8. 6.7 grams. Typically round and concave, with full
shield and crown and cross, muddled assayer, some weak spots but no corrosion, rare provenance. Estimate: $125-$200.
158. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip III, P-R (Ramos). S-P15, KM-8. 6.5 grams. Broad flan with full and well-detailed shield,
full P-R, bold denomination, full but slightly doubled cross, lightly toned, no corrosion. Estimate: $125-$200.
159. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip III, assayer not visible. KM-7. 3.3 grams. Full but partially flat cross and shield, gold/red
toning on fields, no corrosion. With Sedwick photo-certificate. Estimate: $100-$150.
Atocha, sunk in 1622 west of Key West, Florida
Selections from the Atocha Research Collection
160. Mexico City, Mexico, 2 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Late Series,” mintmark
oM to left, assayer O to right. S-M10, KM-12, CT-121. 6.3 grams. Totally (and amazingly)
corrosion-free, with bold legends, some flatness in centers, also with unique spelling
error IDIARVM (no N). Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection, with special Fisher
photo-certificate #85A-236016. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
161. Mexico City, Mexico, 2 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Late Series,” mintmark
oM to left, assayer O to right, Plate Coin in Research Collection catalog. S-
M10, KM-12, CT-121. 5.7 grams. Nice full shield and pillars, bold oM and O, with corrosion
just around edge (small bits missing), pristine elsewhere. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research
Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-236331, Plate Coin #1. Estimate:
$1,000-$1,500.
44
162. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip III, oMF. S-
M12a, KM-44.1, CT-97. 25.0 grams. Very solid coin with good full
cross, bold oMF, most of shield practically no corrosion, nicely
toned. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection, with special Fisher
photo-certificate #85A-221447. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
164. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, 1615F, extremely
rare (unlisted). S-M17. 12.7 grams. Broad flan with clear 161 of
date followed by the bottom base of a 5 (comparison with dated
8R of the period prove the style), full shield and cross
(particularly nice castles), full oMF, very minor corrosion, nicely
toned. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection, with special Fisher
photo-certificate #85A-237104. Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
163. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Philip III, oMA/
F, scarce, Plate Coin in Research Collection catalog. S-
M16. 6.2 grams. Bold mintmark-assayer with clear A/F, choice
full shield and cross, nicely toned, trace of corrosion near edge
only. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection, with special Fisher
photo-certificate #85A-237721, Plate Coin #167. Estimate: $1,000-
$1,500.
165. Lima, Peru, cob 8 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, P-8 (flat top) to left, *-oD to right, superb. S-L4,
KM-14, CT-147. 27.0 grams. Arguably the choicest specimen from
this wreck, with 100% full inner details and legends, also full
crown, totally corrosion-free and nicely toned, just a bit doubled
on either side of the shield and with strange flan crack in middle
of the shield only. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection, with
special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-236105. Estimate: $3,000-
$4,500.
166. Lima, Peru, cob 4 reales, Philip II, Diego de la Torre,
4-P to left, oD-* to right, superb, Plate Coin in Research
Collection catalog. S-L4, KM-11, CT-320. 13.4 grams. Perfect all
over, with full inner details and legends and crown, nicely toned,
no corrosion. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection, with special
Fisher photo-certificate #85A-237851, Plate Coin #81. Estimate:
$2,000-$3,000.
167. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, Philip II, assayer Rincón,
motto as PL-VSV-TR, choice. S-L1, KM-8, CT-479. 6.4 grams.
Totally corrosion-free and nicely struck (full shield and pillars),
bold assayer and denomination and mintmark, just a bit worn
but attractively toned. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection,
with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-236334. Estimate: $1,500-
$2,750.
45
168. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, Philip II, Diego de la Torre, *-I to left, P-(oD) to
right, Plate Coin in Research Collection catalog. S-L4, KM-7, CT-634. 2.7 grams. Thin
and round as usual, and also typically well detailed, with particularly nice shield and cross,
very light corrosion near part of edge only, very rare denomination and additionally
desirable as (1) Diego de la Torre, (2) Research Collection and (3) Plate Coin in the
catalog! Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-
236923, Plate Coin #110. Estimate: $1,250-$2,000.
169. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, P-B (1st period,
“Lima Style”),” choice, Plate Coin in Research Collection
catalog. S-P4, KM-5.1, CT-139 (under Lima). 26.7 grams. Huge flan
(basically a “Great Module” but earlier) with choice full legends
(loaded with commas, but also with the letters poorly spaced),
full shield and cross and crown, bold P-B and denomination,
no corrosion, elegantly toned. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research
Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-237784, Plate
Coin #130. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
170. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, P-B (5th
period), borders of boxes, choice. S-P14, KM-5.5. 26.2 grams.
Super full shield, full but doubled cross, minimal corrosion
(on part of cross only), lightly toned. Pedigreed to the Atocha
Research Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-237524.
Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
171. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III (ordinal
visible), P-B (5th period), Plate Coin in Research
Collection catalog. S-P14a, KM-10, CT-121. 25.2 grams. Odd-shaped
flan with full crown and shield and cross, bold P-B, minimal
corrosion on part of shield only, lightly toned. Pedigreed to the
Atocha Research Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-
180506, Plate Coin #172. Estimate: $1,250-$2,000.
172. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, P-box-T,
denomination o-V-III (3 separate lines), lions rotated in
cross, Plate Coin in Research Collection catalog. S-P21, KM-
10. 25.8 grams. Very strange and well-preserved coin with 6 uneven
sides (thick flan), full shield with big P mintmark above solid
box to left, denomination O-V-III to left, also full cross with
quadrants transposed and lions rotated clockwise 90 degrees
from normal, no corrosion at all. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research
Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-236896, Plate
Coin #228. Estimate: $1,250-$2,000.
173. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-L to left,
choice, Plate Coin in Research Collection catalog. S-P3,
KM-4.2, CT-321 (under Lima). 12.8 grams. Choice details all over, with
much legend, full crown and shield and cross, perfect P-L, nicely
toned, with just a hint of corrosion around the edge. Pedigreed
to the Atocha Research Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate
#85A-237850, Plate Coin #61. Estimate: $1,250-$2,000.
46
174. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-A, choice, Plate Coin in Research Collection catalog. S-P11, KM-4.2, CT-346.
13.4 grams. Nice full shield and cross, assayer appears to be A/A, hint of corrosion around edge, nicely toned. Pedigreed to the
Atocha Research Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-237396, Plate Coin #116. Estimate: $1,250-$2,000.
175. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-B (4th period). S-P12, KM-4.2. 9.6 grams. Nice full shield and crown, full but
corroded cross, muddled mintmark-assayer, good toning. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate
#85A-236588. Estimate: $800-$1,200.
176. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip II, P-R (Rincón) to left, choice, Plate Coin in Research Collection catalog. S-
P1, KM-3.2, CT-485 (under Lima). 6.6 grams. Typically choice detail all over (but a very atypical coin for the Atocha!), particularly the full
shield and cross and crown, also bold P-R and much legend, attractively toned, truly one of the choicest coins we have ever seen
from this wreck and additionally desirable as the first issue struck at this mint. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection, with special
Fisher photo-certificate #85A-236076, Plate Coin #15. Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
180. Seville, Spain, cob 8 reales, Philip II, assayer F outside
tressure (very rare). CT-237. 21.9 grams. Very full and well-
detailed shield with bold S to left and oVIII to right, also nice
full cross (just a bit doubled) with very full and clear assayer F
(catalog value of 1200 Euros in Calicó!), corrosion around edge
(pieces missing) but pristine interiors, nicely toned. Pedigreed to
the Atocha Research Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate
#85A-237235. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
177. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip II, P-L/erasure to left. S-P9, KM-3.2. 6.1 grams. Nice full shield, good full cross (very
slightly doubled), clear P-L with mess under the L, much legend, light corrosion around edge, good toning. Pedigreed to the Atocha
Research Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-236066. Estimate: $800-$1,200.
178. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip III, P-Q, choice, Plate Coin in Research Collection catalog. S-P17, KM-8, CT-353.
6.7 grams. Very well-preserved specimen of a fairly common type, with choice full shield and cross (the former slightly doubled
and the latter off-center), king’s name and ordinal (PH)ILIPVS III with backwards S in legend, full assayer Q that at first appears
to be punched over another letter, but not over an R or a C (the only possibilities), very attractively toned. Pedigreed to the Atocha
Research Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-151018, Plate Coin #183. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
179. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip II, P-R (Rincón) to right, rare and choice, Plate Coin in Research Collection
catalog. S-P1, KM-2.1, CT-638. 3.0 grams. In addition to the usually fine details (full shield and cross), this coin has the most complete
and beautiful crown imaginable, along with much legend and a bold I to left and P-R to right, nicely toned, a rare denomination
from this wreck in uniquely choice condition and also the scarce first issue of this mint. Pedigreed to the Atocha Research Collection,
with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-237720, Plate Coin #17. Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
47
181. Toledo, Spain, cob 8 reales, 1621P (full date), rare. CT-
199. 23.8 grams. Choice full shield with clear assayer to left, full
but doubled cross with complete date above, big and solid flan
despite light corrosion, good toning. Pedigreed to the Atocha
Research Collection, with special Fisher photo-certificate #85A-236782.
Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
Mexico City, Mexico, cobs
182. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (16)21/0, oMD,
scarce, Grade 1. S-M18, CT-118. 25.7 grams. Full 2/1 of date, good
full cross, nearly full shield, clear oMD, some flatness but no
corrosion, nicely toned. With original Fisher certificate #134679.
Estimate: $325-$475.
183. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (1)622/1, oMD
(bold), scarce, very choice Grade 1. S-M18a, KM-45, CT-310.
26.2 grams. Incredibly choice full cross and shield, super bold
oMD and 8 (made from two distinct 0’s), clear 162 of date
(weak final digit, overdate assumed), king’s ordinal (I)II
(posthumous), 100% corrosion-free and attractively toned. With
original Fisher certificate #216019. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
184. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (162)2/1, oMD,
scarce, Grade 1. S-M18a, KM-45, CT-310. 25.8 grams. Good full
shield and crown and cross, full final digit of date (certain
overdate), light corrosion and flat areas around edge. With original
Fisher certificate #218867. Estimate: $350-$500.
185. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip III, (oM)D,
Grade 1 (Grade-2 quality). S-M18, KM-44.3. 18.3 grams. Full cross
and shield (the latter doubled) but with moderate to heavy
corrosion all over, weak assayer but bold denomination, parts
of edge crude. With original Fisher certificate #221220. Estimate:
$225-$325.
186. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip III, oMD,
Grade 1. S-M18, KM-37.2. 13.2 grams. Big and solid flan with nice
full shield, good but off-center cross, no corrosion but much
peripheral flatness. With original Fisher certificate #191325.
Estimate: $300-$450.
48
187. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip III, oMD,
Grade 1. S-M18, KM-37.2. 12.7 grams. Full shield and cross, bold
denomination 4, weak oMD, light corrosion only. With original
Fisher certificate #153089. Estimate: $300-$450.
188. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip III, oMD,
Grade 2. S-M18, KM-37.2. 10.6 grams. Interesting shape with full
cross and shield, clear oM, lightly toned, no corrosion but part
of edge lost, but with better detail than some Grade 1’s. With
Fisher certificate #221799. Estimate: $200-$300.
Potosí, Bolivia, cobs
189. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, assayer RL,
Grade 1. S-P13, KM-5.1, CT-159. 26.2 grams. Choice full crown, bold
P-RL (oddly with more separation between the letters than
usual), nearly full shield and cross (the latter slightly doubled),
minor corrosion only. With original Fisher certificate #211621.
Estimate: $350-$500.
190. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III (ordinal
visible), assayer B (5th period), rare, Grade 1. S-P14a, KM-
10, CT-121. 26.2 grams. Typically round with full (but flat) shield
and cross, clear P-B, but best feature is the full king’s name and
ordinal PHILIPPVS III, which is rare. With original Fisher
certificate #260880. Estimate: $300-$450.
191. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayer R
(curved leg), Grade 2 (Grade-1 quality). S-P15, KM-10, CT-
126. 25.7 grams. Full shield and cross (slightly doubled), full P-R,
solid and nearly corrosion-free, just a little crude. With Fisher
insert-tag #209757 (certificate missing). Estimate: $125-$200.
192. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayer Q,
Grade 2. S-P17, KM-10, CT-124. 23.7 grams. Round flan with full
shield and cross (one lion and one castle nice), clear mintmark
P, solid but with light corrosion. With Fisher insert-tag #201058
(certificate missing). Estimate: $125-$200.
Bid LIVE on the internet at
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at info@sedwickcoins.com
or call (407) 975-3325
49
193. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayer M/
Q, quadrants of cross transposed, rare, Grade 1. S-P18, KM-
10. 25.9 grams. Bold full M/Q, full shield and cross (scarce with
quadrants transposed), some flatness but no corrosion. With
original Fisher certificate #162295. Estimate: $350-$500.
194. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1617M, Grade 1. S-P19,
KM-10, CT-129. 24.3 grams. Well-centered strike on a big flan with
full date, bold full shield, nice full cross and tressure, bold P•M,
very light corrosion only. With original Fisher certificate #192691.
Estimate: $400-$600.
195. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1)617M, bold date, Grade
1. S-P19, KM-10, CT-129. 25.7 grams. Bold full 617 of date, good
full shield and cross, big flan with some flat spots but very little
corrosion. With original Fisher certificate #217631. Estimate:
$400-$600.
196. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1)617M, Grade 1. S-P19,
KM-10, CT-129. 26.1 grams. Choice full cross-lions-castles, bold P-
M (no dot), nice full shield, clear bottom half of date, full
denomination, no corrosion but part of edge crude. With original
Fisher certificate #141335. Estimate: $400-$600.
197. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1617)M, quadrants of
cross transposed (rare), Grade 2 (Grade-1 quality). S-P19,
KM-10, CT-129. 25.3 grams. Good full shield and cross, clear P•M,
most of crown, light corrosion and some flatness, but not really
enough to justify the lower Grade. With original Fisher certificate
#192078. Estimate: $250-$375.
198. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 16(17)M, sideways H in
HISPANIARVM in legend, Grade 2. S-P19, KM-10, CT-129.
24.0 grams. Bold full cross and full but lightly corroded shield
(both slightly doubled), full P-M (no dot), but most interesting
feature is a clear sideways-punched H in the legend. With Fisher
insert-tag #208318 (certificate missing). Estimate: $125-$200.
199. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayer M,
Grade 2 (Grade-1 quality). S-P18, KM-10, CT-123. 24.3 grams. Nice
full shield with bold P•M, full cross and tressure, light corrosion
around reverse-side edge only. With Fisher insert-tag #203423
(certificate missing). Estimate: $125-$200.
50
200. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1618)PAL, rare, Grade
1. S-P20, KM-10, CT-130. 26.9 grams. Clear P-PAL to left of nice
full shield, bold king’s ordinal III in legend, nice full cross
(slightly doubled) with weird patch of extra metal (under strike)
in upper-left corner, no corrosion at all. With original Fisher
certificate #231300. Estimate: $500-$750.
201. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1618)PAL, rare, Grade
1. S-P20, KM-10, CT-130. 27.1 grams. Bold full PAL, full shield, bold
full cross (slightly off-center), no corrosion. With original Fisher
certificate #191197. Estimate: $500-$750.
202. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1618)T/PAL, very rare,
Grade 1. S-P21, KM-10, CT-131. 25.8 grams. Clear but doubled P-
T/PAL to left of full shield (also doubled), full but doubled
cross, light corrosion only. With original Fisher certificate #136654.
Estimate: $500-$750.
203. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (161)8T, denomination
O-V-III (three parts), scarce, Grade 1. S-P21, KM-10. 25.9 grams.
Bold 8 of date and denomination O-V-III, nice full shield and
cross (both very bold but with a tiny bit of doubling), practically
no corrosion. With original Fisher certificate #163089. Estimate:
$400-$600.
204. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1618)T, denomination
o-8, quadrants of cross transposed, scarce, Grade 1. S-P21,
KM-10, CT-132. 25.9 grams. Very choice detail, with PxT to left ando-8 to right of very bold full shield, perfect full cross-lions-
castles on other side, some spots of corrosion here and there
but not to the point of distraction, nicely toned. With original
Fisher certificate #213478. Estimate: $400-$600.
205. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1619T, Grade 1. S-P21,
KM-10, CT-133. 26.5 grams. Bold full shield and cross (both very
slightly doubled), clear date and PxT, king’s name (PHY)LYPVS
in legend, minimal corrosion, toned. With original Fisher certificate
#219586. Estimate: $400-$600.
Please place absentee bids at
www.iCollector.com/sedwick
(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
Want to see your collection here? Consign
to our Treasure Auction #7 (spring, 2010),
deadline January 31
51
206. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1619T, quadrants of cross
transposed, Grade 1. S-P21, KM-10, CT-134. 26.5 grams. Bold 9 of
date, full shield and crown and cross, P•T (unusual ornament
this early), some flatness but practically no corrosion. With
original Fisher certificate #199537. Estimate: $350-$500.
207. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1619T, lions and castles
transposed in shield, Grade 1. S-P21, KM-10, CT-133. 26.8 grams.
Full but doubled shield with curious error at upper left, full
cross and tressure, weak but certain date, some weak spots but
no corrosion. With original Fisher certificate #211651. Estimate:
$325-$475.
208. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1619T, Grade 2 or 3. S-
P21, KM-10, CT-133. 21.5 grams. Excellent full crown above nice
full cross, bold P+T, full but corroded cross, weak date, dark
toning in crevices and not shiny like the 1985 finds, with very
desirable old certificate bearing original signatures of Eugene
Lyon, Duncan Mathewson, Mel Fisher and Deo Fisher, Grade
listed as “16 points” and date misattributed to 1611. With early
(1977) hand-signed Fisher photo-certificate #410. Estimate: $300-
$450.
209. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1)61(?)T, quadrants of
cross transposed, Grade 1. S-P21, KM-10. 26.7 grams. Good full
cross and shield, bold mintmark P and ornament + but weak
assayer T, no corrosion at all. With color photocopy of Fisher certificate
#85A-140972. Estimate: $200-$300.
210. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1620T, upper half of
shield and quadrants of cross transposed, scarce, Grade
1. S-P21, KM-10, CT-137. 25.3 grams. Good full shield with eye-
catching error on obverse, full cross, clear bottom half of 6
and 0 of date, bold denomination, minimal corrosion. With
Fisher certificate #187193. Estimate: $350-$500.
211. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1620T, Grade 1. S-P21,
KM-10, CT-137. 22.8 grams. Full cross and shield, clear bottom half
of all 4 digits of date, full P+T, but somewhat crudely corroded
and with patches of dark encrustation. With original Fisher
certificate #260539. Estimate: $325-$475.
Any questions? Please email us
at info@sedwickcoins.com
or call (407) 975-3325
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52
212. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1621T (full date),
quadrants of cross transposed, Grade 1. S-P21, KM-10. 26.7
grams. Full date at 12 o’clock (and spread out over a wider area
than normal), nice full shield, good full cross and tressure
(slightly doubled), no corrosion. With original Fisher certificate
#212889. Estimate: $450-$675.
213. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1621T (bold date), upper
half of shield and quadrants of cross transposed, scarce,
Grade 1. S-P21, KM-10. 26.3 grams. Nice full shield with obvious
error, bold 21 of date outside full but doubled cross, full P-
ornament-T (the ornament appears to be +/x), minimal
corrosion, some copper color. With original Fisher certificate
#207746. Estimate: $425-$650.
214. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1621T, quadrants of cross
transposed, Grade 1. S-P21, KM-10. 27.0 grams. Full but doubled
cross and shield (both well centered), full P+T, clear bottom
half of date, no corrosion, lightly toned all over. With original
Fisher certificate #114957. Estimate: $350-$500.
215. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1621T, quadrants of cross
transposed, Grade 1. S-P21, KM-10. 25.8 grams. Clear 21 of date
outside full but partially flat cross, full shield with bold
denomination, king’s ordinal III in legend, light corrosion only.
With original Fisher certificate #218495. Estimate: $350-$500.
216. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayer T,
Grade 1. S-P21, KM-10. 26.7 grams. Full shield and cross, nicely
toned, some weak spots but no corrosion. With Fisher insert-tag
#163114 (certificate missing). Estimate: $200-$300.
Please place absentee bids at
www.iCollector.com/sedwick
(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
Any questions? Please email us
at info@sedwickcoins.com
or call (407) 975-3325
Want to see your collection here? Consign
to our Treasure Auction #7 (spring, 2010),
deadline January 31
Please visit our website at
www.SedwickCoins.com or watch and bid
LIVE at www.iCollector.com/sedwick
53
218. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers B, Q, R, M and T (one of each), all Grade 1.
Mostly clear assayers and generally nice shields and/or crosses
with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates
#163478, 174718, 172106, 191705 and 214473. Estimate:
$1,600-$2,400.
217. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers B, Q, R, M and T (one of each), all Grade 1.
Mostly clear assayers and generally nice shields and/or crosses.
With original Fisher certificates #205021, 203335, 185363, 218660
and 213764. Estimate: $1,600-$2,400.
54
220. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers B, Q, R, M and T (one of each), all Grade 1.
Mostly clear assayers and generally nice shields and/or crosses
with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates
#182995, 220585, 229673, 210532 and 164506. Estimate:
$1,600-$2,400.
219. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers B, Q, R, M and T (one of each), all Grade 1.
Mostly clear assayers and generally nice shields and/or crosses
with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates
#156621, 176038, 213569, 230894 and 212254. Estimate:
$1,600-$2,400.
55
221. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers B, Q, R, M and T (one of each), all Grade 1.
Mostly clear assayers and generally nice shields and/or crosses
with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates
#229936, 156199, 261030, 201600 and 217450. Estimate:
$1,600-$2,400.
222. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers B, Q, R, M and T (one of each), all Grade 1.
Mostly clear assayers and generally nice shields and/or crosses
with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates
#209667, 161265, 214834, 219505 and 174000. Estimate:
$1,600-$2,400.
56
224. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers B, Q, R, M and T (one of each), all Grade 1. Mostly
clear assayers and generally nice shields and/or crosses with a
minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates #189303,
159100, 209374, 260958 and 199985. Estimate: $1,600-$2,400.
223. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers B, Q, R, M and T (one of each), all Grade 1.
Mostly clear assayers and generally nice shields and/or crosses
with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates
#213017, 217814, 219828, 220076 and 190644. Estimate:
$1,600-$2,400.
57
225. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers B, Q, R, M and T (one of each), all Grade 1. Mostly
clear assayers and generally nice shields and/or crosses with a
minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates #208961,
219748, 215108, 155508 and 215332. Estimate: $1,600-$2,400.
226. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers B, Q, R, M and T (one of each), all Grade 1.
Mostly clear assayers and generally nice shields and/or crosses
with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates
#204480, 198015, 160876, 161685 and 209477. Estimate:
$1,600-$2,400.
58
227. Lot of 10 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayers R, Q (2), M, T (3), and not visible (3), all Grade 1.
Mostly clear assayers (when visible) and generally nice shields and/or crosses with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher
certificates #260801, 260361, 197894, 164273, 221537, 170679, 180669, 219230, 162446 and 210099. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
59
228. Lot of 10 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayers R, Q (2), M, T (3), and not visible (3), all Grade 1. Mostly
clear assayers (when visible) and generally nice shields and/or crosses with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates
#198196, 208484, 158862, 217356, 210879, 202676, 215278, 212343, 214938 and 160149. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
60
229. Lot of 10 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayers R, Q (2), M, T (3), and not visible (3), all Grade 1.
Mostly clear assayers (when visible) and generally nice shields and/or crosses with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher
certificates #260725, 163309, 211371, 212659, 211511, 260633, 184493, 177058, 173721, and 260281. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
61
230. Lot of 10 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayers R, Q (3), T (3), and not visible (3), all Grade 1. Mostly
clear assayers (when visible) and generally nice shields and/or crosses with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates
#187744, 146983, 246387, 205291, 219670, 231064, 231474, 231147, 164013 and 162607. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
62
231. Lot of 10 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayers Q (2), T (2), and not visible (6), all Grade 1. Mostly clear
assayers (when visible) and generally nice shields and/or crosses with a minimum of corrosion. With original Fisher certificates
#136683, 170195, 121215, 158147, 189666, 209281, 188766, 136430, 212464 and 219370. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
63
232. Lot of 10 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayers Q (2), T (2), and not visible (6), all Grade 1. Mostly clear
assayers (when visible) and generally nice shields and/or crosses with a minimum of corrosion. With Fisher certificates #152087,
218578, 187182, 105407, 210399, 186958, 220492, 213384, 260443 and 215449. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
64
233. Lot of 10 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayers Q (2), T (3), and not visible (5), all Grade 1. Mostly clear
assayers (when visible) and generally nice shields and/or crosses with a minimum of corrosion. With Fisher certificates #215907,
189767, 187183, 187176, 157016, 210704, 218086, 161544, 208692 and 204731. Estimate: $3,000-$4,500.
65
234. Lot of 4 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III,
assayers R (2), T, and not visible, all Grade 2. All more or
less corroded but with clear assayers on 3 of them and full
shields and crosses. With original Fisher certificates #191884,
189007, 132147 and 189586. Estimate: $800-$1,200.
66
235. Lot of 9 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II/III, assayers B (2), Q, M, T and not visible (4), all Grade 3. All
more or less corroded but with decent shields and/or crosses. With original Fisher certificates #189411, 190159, 135499, 134723,
139021, 190140, 190157, 190453, 191931. Estimate: $9000-$1,350.
67
236. Lot of 3 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III,
assayers not visible, two Grade 4 and one fragment. Heavily
corroded but recognizable. With original Fisher certificates #138457,
135780 and 112975 (tag only). Estimate: $250-$375.
237. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, assayer B (2nd
period), Grade 1. S-P6, KM-4.2, 11.2 grams. Early coin, typically
round and of even thickness, with full shield and cross, clear
P-B, some corrosion, darkly toned. With original Fisher certificate
#162122. Estimate: $350-$500.
238. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, assayer RL,
choice, Grade 1. S-P13, KM-4.2, CT-347, 12.4 grams. Typically round,
with good full shield and cross, clear assayer, bold denomination,
light corrosion only. With original Fisher certificate #222814.
Estimate: $350-$500.
239. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip III, assayer Q/C,
rare, Grade 1. S-P17, KM-9, 12.6 grams. Big, odd-shaped flan with
bold P-Q/C, good full shield and cross, some flat spots but
practically no corrosion. With original Fisher certificate #180344.
Estimate: $325-$475.
240. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip III, assayer Q/C,
rare, Grade 1. S-P17, KM-9, 11.3 grams. Bold Q/C, nearly full
shield and cross, some peripheral corrosion and flatness. With
original Fisher certificate #230157. Estimate: $325-$475.
241. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip III, assayer M/
Q, quadrants of cross transposed, rare, Grade 1 (no Grade
on certificate). S-P18, KM-9, 12.5 grams. Great full shield with
bold M/Q, full but crude cross, some corrosion but still Grade-
1 quality. With Fisher certificate #186927. Estimate: $325-$475.
242. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 161(7)M, scarce, Grade
1. S-P19, KM-9, CT-245. 9.0 grams. Nice full cross (slight doubling
on right side), full but corroded shield, clear P-M, Grade-2
quality. With original Fisher certificate #163757. Estimate: $300-
$450.
68
243. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip III, “q”-T
(backwards mintmark), quadrants of cross transposed,
Grade-1 quality, tag and certificate missing. S-P21, KM-9.
13.4 grams. Full and well-centered shield, good full cross, clear
q+T, no corrosion, rather attractive. Estimate: $100-$150.
244. Lot of 7 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip III, assayers R, Q (2), M, T, and not visible (2), all Grade 1. Generally
rather nice full shields and crosses, most without any corrosion. With original Fisher certificates #220326, 211047, 200738, 213270,
214730, 230353 and 221747. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
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or call (407) 975-3325
69
245. Lot of 7 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip III,
assayers R, Q (2), M, T, and not visible (2), all Grade 1.
Generally rather nice full shields and crosses, most without
any corrosion. With original Fisher certificates #176379, 154782,
159314, 188063, 158561, 213116 and 244879. Estimate: $2,000-
$3,000.
246. Lot of 7 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip III,
assayers Q (2), M, T, and not visible (3), all Grade 1.
Generally rather nice full shields and crosses, most without
any corrosion. With original Fisher certificates #174333, 219119,
198504, 167655, 220178, 188504 and 246687. Estimate: $2,000-
$3,000.
70
247. Lot of 7 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip III,
assayers Q, T, and not visible (5), all Grade 1. Generally
rather nice full shields and crosses, most without any corrosion.
With original Fisher certificates #209924, 215565, 216531, 209108,
214598, 118529 and 160599. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
248. Lot of 5 Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II/III,
assayers R, Q, and not visible (3), Grades 2-4. Lightly to
heavily corroded but with recognizable details, a couple good
crosses and shields. With original Fisher certificates #135107,
133610, 191644, 191583 and 135707. Estimate: $800-$1,200.
249. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip II, P-B (1st period,
“Lima style”), scarce, Grade 1. S-P4, KM-3.2, CT-486 (under Lima).
6.1 grams. Typically round and even, with fine but worn details,
full cross and shield, clear P-B, light corrosion. With Fisher photo-
certificate #94A-3581. Estimate: $500-$750.
71
250. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip II, assayer L/ii to left, denomination ii/P-M to right, scarce, Grade 1. S-P3,
KM-3.2, CT-492 (under Lima). 5.2 grams. Interesting issue with messy but attributable mintmark/assayer/denomination combination
flanking the full shield, full cross on other side, nicely detailed but lightly corroded. With original Fisher certificate #231600.
Estimate: $400-$600.
251. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip III, assayer R, Grade 1. S-P15, KM-8, CT-355. 6.9 grams. Oblong flan with full shield
and cross, nearly full crown, bold king’s name (with backwards S) and ordinal III, no corrosion but some crude strike. With
original Fisher certificate #132670. Estimate: $450-$675.
252. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip III, assayer M, Grade 1. S-P18, KM-8, CT-356. 6.6 grams. Thick and somewhat octagonal
flan with great full cross and shield (both slightly doubled), 100% corrosion-free. With Fisher insert-tag #131737. Estimate:
$300-$450.
253. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2
reales, Grade 1, Philip III,
assayer not visible, mounted
cross-side out in 14K gold
men’s ring. KM-8. 33 grams.
Good full cross and shield, very
bold full denomination Z, very
silvery from cleaning, no
corrosion, very cute “octopus”
mounting. With Treasure Salvors
tag and Sinclair photo-certificate
#127451. Estimate: $800-
$1,200.
254. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip III, assayer Q,
Grade 2. S-P17, KM-8, CT-353. 6.2 grams. Full but somewhat flat
cross and shield, weak but certain Q, minimal corrosion. With
original Fisher certificate #137352. Estimate: $300-$450.
255. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip III, assayer T,
Grade 4. S-P21, KM-8. 2.9 grams. Heavily corroded but with shield
and cross still evident, assayer barely discernible. With original
Fisher certificate #134257. Estimate: $100-$150.
Cartagena, Colombia, cobs
256. Cartagena, Colombia, cob 8 reales, (1621-22), RN-A,
rare, Grade 1. S-C2, KM-3.2. 26.3 grams. Very solid and well-
preserved specimen with full and well-detailed shield (slightly
doubled) and cross, much legend, clear mintmark RN and
assayer A, 100% corrosion-free but with some flat spots, nicely
toned, very impressive, just lacking the date. With Fisher/Sinclair
photo-certificate #CH9-81-90950. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
72
257. Cartagena, Colombia, cob 8 reales, (1621-22), (RN-
A), rare, Grade 1. S-C2, KM-3.2. 25.5 grams. Large flan with
incredibly well-detailed cross-lions-castles, also choice full shield
(very well-detailed, just slightly doubled), bold king’s ordinal
III, but date off the edge and flat where the mintmark and
assayer would be, virtually no corrosion. With original Fisher
certificate #109151. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
258. Cartagena, Colombia, cob 8 reales, (1621-22), RN-
A, rare, no certificate (Grade-2 quality). S-C2, KM-3.2. 16.8
grams. Nice full shield and cross, bold assayer A, a bit thin from
corrosion but still nicely detailed. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
259. Cartagena, Colombia, cob 4 reales, (16)22A, mintmark
RN, very rare, very choice Grade-1 quality (Grade 2 on
certificate). S-C2, KM-2.3. 13.1 grams. Incredibly bold and well-
detailed full shield, good full cross-lions-castles (all well
centered), with bold RN mintmark to left and assayer-
denomination A-IIII to right, flat where date would be,
practically no corrosion. With original Fisher certificate #109112.
Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
260. Cartagena, Colombia, cob 4 reales, (1622)(A),
mintmark RN, rare, Grade 3 (Grade-2 quality). S-C2, KM-
2.3. 10.4 grams. Choice full crown above nice full shield with clear
mintmark to left, full but corroded cross, good strike (well
centered). With Fisher photo-certificate #86A-109123. Estimate:
$800-$1,200.
“Dry Tortugas wreck,” sunk ca. 1622 off the Dry Tortugas, west of Key West, Florida
261. Cartagena, Colombia, cob 8 reales, (16)21A, extremely
rare first date, “Zucker specimen.” S-C2, KM-3.2. 12.7 grams.
Exceptionally broad flan with bold 21 date above full cross
and tressure (nicely detailed castles and one lion), nearly full
and well-detailed shield (good for die-study) with bold assayer
A to right, thin from corrosion but all the important details
quite clear, one of 3 known with date visible and only recently
attributed accurately by numismatists as the official first date
of issue. With Sedwick photo-certificate from 2004. Estimate:
$16,000-$25,000.
73
Campen, sunk in 1627 off the Isle of Wight, England
262. Holland, United Netherlands, “lion” daalder, 1589.
19.0 grams. Bold lion and legend, clear 89 date, thin from
corrosion but without much affect on details. With original
certificate hand-signed by the project director. Estimate: $125-$200.
263. Gelderland, United Netherlands, “lion” daalder, 1611.
KM-15.1. 28.0 grams. Very solid and uncorroded, some weak
interior strike but all legends full, including the bold date.
Estimate: $125-$200.
264. Utrecht, United Netherlands, “lion” daalder, 1616.
KM-13. 27.0 grams. Big flan with bold legends, nicely detailed upper
half of lion with clear date above, no corrosion but some cuts
and scrapes on reverse. Estimate: $125-$200.
265. Overijssel, United Netherlands, “lion” daalder, 1616.
KM-12. 26.7 grams. All details full and uncorroded, just a bit worn
and flat, also a few stress fractures on reverse (not abnormal).
With hinged wooden display box with ship’s name on plaque top and
printed inside. Estimate: $125-$200.
266. Westfriesland, United Netherlands, “lion” daalder,
1616. KM-14.2. 26.2 grams. Very bold date, full lion and knight,
some weakness but practically no corrosion. Estimate: $125-
$200.
267. Westfriesland, United Netherlands, “lion” daalder,
1617. KM-14.2. 22.8 grams. Choice bold legends and lion despite
corrosion, clear date and mintmark, contrasting toning on fields.
Estimate: $100-$150.
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74
268. Westfriesland, United Netherlands, “lion” daalder,
1617. KM-14.2. 26.2 grams. Great full lion and knight, bold legends,
clear date, some weak spots and gouges but no corrosion.
Estimate: $100-$150.
269. Utrecht, United Netherlands, “lion” daalder, 1617.
KM-13. 26.9 grams. Well-detailed full lion and knight, clear date,
bold mintmark, no corrosion but small knock on edge.
Estimate: $200-$300.
270. Holland, United Netherlands, “lion” daalder, 1625/
4, rare. KM-unlisted (cf. 17). 26.8 grams. Bold full legends, including
full date that at first looks like 1623 but upon magnification is
undeniably 1625/4, an unlisted overdate, also choice full lion
and knight, nice contrasting toning, no corrosion but minor
edge-split. Estimate: $250-$375.
271. Utrecht, United Netherlands, “lion” daalder, 1626.
KM-13. 26.8 grams. Large flan with full lion and legend on obverse,
nicely detailed knight on reverse, nice toning, virtually no
corrosion but some scratches and pockmarks. Estimate: $100-
$150.
272. Westfriesland, United Netherlands, half “lion”
daalder, 1616, scarce. KM-22.1. 13.1 grams. Excellent full lion
with bold full date, no corrosion, contrasting toning. Estimate:
$175-$250.
273. Overijssel, United Netherlands, half “lion” daalder,
1616, scarce. KM-11. 13.1 grams. Beautifully detailed lion and
knight, bold legends, no corrosion but some scratches and gouge
in edge. Estimate: $150-$225.
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Want to see your collection here? Consign
to our Treasure Auction #7 (spring, 2010),
deadline January 31
75
“Lucayan Beach wreck,” sunk ca. 1628 off Grand Bahama Island
274. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (16)26D, rare, with
mint-condition Spink promotional box. S-M18a, KM-45, CT-
318. 25.6 grams. Full but crude 26 of date, bold mintmark, most
of shield and cross, minimal corrosion but much flatness, part
of edge bent, but real value is in the complete and pristine
packaging (first we have seen this nice). With original Spink box
(1960s) in mint condition (including printed outer housing) and with
flyers, certificate and original invoice from 1972. Estimate: $250-$375.
275. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip IV, assayer
not visible (D), with Spink promotional box. S-M18a, KM-45.
26.8 grams. Solid and uncorroded coin with well-centered shield
and cross but peripheral flatness, the box in rather nice condition
compared to most. With original Spink box (1960s) and small
certificate. Estimate: $200-$300.
276. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip IV, assayer
not visible (D), with Spink promotional box. S-M18a, KM-45.
24.8 grams. Choice full shield, full but corroded cross, typical
barrel-shaped planchet. With original Spink box (1960s).
Estimate: $150-$225.
277. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip IV, assayer
D (possible D/F), with Spink promotional box. S-M18a, KM-
38. 13.5 grams. Very bold assayer D with something underneath
(could just be another D), full and well-centered shield and
cross, somewhat flat but no corrosion. With original Spink box
(1960s) and small certificate. Estimate: $200-$300.
76
278. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip IV, assayer
D, with Spink promotional box. S-M18a, KM-38. 13.5 grams.
Good full cross and shield, silvery from cleaning (most are
toned), weak but certain oMD. With original Spink box (1960s)
and small certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
Concepción, sunk in 1641 off the northeast coast of Hispaniola
279. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (16)39P, rare. S-
M19, KM-45, CT-334. 25.6 grams. Clear date and oMP, full cross,
nearly full shield, typically barrel-shaped planchet with much
unevenness and resulting weakness but practically no corrosion.
Estimate: $250-$375.
280. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1640P, scarce. S-
M19, KM-45, CT-336. 24.5 grams. Fairly clear date, bold mintmark,
full cross and nearly full shield, typically shiny and somewhat
corroded. With Blanchard wallet-type certificate and pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
281. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip IV, oMP,
with canvas impression. S-M19, KM-45. 25.5 grams. Very thick
and solid planchet with great full cross, full but slightly corroded
shield, bold oMP, interestingly with crosshatch pattern from
original canvas crystallized onto the obverse. Estimate: $100-
$150.
282. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip IV, oMP. S-
M19, KM-38. 10.6 grams. Nearly full cross and shield, moderately
corroded. With large, blue, wallet-style certificate. Estimate: $75-
$110.
77
283. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip IV, P-TR. S-P27,
KM-14a. 5.8 grams. Thick, squarish flan with good full cross and
shield, full P-TR, faint corrosion only, no toning. With Kenneth
Aiken certificate. Estimate: $75-$110.
Lastdrager, sunk in 1653 off the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland
284. Emden, Germany (Holy Roman Empire), 28 stuber
(2/3 thaler), Ferdinand II (1619-37). KM-10.1. 16.9 grams. Full
legends, clear arms and double-headed eagle despite dark toning
and light corrosion, scarce provenance. With Sedwick certificate.
Estimate: $100-$150.
285. Emden, Germany (Holy Roman Empire), 28 stuber
(2/3 thaler), Ferdinand II (1619-37). KM-10.1. 16.5 grams. Large
flan with mostly bold legends, clear interiors, full crown, darkly
toned, light corrosion, scarce provenance. With Sedwick certificate.
Estimate: $100-$150.
286. Emden, Germany (Holy Roman Empire), 28 stuber
(2/3 thaler), Ferdinand II (1619-37). KM-10.1. 18.2 grams. Much
flatness but minimal corrosion, dark tone, some bold legend,
including mintmark EMB, scarce provenance. With Sedwick
certificate. Estimate: $100-$150.
287. Emden, Germany (Holy Roman Empire), 28 stuber
(2/3 thaler), Ferdinand III (1637-57). KM-16. 15.4 grams. Bold
legends (especially the emperor’s ordinal III) and inner details,
darkly toned, light corrosion, scarce provenance. With Sedwick
certificate. Estimate: $100-$150.
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at info@sedwickcoins.com
or call (407) 975-3325
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(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
78
A PRACTICAL INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTERMARKED
COB 8 AND 4 REALES OF POTOSI, BOLIVIA, 1649-52
One of the most sordid episodes in numismatic history
was the debasement scandal in Potosí in the mid-1600s. After
complaints about the fineness of Potosí’s coins throughout
the early 1600s, culminating in the 1640s, King Philip IV finally
sent an investigator named Francisco Nestares Marín to the
region and soon found out that the fraud permeated the whole
silver operation in Potosí, all the way back to the mines. At the
heart of the crime, as it turned out, were a rich merchant and
former mayor named Francisco Gómez de la Rocha and his
accomplice assayer at the mint, Juan Ramírez de Arellano. Both
were summarily executed and the other assayers currently or
formerly working at the mint (Tapia, Trevino, Velázquez and
Zambrano) were either fined or simply discharged from duty.
Before the punishments were meted out, however, the
most pressing issue was to install a new assayer. The man chosen
for the job, beginning in 1649, was Juan Rodríguez de Roas,
also known as Rodas or even Ruedas (which is why, rueda being
Spanish for “wheel,” his coins show an assayer mark of a circle
with a dot in the middle (we call it O), since he wished to avoid
confusion with the R for Ramírez). The new coins from this
assayer, as well as those made by his successor in 1651, Antonio
de Ergueta, became known as “rodases,” and the older
(presumably all debased) coins with the link to the corrupt ex-
mayor (going back as far as the 1620s) were called “rochunas.”
Unfortunately the silver used for the rodases was still a bit short
in fineness, so even those coins could not circulate at full value,
and other countries needed something manifest on the coins
to show their lower intrinsic value.
Then began the daunting task to decide how to devalue
the old coins (rochunas) and find a way to discriminate them
from the new coins (rodases) until a totally new “pillars-and-
waves” design could be put in place. The kneejerk reaction
from the crown, by decree in late 1650 but not received in
Peru until January of 1652 (presumably much earlier in Mexico,
Panama and Colombia), was to lower the value of all the 8
reales coins down to 6 reales. While the other areas in the
colonies, whose own coins were clearly different, simply melted
the coins as they came in, with a few exceptions, in Peru that
was not feasible, for their new coins were not so easily
identifiable from the old ones, not to mention the effect that
such a staggering loss in value (25%) would have on the local
economy. Therefore the king gave discretion to the Viceroy of
Peru, the Count of Salvatierra, to implement the mandate in
whatever way he deemed most sensible. On January 31, 1652,
after some deliberation, it was decided that ONLY the rochunas
would be devalued to 6 reales and had to be submitted for
melting within two months’ time, while the new rodases would
be worth 7-1/2 reales, with the 4 reales at exactly half those
numbers (3 reales and 3-3/4 reales respectively), leaving the
lower denominations unchanged.
Anyone who is familiar with cobs knows that dates
and even assayer marks are not always visible on shield-type
cobs, so despite improvements in those areas, there was still a
need to make it possible to tell the new coins (rodases) from the
old coins (rochunas). That is where the countermarks come in.
As part of the 1652 decision, the public had just eight months,
or the estimated amount of time to get enough of the new
pillars-and-waves coins into circulation, to bring their rodases in
to various royal agencies known as “cajas r eales” for
countermarking to prove their higher value. Each caja real had
its own mark, and in fact some of these marks had been used
for many years on worked silver (platters and cups, etc.), but
many new ones were probably instituted just for these coins.
The study of these countermarks and attribution to specific
cajas reales is ongoing, and for the first time in this auction we
can link at least a couple of them to specific locales through
matches on worked silver items.
As for what these countermarks look like, we can only
give a rough guide in this short space, as there are literally scores
of different ones. The great majority of the marks are circular
and consist of a crown above a letter, the most common of
which are F and L; others include A, C, G, O, P, S, T and Z.
Whether or not the letters correspond to the names of thelocations of the cajas reales or individual silversmiths at those
places is still unknown. Most of the marks have a border of
dots, and some have dots around an inner ring, but some have
no border at all. Many countermarks have just a crown without
a letter, and in fact one of the crown-alone marks is perhaps
the most common of all, whereas the others are all rare. A few
others, generally very rare, show dates (in pentagonal-shaped
marks), monograms or some version of a coat of arms. Rarest
of all are coins that show two or even three countermarks,
proving that these coins were circulating in different regions,
as the possessor of an already countermarked coin wanted to
be sure it was approved for the higher value in whatever district
he was in, and there is even evidence that a few of these marks
were applied in areas outside of Peru, notably Santo Domingo
and even possibly Buenos Aires.
The countermarking scheme still left the door open
for corrupt officials to get their old rochunas countermarked
anyway (thereby illegally making 6 reales coins worth 7-1/2
reales), and in fact such coins do exist today, but they are quite
rare. Naturally this killed the value of the rodases and hastened
their disuse as well. Indeed the countermarking scheme was a
fragile system and was only a stopgap measure until the new
coins of “pillars-and-waves” design with prominent and multiple
dates and assayer marks (which went into production at the
Potosí mint in March of 1652) could fill the void. Since those
new coins were worth the full 8 reales, there was no more
incentive to use the old coins, whether countermarked or not,
79
which were generally cashed in and eventually eliminated from
commerce. On several occasions the crown tried to force the
eradication of the old coins, but it was not until 1657 that they
were officially declared illegal for trade.
Today the short-lived countermarked coins of Potosí
are scarce, and we are able to collect and study them only because
of a series of shipwrecks salvaged in the 1970s-1990s that were
carrying the bulk of these coins back to Spain, namely the
Capitana shipwreck (sunk in 1654 off Ecuador) and the
Maravillas wreck (sunk in the Bahamas in 1656). The
documentation behind these coins is confusing (best analyzed
in Arnaldo Cunietti-Ferrando’s Historia de la Real Casa de Moneda
de Potosí durante la dominación hispánica, 1573-1825 [Buenos Aires,
1995]), and until a definitive photo guide is made, it will be
difficult to accurately attribute all the marks (the most complete
diagrammatical study so far being Louis Ullian’s article in the
Ponterio auction catalog mentioned below). One thing is certain:
As the shipwreck finds further disperse, these coins will become
even scarcer and more valuable, and there will probably never
be any other supply to study or collect.
We are honored and excited to offer here the Louis
Hudson collection of countermarked Potosí 8 and 4 reales. An
extremely knowledgeable and longtime dealer, Louis had the
opportunity to acquire and study some of the rarest and most
important coins found on the Capitana and offered at auction
by Ponterio & Associates in 1999, augmented by private
acquisitions of coins from the Maravillas wreck. As you peruse
these offerings, keep in mind that it is a collection of rare and
understudied marks and therefore lacks an accurate cross-
section of the common marks. Also, the countermarks here were
chosen by Louis for completeness of the countermarks
themselves, so you are seeing some of the best examples of
each mark and not a representation of what they normally look
like. In general, the quality of the host coin is very much
secondary in value to the countermark itself, a very important
and almost counterintuitive concept when so many of the coins
are corroded and worn from the sea.
Capitana (Jesús María de la Limpia Concepción), sunk in 1654 off Chanduy, Ecuador
Countermarked shield-type
289. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1646)V (rare assayer),
with crowned script-•G• countermark (rare) on shield side.
S-P32, KM-19a, CT-496. 16.8 grams. Complete countermark and bold
full assayer (unique combination, both aspects rare by
themselves), good full shield, full but partially flat cross, thin
from wear and corrosion and with notch in edge. Pedigreed to the
Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $500-$750.
288. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip IV, assayer T
(1640s), with crowned L countermark on cross side, rare.
S-P30, KM-19a. 19.6 grams. Common countermark but rare on a
pre-1648 coin, as this must be (assayer T), even though the
date is not visible. Full but off-center cross, full but weak shield,
a bit worn and pitted, but countermark and assayer both very
clear. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
80
290. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 16(4)9Z, date at 8 o’clock,
with crown alone countermark on shield side. S-P34, KM-
19a, CT-508. 24.2 grams. Broad planchet with bold legend (especially
the date, which is 90 degrees removed from the usual position)
around full cross and tressure, full but corroded crown and
shield on other side with full countermark and king’s name
PHELIPVS in legend. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
291. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 16(4)9Z, with crowned
L countermark on cross side. S-P34, KM-19a, CT-508. 16.6 grams.
Large, thin flan with part of edge crude, full countermark,
clear date and assayer, some flat spots but minimal corrosion.
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
292. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1649)O/Z, with 2
countermarks (rare): crowned •F• on shield side and arms
on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-507. 21.9 grams. Specimens with
2 or more countermarks like this one are very rare, and this
one also shows a clear O/Z assayer in addition to the full and
well-detailed •F• countermark (no dots flanking crown), nice
full shield, full but partially flat cross, light corrosion, the arms
countermark (shield with lions and castles) typically applied to
the very edge. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate:
$350-$500.
293. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1649)O/Z, with crown
alone countermark (very rare, attributable to Arequipa,
Peru) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-507. 24.0 grams. Thick and
solid coin with nice full cross that bears a full countermark
showing a crown of distinctive design, the shield side mostly
flat but with good full crown, minimal corrosion. This mark is
an exact match with a piece attributed to Arequipa in the book
Marcas de platería hispanoamericana by Esteras Martín (1992), but
interestingly there is another mark with the same distinctive
crown but with letter a underneath that Esteras Martín attributes
to Colombia instead (see lot #319). Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson
collection. Estimate: $500-$750.
294. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1649)O/Z, crowned O
(?) countermark on cross, very round planchet. S-P35, KM-
19b, CT-507. 23.2 grams. Perfectly round planchet with partially weak
but full and well-centered shield and cross, the latter of which
shows most of a weakly applied countermark that is most likely
crowned O, which is scarce, some flatness, light corrosion.
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
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81
295. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (16)49O/sR (rare over-
assayer), with crowned L countermark on cross side,
choice. S-P35, KM-19b. 26.7 grams. Broad flan with bold full shield,
good full cross with bold 9 of date, nearly full countermark,
most of assayer with bottom-right leg of R peeking out, nicely
contrasting toning, practically no corrosion. Pedigreed to the Louis
Hudson collection. Estimate: $400-$600.
296. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1649)O/sR (rare over-
assayer), with crowned L countermark on cross side. S-
P35, KM-19b. 25.4 grams. Full but slightly doubled cross and shield,
100% complete countermark and P-O with top of s and bottom
of R protruding, no corrosion but one edge-crack. Pedigreed to
the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $400-$600.
297. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1649O, with 2
countermarks (rare): crown alone on shield side and crown
alone (very rare) on cross side, full date. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-
506. 26.7 grams. Choice full date, great full cross with very rare
countermark consisting of a crown without a border, the other
side of the coin showing most of the shield with bold crown
countermark of the common type, also clear P-O, some
weakness and corrosion, one edge-split. Pedigreed to the Louis
Hudson collection. Estimate: $400-$600.
298. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 16(4)9O, with crowned
L countermark on cross, choice. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-506. 27.1
grams. Bold full details all over, including crown and shield
(assayer muddled), cross and countermark, and the 1 and the 9
of the date, no corrosion, nicely contrasting toning. Pedigreed to
the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $400-$600.
299. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1649O, with 2
countermarks (rare): crowned L and arms on cross side.
S-P35, KM-19b, CT-506. 25.6 grams. Solid coin with no corrosion
but some flatness, full shield with bold mintmark, full cross
with both countermarks very clear, neither one rare but rarely
seen together. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate:
$300-$450.
300. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (16)49O, with 2 crowned
L countermarks on cross side (rare). S-P35, KM-19b, CT-506.
20.4 grams. Bold full cross side with both countermarks clear
(common countermarks but rare to see 2), shield side mostly
flat but with good crown, some corrosion. Pedigreed to the Louis
Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
82
301. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1649)(O?), with crowned
c (?) countermark (rare) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b. 16.6
grams. Nearly full countermark with what appears to be a small
G or c (both rare) below the crown in a border, full but doubled
shield and cross, most of crown, bold denomination 8, some
corrosion but good toning. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection.
Estimate: $250-$375.
302. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (164)9O, with crown
alone countermark (rare) on shield side. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-
506. 24.5 grams. Unique and fully visible countermark with
scalloped border on full but mostly flat shield below full and
well-detailed crown, bold P•O, king’s name as PHELIPVS, full
but very flat cross with clear 9 of date, small edge-split, minimal
corrosion. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $350-
$500.
303. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1649)(O), with crowned
O countermark on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b. 20.8 grams. Very
clear countermark (scarce) on full cross, full but weak shield
on other side, solid but worn and corroded. Pedigreed to the Louis
Hudson collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
304. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1650O, with crowned
•PH• countermark on cross side, choice and Royal-like.
S-P35, KM-19b, CT-509. 26.2 grams. Superb strike on a very broad
planchet, probably meant to be a Royal, with all inner details
and almost all the legends full, also well preserved and with
beautiful brown toning, the full countermark also scarce.
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $900-$1,350.
305. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (16)50O, with 2 crowned
C countermarks (very rare) on cross side, choice, KM Plate
Coin. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-509. 24.8 grams. Big, solid planchet with
two edge-splits, 2 very clear crowned C countermarks, full cross,
crude shield, no corrosion but some flat spots. Pedigreed to the
Louis Hudson collection and Plate Coin in KM (#19b). Estimate:
$600-$900.
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to our Treasure Auction #7 (spring, 2010),
deadline January 31
83
306. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (165)0O, with 2
countermarks on cross side (very rare): crown alone (very
rare) and crowned C (rare), choice. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-509.
26.5 grams. Both countermarks very clear and bold, the crowned
C rare but the crown alone (without border) very rare, and the
combination unique, full cross, full but mostly weak shield, full
0 of date, no corrosion, small edge-split. Pedigreed to the Ponterio
Capitana auction, lot 52 (Plate Coin), and pedigreed to the Louis Hudson
collection. Estimate: $400-$600.
307. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1)650O, with pentagonal
1652 countermark (rare) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-
509. 26.7 grams. Strange, almost barrel-shaped planchet with good
full shield and cross, bold date, but best part is the pentagonal
countermark in the middle of the cross, some flatness but only
minimal corrosion. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
308. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (165)0O, with crowned
o countermark (rare) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-509.
23.6 grams. Full countermark with small o (much rarer than the
large O) on full cross, bold date, full shield, some flatness but
not really any corrosion. Pedigreed to the Ponterio Capitana auction,
lot 232 (Plate Coin, with lot-tag), and pedigreed to the Louis Hudson
collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
310. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (16)50O, with crown
alone countermark (very rare) on shield side. S-P35, KM-
19b, CT-509. 21.9 grams. Unique countermark (very similar to the
common crown but with the crown shifted to right, definitely
worth further study), good full cross and shield, some flatness
and minor edge-split but hardly any corrosion. Pedigreed to the
Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
309. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650)O, with crown
alone countermark (very rare) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b.
27.1 grams. Very darkly toned, with full shield and cross, no
corrosion but one edge-split, the countermark in center with
distinctive border of tiny dots (the crown not really visible).
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
84
311. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1650O, with crowned (?)
on cross side, choice. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-509. 23.3 grams. Huge
flan with full and well-detailed interiors and much legend, like
PHELIPVS IIIII (due to double strike) and 1650 date, also P-
O and 8-O flanking the beautiful shield, but the countermark
in the center of the cross incomplete and the surfaces lightly
corroded. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-
$375.
312. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1650O, date at 5
o’clock, with full crowned script-F or script-L (unique)
countermark on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-509. 26.5 grams.
If you are a researcher of countermarks, then this coin,
perhaps more than any other in this collection, is the one
you should study, because the countermark is complete and
pristine, yet the letter below the crown does not match any
orthography known so far, sort of a thin F with the foot of
an L and a short back-curl at the top. Interestingly, this mark
is known, listed as Ullian Type MM (rated as U-2, meaning 1
or 2 known, the highest rating) in the Capitana catalog of
1999, but no specimens were cited in the sale. The coin itself
is solid, even lustrous in places but plagued by the usual
flatness and minor corrosion and even some black staining.
Nevertheless, the date, assayer, mintmark and denomination
are all visible, and the cross and shield are full. Pedigreed to the
Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
313. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1650O, with crowned-T
countermark (rare) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-509. 19.7
grams. Good full cross and shield despite light corrosion, bold
8-O to right of shield, nearly full countermark, full date. With
generic certificate and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$200-$300.
314. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, •1•6•5(•0•)O, with 2
countermarks on cross side (very rare): crowned script P
(rare) and crowned T (rare). S-P35, KM-19b. 25.4 grams. Curious
one-year variety with superfluity of dots in legend, good full
shield and cross despite flatness, the 2 countermarks (each very
rare, the combination extremely so) bold, minimal corrosion.
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $500-$750.
85
315. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1)651O, with 2 crowned
C countermarks (very rare) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-
510. 20.0 grams. Broad, round coin with full shield, bold assayer
and date, one full countermark and most of another (very rare
to see 2), thin and worn and weak in places, but no heavy pitting.
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
317. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1651O, with crown-alone
countermark on shield side and brockage of same on cross
side. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-510. 24.6 grams. Solid and uncorroded
specimen with bold date, complete countermark (with a reverse
impression on the other side from application of the mark
onto the base after the coin slipped out), nice full shield and
cross, some flatness and an edge-crack. With photo-certificate and
pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
316. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (165)1O, with 3
countermarks (very rare): 2 crowned (?) and arms on cross
side. S-P35, KM-19b, CT-510. 18.8 grams. Nice shield side with bold
legend and nearly full crown, cross side littered with
countermarks that unfortunately do not show enough interior
details to attribute, still quite rare to see 3 different ones, some
thinning from corrosion and crack in edge. Pedigreed to the Louis
Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
318. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with countermark “BALTR+” (attributed to Buenos Aires, Argentina)
below castle and lion on cross side, extremely rare. S-P35, KM-19b. 17.3 grams. Nearly full and practically unique countermark,
the only other published specimen a 4R in the Cunietti reference, but at least one other is reported to exist. A reconstruction of
the entire mark can by made by joining this example with the Cunietti specimen (which, incidentally, Cunietti does not attribute
to Buenos Aires). Curiously, while Buenos Aires received the order from Viceroy Salvatierra in March of 1652 to melt the
rochunas and countermark the rodases, documents show that the corrupt governor, Jacinto de Lariz, held the order until August so
that he could surreptitiously countermark his own rochunas holdings and thereby save himself 1-1/2 reales per 8 reales! While
this establishes evidence that Buenos Aires did indeed countermark coins, the documentation does not show what mark was
used except for the blanket term “marca de coronilla.” A careful study of the monogram of letters on the bottom of the
countermark reveals it to be BALTR+, which we believe can be reasonably attributed to the port city of Buenos Aires, whose
full original name in 1580 (second establishment, the original one abandoned in 1541) was “La Ciudad de Santísima Trinidad y
Puerto de Santa María del Buen Ayre” (BA = Buen Ayre, L = La Ciudad, TR = Trinidad, + = Santísima). The coin itself is well
detailed considering corrosion and thinning, with full cross and shield (the latter rather weak), most of crown, clear assayer.
Pedigreed to the Ponterio Capitana sale, lot 227 (Plate Coin) and pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $3,500-$5,000.
86
319. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-51)O, with
crowned script-a countermark (rare, attributed to
Arequipa, Peru) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b. 25.6 grams.
Very solid, round flan with flat peripheries but full shield
and cross (nicely toned, no corrosion), the latter graced with
a COMPLETE countermark showing the script-a (for
Arequipa) below a distinctive crown. As mentioned in lot
#293, this mark is attributed by Esteras Martín to Colombia,
but the crown matches the Arequipa mark and Colombia
was unlikely to have countermarked these coins, not to
mention the near impossibility that a coin could have traveled
from Peru to Colombia and back before the Capitana set sail!
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
320. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with crowned
Z countermark (very rare) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b. 22.9
grams. Choice full and bold countermark on full cross, full but
doubled shield and crown on other side, bold king’s ordinal
IIII, broad flan with edge-split, light corrosion only. Pedigreed
to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $500-$750.
321. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with crowned
backwards-L countermark (very rare) on shield side. S-
P35, KM-19b. 20.0 grams. Totally complete countermark (so rare
as to be virtually unknown until the Capitana sale in 1999) on
full shield with bold assayer, horrible cross side due to
corrosion, minor edge-split. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection.
Estimate: $400-$600.
322. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with 2
countermarks on shield side (very rare): crown alone and
crowned C (rare). S-P35, KM-19b. 23.1 grams. Two bold and near-
complete countermarks on full shield, good full cross, some
weakness but not much corrosion, well-centered strike. Pedigreed
to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
323. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with crowned
•PH• countermark on shield side. S-P35, KM-19b. 27.1 grams.
Choice full countermark (scarce) on full shield below full crown,
both assayers clear, good full cross, no corrosion but much
flatness and one edge-split. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
87
324. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with 2
countermarks on shield side (very rare): crown alone (very
rare) and crowned (?). S-P35, KM-19b. 25.7 grams. A great coin
for study, with both countermarks (borderless crown alone and
crowned-something with dotted border) on full shield between
P-O and 8-O, good full cross, nicely toned and with only a hint
of corrosion. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate:
$300-$450.
325. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with 2
countermarks on cross side (very rare): crowned L (?) and
crowned T (rare). S-P35, KM-19b. 26.1 grams. Both countermarks
rather pristine and well detailed but incomplete, good full cross
and shield, virtually no corrosion but peripherally flat and not
much contrast. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate:
$300-$450.
326. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with 2
countermarks on cross side (very rare): crowned C (rare)
and arms. S-P35, KM-19b. 17.0 grams. Very clear countermarks
(the peripheral arms mark much more complete than usual),
good full cross and shield despite much wear and thinning.
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
327. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with crowned
G countermark (rare) on shield side. S-P35, KM-19b. 18.0 grams.
Nice shield-side details with most of the countermark, choice
crown, full cross too but moderately corroded (thin) and with
edge-crack. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-
$375.
328. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with 2
countermarks on shield side (very rare): crown alone and
crowned O. S-P35, KM-19b. 23.7 grams. Both countermarks clear
on a full shield with assayer to right, full but weak cross, lightly
corroded. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-
$375.
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88
329. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with crowned
G countermark (rare) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b. 21.9 grams.
Bold full cross with countermark in center, full shield below
bold crown, bold assayer, some flatness and thinning but good
contrast, with two edge-splits. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson
collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
330. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with crowned
(?) countermark on shield side. S-P35, KM-19b. 23.4 grams. Nice
full cross, full but weak shield, bold P-O, oddly oblong planchet,
lightly corroded, the crown of the countermark full and well
detailed but the space below it trumped by the host coin’s details.
Estimate: $250-$275.
331. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with crowned
S countermark on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b. 19.2 grams. Full
but corroded countermark (scarce), nice full shield, broad round
flan but thin from corrosion. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection.
Estimate: $200-$300.
332. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with 2
countermarks (very rare): crowned (?) and arms on cross
side. S-P35, KM-19b. 17.4 grams. Heavily corroded with pieces of
edge missing but very rare with 2 countermarks, one of which
is not completely decipherable (just the crown visible), still with
decent cross, assayer and king’s name. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson
collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
333. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with crowned
L countermark on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b. 17.9 grams. Good
full shield with crown askew due to doubling, very deep and
clear countermark on heavily corroded cross side, clear date,
edge-split. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $200-
$300.
334. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with crowned
(?) countermark on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b. 22.1 grams. Full
but moderately corroded shield and cross, the latter of which
bears a complete but too-weak-to-attribute countermark in the
center, the planchet itself somewhat concave. Estimate: $100-
$150.
89
335. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1(6)51E, with crowned
•T• (rare) countermark on shield side. S-P36, KM-19b, CT-511.
23.7 grams. Nice full cross and shield with full P-E and 8-E and
nearly full countermark, minimal corrosion, good toning, edge-
split. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
336. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1(65)1E, with 3
countermarks on cross side (very rare): crowned C (rare),
crown alone (very rare) and arms. S-P36, KM-19b, CT-511. 26.6
grams. Broad and very solid planchet (no corrosion) with 2 full
and rare countermarks in the center of the full cross and a
slightly more common arms countermark in the periphery (very
rare combination), the shield full but weak but surrounded by
a clear P-E and 8-E and crown. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson
collection. Estimate: $400-$600.
337. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1651E, with crowned-
•F• (no dots flanking crown) countermark on shield side.
S-P36, KM-19b, CT-511. 20.9 grams. Full and bold countermark
showing the complete crown, also full and bold date, the cross
and shield all there but mostly flat, a bit worn and with one
edge-split. With generic certificate and pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
338. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1651E, with 2
countermarks (very rare): crowned C (rare) and crowned
P (rare) on cross side. S-P36, KM-19b, CT-511. 7.9 grams. Full C
countermark and most of P countermark (both rare) on nice
full cross, other side heavily worn and overall very thin and
underweight, oblong in shape. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson
collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
339. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1651-2)E, with 2
countermarks (very rare): crown alone on shield side and
crown alone (rare) on cross side. S-P36, KM-19b. 25.9 grams.
Good full shield and cross, both with clear crown countermarks
but the one on the cross of a stylized design, also clear assayer,
minor pitting only, edge-split. With generic certificate and pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
340. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1651-2)E, with full crown
alone countermark on shield. S-P36, KM-19b. 21.2 grams. Choice
full countermark (very bold and beautiful), on a full shield,
also full but slightly weak cross, no corrosion, nice toning, with
rather large crack in edge. Estimate: $150-$225.
90
341. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1651-2)E, with crowned
Z (very rare) countermark on shield side, choice, KM Plate
Coin. S-P36, KM-19b. 28.1 grams. Perfect countermark (full and
well detailed) on a choice full shield, nice cross too, no
corrosion, attractive toning, great coin that lacks only the date.
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection and Plate Coin in KM
(#C19.12). Estimate: $600-$900.
342. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1651-2)E, with 2
countermarks (very rare): crown alone on shield side and
crown alone (rare) on cross side. S-P36, KM-19b. 24.0 grams.
Great full shield with full countermark, also full cross with
somewhat peripheral countermark that is borderless and shows
a full crown of a rare design, lightly pitted all over but still
solid. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $300-
$450.
343. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 16(51-2)(E), with elegant
crown alone countermark (very rare, attributable to Lima,
Peru) on cross side. S-P36, KM-19b. 26.8 grams. The countermark
on this coin (an elegant and well-detailed crown by itself inside
a border of small dots) is an exact match with one attributed to
Lima by Esteras Martín (see lot #293), but since it is very rare,
we have to assume this was not the main mark used by that
metropolitan center, which must have countermarked quite a
lot of the coins. The countermark is right over the date (except
for the 16, which is bold), but the cross is full, as is the shield,
and there is practically no corrosion (just some flatness). Pedigreed
to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $500-$750.
344. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 16(51-2)E, with crown
alone countermark on shield, choice. S-P36, KM-19b. 22.4 grams.
Bold full countermark on choice shield side with P-E, 8-E,
crown, king’s name and ordinal, also good full cross (off-center),
no corrosion (yet underweight), with split in edge. Pedigreed to
the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
345. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1651-2)E, with crowned
(?) countermark on cross side. S-P36, KM-19b. 27.1 grams. The
countermark on this coin is nearly full but the letter below the
crown is effaced by the head of the lion underneath, with good
full shield, nearly full cross, no corrosion but much flatness,
edge-split. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-
$375.
91
346. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1651-2)E, with crowned
L countermark on cross side. S-P36, KM-19b. 23.5 grams. Very
broad but corroded coin with 100% full countermark on full
cross, good full shield, much flatness in periphery, large edge-
split. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
347. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-2)(O or E), with 2
countermarks (very rare): crowned L and crowned C (rare)
on cross side. KM-19b. 13.9 grams. Heavily worn and corroded
but with remarkably clear countermarks (the C a little weak),
crude edge. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-
$375.
348. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (1649)O, with crowned
script-P countermark (rare) on cross side. S-P35, KM-17b,
CT-731. 8.6 grams. Full and deep countermark with clear letter,
full but mostly flat shield, bold assayer, thin from corrosion.
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
349. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (1649)O, with 2
countermarks (very rare): crowned L on shield side (rare)
and crowned (?) on cross side. S-P35, KM-17b, CT-731. 13.8 grams.
Bold and deep countermark on shield, which is not the usual
place for the L countermark, nice upper half of unattributed
mark on cross, sold coin with no corrosion, nice toning. Pedigreed
to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
350. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 16(49-50)O, no
countermark (rare). S-P35, KM-17b. 13.3 grams. An understated
rarity in this series is the coin with NO countermarks, like this
one, with clear P-O to the left of the full shield, also nice full
cross with bold legend (including 16 of date), no corrosion,
attractively toned. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate:
$200-$300.
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92
351. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (16)50O, with 3
countermarks (very rare): crowned A flanked by columns
of dots on shield side (very rare), crowned C (rare) and
crown alone on cross side, KM Plate Coin. S-P35, KM-17b.
11.9 grams. Odd-shaped coin that rewards careful study, as the
countermark on the shield at first looks like just a mess (due to
interference from the host-coin details) but is actually an A
flanked by three dots in a column on each side (note that all
diagrammatical references so far erroneously omit these dots),
also with full two clear countermarks of rare varieties on the
cross side, the cross and shield full and uncorroded. Pedigreed to
the Ponterio Capitana auction, lot 41 (Plate Coin), and pedigreed to the
Louis Hudson collection and Plate Coin in KM (#C17.5). Estimate:
$600-$900.
352. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1650O, with crowned-L
countermark on cross side. S-P35, KM-17b. 12.0 grams. Bold
date, full countermark, good full shield and cross, 2 edge-splits,
some corrosion but nicely toned. With generic certificate and
pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
353. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1(65)1O, with 2
countermarks on shield side (very rare): crowned A (very
rare) and crown alone (common). S-P35, KM-17b. 13.0 grams.
Both countermarks very bold and clear, also bold assayer, but
cross side almost blank due to weak strike and wear (also old
scuff mark), no corrosion however. Pedigreed to the Ponterio
Capitana auction, lot 39 (Plate Coin), and pedigreed to the Louis Hudson
collection. Estimate: $500-$750.
354. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (1650-1)O, with crowned
•F• (4 dots) countermark on shield side, KM Plate Coin.
S-P35, KM-17b. 12.9 grams. Full and well-detailed countermark with
dots flanking crown (scarce variant), nice full cross, round and
even flan, minor corrosion only. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson
collection and Plate Coin in KM (#C17.4). Estimate: $250-$375.
355. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (1)651(O or E), with 2
countermarks (very rare): crowned •F• on shield side and
unidentified on cross side. KM-17b. 8.6 grams. Very deep and
bold countermark on edge of off-center but well-detailed shield
(nice crown too), other side much weaker but with bold date,
good upper half of cross, somewhat thin from corrosion and
with extended piece of edge bent. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson
collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
93
356. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (165)1E, with crown-
alone (common) countermark on shield side. S-P36, KM-
17b. 10.6 grams. Round coin with 100% full and bold countermark
in center of shield, otherwise weak (especially the cross) from
wear and corrosion, with typical edge-split. Pedigreed to the Louis
Hudson collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
357. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (1651-2)E, with 3
countermarks (very rare): 2 crown alone (common) on
shield side and crown alone (rare) on cross side. S-P36, KM-
17b. 12.7 grams. Fascinating coin with one bold and full
countermark plus about half of another on the shield, weak
but distinctively different countermark on cross, that side mostly
flat and corroded but the shield side well detailed, with two big
edge-splits. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $300-
$450.
358. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (1651-2)E, with crowned
backwards-L countermark (very rare) on cross side. S-P36,
KM-17b. 11.8 grams. Very bold and full countermark on great full
cross, nice full shield on other side, some peripheral flatness
but not much corrosion. Pedigreed to the Ponterio Capitana auction,
lot 36 (Plate Coin), and pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
359. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (1651-2)E, with 2
countermarks (very rare): crowned O and arms on cross
side. S-P36, KM-17b. 11.8 grams. Great full shield with 4-E to right,
nice but off-center cross with full O countermark and a healthy
portion of the peripheral arms countermark, minimal corrosion.
Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
360. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (1650-2)(O or E), with 2
countermarks (very rare): crown alone (common) on
shield side and brockage error on cross side (very rare),
crowned P (rare) on cross side, KM Plate Coin. KM-17b.
14.0 grams. Very clear and full P countermark in center of cross
right next to a bold reverse impression of the other countermark
due to slippage of the coin during hammering, no corrosion
(actually overweight!) but parts of edge crude. Pedigreed to the
Ponterio Capitana auction, lot 38 (Plate Coin), and pedigreed to the
Louis Hudson collection and Plate Coin in KM (#17b). Estimate:
$250-$375.
361. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, (1650-2)(O or E), with
crowned-•F• (no dots flanking crown) countermark on
shield side. KM-17b. 12.6 grams. Totally corrosion-free coin with
bold countermark, good shield and cross, but much of
periphery flat and with minor splits. Pedigreed to the Ponterio
Capitana auction, lot 34 (Plate Coin, with lot-tag) and pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
94
362. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, (16)51O, scarce. S-P35,
KM-14b. 4.8 grams. Broad flan with nice full shield and cross,
weak date, lightly corroded but nicely toned. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
363. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, (165)1O, scarce. S-P35, KM-
12b, CT-1047. 3.5 grams. Full P-O, most of cross and shield despite
flatness, no corrosion or toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $100-$150.
1652 transitionals
364. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1652E transitional,
McLean Type VIII/A. S-P37, KM-A20.8. 24.5 grams. Good full
shield and crown flanked by clear A-P-8 to left and O-E-52 to
right, full but slightly doubled and corroded pillars with 1-PH-
6 at top, not much contrast but rather solid and nicely centered
strike. Estimate: $200-$300.
365. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1652E transitional,
McLean Type I, rare and choice. S-P37, KM-A16.2, CT-894. 7.6
grams. Incredibly attractive full pillars and crown, also bold full
shield, no legend, but well centered and corrosion-free,
beautifully toned, must be one of the finest known of a
surprisingly scarce denomination for the issue. Estimate: $700-
$1,000.
Pillars-and-waves type
366. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1652E post-transitional,
1-PH-6 at top. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-434. 26.9 grams. Nice and full
but off-center cross with bold •E• and king’s ordinal IIII, full
(and also off-center) pillars and waves, practically no corrosion
but some flatness, attractively toned. With photo-certificate.
Estimate: $150-$225.
367. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1653E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
437. 24.0 grams. Round flan with good full cross above 653 date,
full and well-centered pillars with bold 53 date, peripheral
flatness and thin edge-split but no corrosion. With generic certificate
and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
95
368. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1654E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
438. 19.7 grams. Good full cross and pillars (plus especially
prominent waves) despite thinness from wear and corrosion, 2
edge-splits, nicely toned. With certificate. Estimate: $90-$135.
369. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1653E, PH at top, scarce
error with rotated 4 for denomination. S-P37a, KM-18, CT-741.
11.2 grams. Round and thin, with 3 dates and mintmarks, 2
assayers, bold pillars and waves, small edge-split, but best feature
is the bold sideways denomination (“backwards”) on the pillars
side, traces of corrosion only. Estimate: $250-$375.
370. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1653E. S-P37a, KM-18, CT-
740. 12.9 grams. Bold pillars and date (full PLV-SVL-TRA), half
of cross, some flatness but not much corrosion. With generic
certificate and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $175-
$250.
371. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1654E, PH at top. S-P37a,
KM-18, CT-742. 10.4 grams. Full but somewhat corroded pillars
and cross but with bold date and PH. With generic certificate and
pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
Maravillas, sunk in 1656 off Grand Bahama Island
373. Lot of 2 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8
reales, Philip IV, assayer P where visible. S-
M19, KM-45. 15.1 and 12.0 grams. Typical coins from
this wreck with heavy corrosion all over but
shields and crosses discernible, one with clear
oMP With certificates. Estimate: $150-$225.
372. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1655P, choice full
date. S-M19, KM-45, CT-362. 27.0 grams. While this is definitely one
of the commonest dates, we have probably never seen one so
bold and complete as this, also with full (but weak) shield and
cross and oMP, king’s ordinal IIII in legend, toned and 100%
corrosion-free, a super coin that rivals even non-salvage
specimens in overall quality. With generic certificate and pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $400-$600.
96
374. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 16(51)O, with crowned-
T countermark (rare) on cross side. S-P35, KM-19b. 27.1 grams.
Super large flan with choice full crown above full shield between
P•O and 8•O, nearly full countermark in center of full cross,
bold 16 of date and most of king’s name but legends otherwise
flat, minor corrosion on edge only, with edge-split, typically
tan-toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-
$500.
375. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (1650-1)O, with large
crown-alone countermark (very rare) on cross side. S-P35,
KM-19b. 25.4 grams. Huge crown countermark on full but doubled
cross, good full shield between •P•O• and •8•O•, much legend,
minor flatness and corrosion, lightly toned. Pedigreed to the Louis
Hudson collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
376. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1651E/O, with crowned
script-P countermark (rare) on cross side. S-P36, KM-19b,
CT-512. 28.2 grams. Big round flan with full countermark on cross
that at first looks like the Greek letter phi (?) but is rendered
that way because of under-details, full but somewhat weak cross
and shield, bold P-E to left and 8-E/O to right, full but weak
date, king’s ordinal IIII, doubled crown, no corrosion and
actually OVERweight. Pedigreed to the Louis Hudson collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
377. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 16(51-2)E, with special
crowned T (very rare) countermark on cross. S-P36, KM-19b.
26.2 grams. Just the crown is visible in the countermark, but it is
distinctive enough to match it to Ullian’s very rare Type EE,
apparently different from several other known T countermarks,
also a super coin anyway with full and well-detailed shield and
cross, no corrosion, nice tan toning, slightly crude edge.
Estimate: $200-$300.
378. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1652E transitional,
McLean Type IV/A, scarce. S-P37, KM-A20.4, CT-432. 24.8 grams.
Very large and somewhat “Royal”-like flan with full pillars side
details AND legends, nearly full but doubled details on other
side, minor corrosion, nice toning, Pedigreed to Heritage auction
#3000, lot #50457, Besalu collection. Estimate: $750-$1,100.
97
379. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1652E transitional,
McLean Type VII/A, scarce. S-P37, KM-A20.7. 25.7 grams. Very
solid and well-preserved coin with nice but off-center shield,
full and well-centered pillars with monogrammed HP (looks
like an N) below intricate crown at top, no corrosion, attractively
toned. Pedigreed to our Treasure Auction #3, lot #137. Estimate:
$800-$1,200.
380. Cartagena, Colombia, cob 8 reales, Philip IV, assayer
not visible (ca. 1630), rare. KM-3.4. 24.5 grams. Thick but crude
from corrosion, with distinctively neat shield, faint VIII to left,
decent full cross. With certificate. Estimate: $250-$375.
Vergulde Draeck (“Gilt Dragon”), sunk in 1656 off Western Australia
383. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1654P. S-M19, KM-
45, CT-360. 25.8 grams. Completely full and bold date and oMP,
very bold, with nearly full shield and super full cross, flat
peripheries, no corrosion, darkly toned as usual, with highly
desirable WAM certificate. With Western Australian Museum
certificate #4010 and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$400-$600.
384. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 8 reales, 1651PoRMS, rare
and choice, Plate Coin in The Practical Book of Cobs(4th edition, 2007). S-B7, KM-7.1, CT-526. 25.8 grams. Pristine (Mint
State) details on both sides, no doubling, well centered, and
also no corrosion, very bold and full assayer PoRMS but lacking
a clear date (barely readable as 1651) on the other side of the
pillars, darkly toned and very solid. Plate Coin on page 133 of The
Practical Book of Cobs (4th edition, 2007). Estimate: $2,500-
$3,750.
381. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1652P. S-M19, KM-
45, CT-356. 26.0 grams. Atypically round flan with very choice full
date and oMP, also full shield, denomination 8 and cross-lions-
castles, darkly toned but nearly corrosion-free, one of the finest
specimens with a highly desirable WAM certificate to boot.
With Western Australian Museum certificate #4001 and pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $450-$675.
382. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1653P. S-M19, KM-
45, CT-358. 27.0 grams. Solid and uncorroded coin with bold 53
of date, full oM, good full shield and cross, flat peripheries.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
98
San Miguel el Arcángel (“Jupiter wreck”), sunk in 1659 off Jupiter Inlet, east coast of Florida
385. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1655/4P, rare. S-
M19, KM-45, CT-361. 24.3 grams. Full 55 of date with fairly clear 5/
4, full cross and nearly full shield on a rounder flan than most
(very thick), moderate surface corrosion here and there with
spots of toning. Estimate: $200-$300.
Unidentified ca.-1667 wreck off Sicily, Italy
386. Fosdinovo, Italian States, luigino, 1667-A, scarce. KM-unlisted. 2.0 grams. Nicely uncorroded
and beautifully toned specimen with portrait of ruler’s widow on obverse and crowned arms
(three fleurs-de-lis, as these were imitative of fractional French coins of the popular ecu series)
splitting the date on reverse. The unidentified shipwreck source of this coin and others like it also
yielded Mexican and Spanish cobs. Estimate: $90-$135.
Sacramento, sunk in 1668 off Bay of All Saints, Bahia, Brazil
387. Lisbon, Portugal, 400 reis, John IV, with “S00” (500
reis, 1663) countermark of Brazil. 16.0 grams. Choice full
shield with bold denomination 400 and king’s ordinal IIII, full
and bold cross with perfect countermark, a little thin from
corrosion but much better than most from this wreck.
Estimate: $250-$375.
388. Lisbon, Portugal, 400 reis, John IV, with “S00” (500
reis, 1663) countermark of Brazil. 18.0 grams. Solid flan but
with somewhat weak shield (nice crown though) and not much
contrast, bold cross with very deep and bold countermark,
minimal corrosion. Estimate: $200-$300.
389. Porto, Portugal, 200 reis, John IV, with “2S0” (250
reis, 1663) countermark of Brazil. 6.0 grams. Very bold, deep
countermark on cross with bold P mintmarks, full crown and
shield, bold king’s ordinal IIII, thin from light corrosion.
Estimate: $150-$225.
390. Lisbon, Portugal, 200 reis, John IV, with “2S0” (250
reis, 1663) countermark of Brazil). 8.0 grams. Very bold full
cross with deep and perfect countermark, weak shield side but
with full king’s name and ordinal, light corrosion. Estimate:
$150-$225.
99
391. Lisbon, Portugal, 200 reis, John IV, with “2S0” (250
reis, 1663) countermark of Brazil). 6.0 grams. Thin from
corrosion but with even and well-detailed strike, including full
shield, cross, countermark and especially the crown. Estimate:
$150-$225.
392. Lot of 8 fragments of
Portuguese 200 reis with
250-reis countermarks and
100 reis with 120-reis
countermarks (4 of each) of
Brazil (1663). 22.0 grams total.
Very thin and heavily corroded
coins, yet each one with just
enough detail to attribute, fun
lot for studying the
countermarks. Estimate:
$100-$150.
393. Lot of 2 smaller Portuguese coins. 3.0 grams total. Thin
coins, very corroded, but with enough details to confirm the
denominations (medio tostão of João IV with 60-reis Brazilian
countermark and 80 reis of Alfonso VI). Estimate: $30-$45.
Unidentified wreck sunk ca. 1671 in Seville Harbor, Spain
394. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1664E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
453. 25.3 grams. Super well-detailed full crown above full cross,
bold waves, 2 mintmarks and assayers and parts of 3 dates,
lightly tan-toned with minor corrosion and flatness. With
certificate and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-
$375.
395. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1669E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
344. 26.1 grams. Bold 69 date between full pillars, 669 below cross,
partial third date in legend, 2 bold assayers, darkly toned but
not much corrosion. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$225-$325.
396. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1667E, Charles II (ordinal
visible). S-P37b, KM-25, CT-492. 13.2 grams. Full pillars, most of
cross, 2 dates, king’s ordinal in legend, most with much flatness
and darkly toned, no corrosion. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $175-$250.
397. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1668E. S-P37b, KM-25, CT-
493. 12.2 grams. Full pillars and cross despite much flatness, dark
toning, light corrosion, minor edge-split. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
100
398. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1669E. S-P37b, KM-25, CT-494. 12.3 grams. Well-centered pillars with 2 dates on that side, date
also below most of cross, some flatness but really no corrosion, darkly toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $175-
$250.
399. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1670E. S-P37b, KM-25, CT-495. 13.5 grams. Solid flan with full cross, bold waves, 2 pillars-side
dates, darkly toned but no corrosion. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
400. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1671E. S-P37b, KM-25, CT-496. 13.7 grams. Nearly full and well-centered cross and pillars, no
corrosion, darkly toned, crack in edge. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
Consolación (“Isla de Muerto shipwreck”), sunk in 1681 off Santa Clara Island, Ecuador
401. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1652E, post-transitional,
1-PH-(6) at top. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-434. 15.0 grams. Thin “razor”
with nice details, full pillars-and-waves and cross, bold PH, all
well centered. With photo-certificate Estimate: $150-$225.
402. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1665E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
454. 20.5 grams. Choice full cross and pillars despite moderate
corrosion, nice crown, 2 dates, edge-split. With ROBCAR photo-
certificate. Estimate: $125-$200.
403. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1667E, Charles II (part
of name visible). S-P37b, KM-26, CT-342. 23.9 grams. Extra large
flan with great full pillars-and-waves, full cross, 2 dates, moderate
corrosion. With ROBCAR photo-certificate. Estimate: $125-$200.
404. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1670E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
345. 21.0 grams. Very bold date between pillars, full cross, round
flan, corroded. With photo-certificate Estimate: $150-$225.
101
405. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1672E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
347. 22.5 grams. Choice specimen with full and beautiful pillars,
full cross with super castles, bold mintmark, minimal corrosion.
With ROBCAR photo-certificate. Estimate: $175-$250.
406. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1672E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
347. 20.8 grams. Nice full cross, nearly full pillars, full 1672 date in
legend, light to moderate corrosion. With ROBCAR photo-
certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
407. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1675E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
350. 22.3 grams. Full pillars with bold P and 8 and E, full but
corroded cross, weak date. Estimate: $75-$110.
408. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1676E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
351. 21.7 grams. Full pillars and waves with clear date, good full
cross with bold second date, one bold assayer, some flatness
but not much corrosion. With ROBCAR certificate #090111.
Estimate: $150-$225.
409. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
354. 20.0 grams. Bold pillars and waves, crude cross, 2 dates,
corroded. With photo-certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
410. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1679C. S-P38, KM-26, CT-
357. 21.0 grams. Very bold full pillars with particularly bold date
and C’s, also full cross, but all badly double-struck, light
corrosion only. With photo-certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
411. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1679C. S-P38, KM-26, CT-
357. 24.2 grams. Nice full cross, very bold waves, 2 strong
mintmarks and assayers, minimal corrosion. With ROBCAR
photo-certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
412. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1679C. S-P38, KM-26, CT-
357. 19.2 grams. Full cross above bold date, full pillars and waves
with bold P and C, light corrosion, edge-split. With ROBCAR
photo-certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
102
413. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1679C. S-P38, KM-26, CT-
357. 23.9 grams. Three dates and bold assayer C despite flat areas
and some doubling, no corrosion. With ROBCAR photo-certificate.
Estimate: $125-$200.
414. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1679V. S-P39, KM-26, CT-
359. 19.0 grams. Bold full pillars with clear date and assayer and
POTO(SI), but very crude cross due to corrosion. With photo-
certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
415. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1680V. S-P39, KM-26, CT-
361. 18.3 grams. Full but off-center cross with bold date below
and (CA)ROLVS II in legend, well-centered but corroded pillars
with second date. With ROBCAR photo-certificate. Estimate:
$125-$200.
416. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1672/1E, rare. S-P37b, KM-
unlisted. 3.8 grams. Excellent full pillars and waves and nice cross,
2 dates (one with very clear overdate), 3 mintmarks, no visible
corrosion but quite underweight (probably as made). With
ROBCAR photo-certificate. Estimate: $125-$200.
417. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1672E. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-599. 5.2 grams. Full and well-centered cross, full but off-center pillars,
2 dates, some corrosion. With ROBCAR certificate #090166. Estimate: $90-$135.
418. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1672E. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-599. 3.4 grams. Nice full pillars with bold P and 2 and PERV in
legend, off-center cross with bold P to left, full crown above, no visible corrosion but quite underweight (probably as made),
with large edge-split. With ROBCAR photo-certificate. Estimate: $90-$135.
419. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1674E. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-601. 6.8 grams. Bold full pillars with choice date, full and well-
centered cross, flat peripheries, no corrosion, very solid. With ROBCAR photo-certificate. Estimate: $90-$135.
420. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-
606. 5.1 grams. Broad flan with great full pillars, full but partially
flat cross, 3 mintmarks, 2 assayers, 2 weak dates, light corrosion
only. With ROBCAR certificate #090110. Estimate: $90-$135.
421. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1679C. S-P38, KM-24, CT-
607. 2.6 grams. Full but doubled cross with clear date below, full
but off-center pillars and waves, with second date and C and P,
thin from corrosion but bold details. With ROBCAR certificate
#090117. Estimate: $90-$135.
103
422. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip IV, assayer TR. S-
P29, KM-12a. 3.0 grams. Round with thick edge, clear assayer, about
half of shield and cross due to flatness, virtually no corrosion.
With ROBCAR certificate #090112. Estimate: $60-$90.
423. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip IV, assayer not
visible. KM-12a. 2.4 grams. Small, thick flan with nearly full shield,
good but incomplete cross, no corrosion. With ROBCAR
certificate #090127. Estimate: $60-$90.
424. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1657E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-
1057. 2.4 grams. Bold full pillars with clear date, full cross, light
corrosion. With ROBCAR certificate #090130. Estimate: $80-
$120.
425. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1665E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-
1065. 4.8 grams. Completely full pillars with clear date and
denomination, most of cross with second date below, very much
overweight, no corrosion. With ROBCAR certificate #090165.
Estimate: $80-$120.
426. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1666E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-
1066. 3.0 grams. Good full cross, one bold and complete pillar, 2
dates, thin from corrosion. With ROBCAR certificate #090129.
Estimate: $80-$120.
427. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1668E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-704.
2.3 grams. Excellent full pillars-side details, full cross, thin from
corrosion but still rather nice. With ROBCAR photo-certificate.
Estimate: $80-$120.
428. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real,
1673E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-709. 2.4
grams. Bold cross, more flatness
than usual, 2 weak dates, some
corrosion. With ROBCAR certificate
#090121. Estimate: $80-$120.
429. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1677E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-713.
3.3 grams. Choice pillars side with 2 dates, third date below nearly
full cross, king’s name in legend, no corrosion. With ROBCAR
certificate #090113. Estimate: $80-$120.
430. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1677E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-713.
2.0 grams. Choice full cross with mintmark and date and king’s
ordinal II, full but corroded pillars and waves, a bit thin. With
ROBCAR certificate #090119. Estimate: $80-$120.
431. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-714.
2.2 grams. Small, turnip-shaped flan with good cross and pillars,
2 bold date, some flatness and a bit thin from corrosion. With
ROBCAR certificate #090120. Estimate: $80-$120.
432. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-714.
2.7 grams. Great bold waves with date above, nearly full cross,
some corrosion. With ROBCAR certificate #090116. Estimate:
$80-$120.
433. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1679C. S-P38, KM-23, CT-716.
4.1 grams. Crude edge, full pillars, nearly full off-center cross, 2
dates and 3 assayers, no corrosion (in fact overweight). With
ROBCAR certificate #090122. Estimate: $80-$120.
434. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1679C. S-P38, KM-23, CT-716.
2.0 grams. Perfect full pillars, most of cross, 2 bold mintmarks,
thin flan from corrosion. With ROBCAR photo-certificate #7117.
Estimate: $60-$90.
435. Uncleaned clump of 3 Potosí, Bolivia,
cob 1 reales. 9.6 grams. Solid coins completely
engulfed in crystallized sediment (green and
brown), hence no details visible, cute little stack.
Estimate: $60-$90.
104
436. Uncleaned clump of 3 Potosí,
Bolivia, cob 1 reales. 9.2 grams. Solid coins
covered with brown and green crystallized
sediment, some shell bits, small but
attractive display. Estimate: $60-$90.440. Partially cleaned 2-coin clump of Potosí, Bolivia, cob
1 reales. 4.8 grams. Thick stack with details visible on both coins
(bold denomination I), solid coins. Estimate: $60-$90.437. Attractive clump of 2
Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 reales.
8.1 grams. Really neat display with
one clean coin at a right angle
to the 2 others in a tight
sandwich, the one on the
bottom also clean but the top
one covered in debris, solid
coins. Estimate: $70-$100.
438. Partially cleaned 2-
coin clump of Potosí,
Bolivia, cob 1 reales. 7.5
grams. An offset stack, one
coin with full pillars, both
a bit corroded but solid,
brown toned. Estimate:
$60-$90.
439. Partially cleaned 2-coin
clump of Potosí, Bolivia, cob
1 reales. 5.4 grams. Stack of 2
with one coin showing full and
intricate pillars, the other
cocooned in brown crud.
Estimate: $60-$90.
441. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1676. S-P37b, KM-22, CT-828.
0.7 gram. Small and thin but with full cross and monogram and
bold date, rare denomination as from a shipwreck. With
ROBCAR certificate #090126. Estimate: $50-$75.
442. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1676. S-P37b, KM-22, CT-
828. 0.6 gram. Choice full cross, full but weak monogram, thin
from corrosion, rare denomination as from a shipwreck With
ROBCAR certificate #090125. Estimate: $50-$75.
443. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 167? KM-22. 0.7 gram. Thin
and somewhat crude but with bold partial date and king’s ordinal
II prominent in legend, rare denomination as from a shipwreck
With ROBCAR certificate #090114. Estimate: $50-$75.
Joanna, sunk in 1682 off South Africa
445. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, 1681L, odd shape,
rare. S-M21. 12.6 grams. Very curiously shaped coin (impossible
to describe), and above average details with clear date, full oML,
full cross and most of shield, minimal corrosion. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
444. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (1)680L, scarce
with clear date. S-M21, KM-46, CT-280. 22.0 grams. Clear 80 of
date and mintmark oM, some shield and cross but mostly flat
all over, some corrosion. With original certificate from the salvagers.
Estimate: $100-$150.
437
105
446. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip IV or
Charles II, assayer not visible. 8.0 grams. Nearly full shield,
off-center cross, thin from corrosion and silvery from cleaning.
With original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $50-$75.
Unidentified late-1600s wreck in the English Channel
447. Lot of 9 French coppers of Louis XIV. 1.3 to 3.2 grams
each. Various small coppers (liards, double deniers, etc.) in
generally worn and/or corroded condition but all with at least
some detail. Estimate: $50-$75.
Merestein, sunk in 1702 off South Africa
448. Brabant (Brussels mint), Spanish Netherlands,
portrait ducatoon, Philip IV, 1657. KM-72.2. 23.0 grams. Broad
flan with all important details clear (portrait, date, mintmark)
but very worn and corroded. With original certificate from the
salvagers. Estimate: $60-$90.
449. Brabant (Brussels mint), Spanish Netherlands,
portrait ducatoon, Philip IV, 1659, with important
pedigree. KM-72.2. 31.4 grams. Solid, broad-planchet specimen
with bold legend (especially the date and mintmark) around
full portrait, other side a little worn and corroded but still very
readable. From the 1975 Treasure of the Sea auction featuring the
finds of J.A. Robertson (see lot 2058 in the Auction Catalogs section),
with certificate signed by the salvager. Estimate: $125-$200.
106
450. Campen, United Netherlands, “rider” ducatoon,
1667. KM-61.1. 26.0 grams. Thin and dark from salvage but with
clear knight on horse and fairly bold legends. With original
certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $60-$90.
451. Clump of 3 “biscuitized” (cocooned in oxidation)
Dutch ducatoons. 94.0 grams. Black puck of heavy silver coins
that were totally sulfided in the sea, no details visible, great for
a paperweight but possibly cleanable to yield at least one decent
coin (based on the weight). With original certificate from the salvagers.
Estimate: $125-$200.
452. Lot of 2 separate “biscuitized” (cocooned in
oxidation) Dutch ducatoons. 54.0 grams. Two extremely thin
coins loaded with black oxidation surmounted by white, tan
and green debris, interesting artifacts but almost certainly useless
as individual coins. With original certificate from the salvagers.
Estimate: $80-$120.
453. Campen, Netherlands (Holy Roman Empire), 6
stuivers (schelling), Matthias I (early 1600s). KM-22. 3.0 grams.
Thin, low-grade silver coin with double-headed eagle and coat-
of-arms (both fairly clear despite wear), some good legend. With
original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $40-$60.
Association, sunk in 1707 off the Scilly Isles, southwest of England
454. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1677E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
352. 24.7 grams. Rather nice specimen for this wreck, with very
bold full pillars and cross, nicely centered, 3 mintmarks and 2
assayers, minimal corrosion. With generic certificate and pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
455. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1686VR. S-P40, KM-26, CT-
369. 25.0 grams. Full pillars and waves, good and nearly full cross,
bold (CA)ROLVS in legend, clear date, 3 assayers, minimal
corrosion. Estimate: $150-$225.
107
456. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1688VR, with canvas
imprint. S-P40, KM-26, CT-373. 24.6 grams. Bold main date between
pillars, partial second date below nearly flat cross, weakly struck
and corroded all over but remarkable as showing an imprint of
the original canvas bag that contained the coins on the cross
side. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
457. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1694VR. S-P40, KM-26, CT-
380. 24.0 grams. Most of cross and pillars, 2 partial dates, muchflatness and edge-split but not a ton of corrosion, also darkly
toned. Estimate: $100-$150.
458. London, England, half crown, William III, 1697. Sp-
3487, KM-491.7. 15.0 grams. Very solid, uncorroded coin with spots
of toning against silvery surfaces, choice overall. Estimate:
$90-$135.
459. Spain (mint uncertain), copper 4 maravedís, Philip
IV (countermarked), with Roland Morris pedigree. 2.5
grams. Very common and unassuming copper coin (showing
several countermarks like VI and IIII and a partial date) with
varying shades of color (green and brown) from oxidation,
rare or even unique as from this wreck but supported with old
pedigree. Accompanied by a photocopied letter signed by Roland Morris
guaranteeing (personally) that this coin came from this wreck. Estimate:
$40-$60.
DeLiefde, sunk in 1711 off the Shetland Islands, north of Scotland
461. Utrecht, United Netherlands, “rider” ducatoon, 1711.
KM-83.1. 32.0 grams. Choice and fully detailed (no weakness, no
corrosion), nicely toned, yet somehow lower in weight that the
last lot. Estimate: $125-$200.
460. Utrecht, United Netherlands, “rider” ducatoon, 1711.
KM-83.1. 33.0 grams. Choice specimen with no corrosion, nice
toning, all details bold, just a bit of weak strike here and there.
Estimate: $125-$200.
108
1715 Fleet, east coast of Florida
462. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Charles II, assayer
not visible, with natural bubble-hole. KM-46. 27.0 grams. Full
cross and shield, worn but not corroded, but most impressive
for its rather large natural hole from a bubble in the original
strap from which the planchet was cut. Estimate: $100-$150.
463. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V, (oM)L,
scarce, odd shape. S-M21a, KM-47. 25.5 grams. Very strange shape
with two “feet” (one fat and one tiny and pointed), bold shield,
good cross, clear assayer L (scarce for this king), virtually no
corrosion. From the 1715 Fleet, with original Treasure Salvors certificate
signed by Mel Fisher. Estimate: $150-$225.
464. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1713J, rare. S-M22,
KM-47, CT-742. 26.0 grams. Choice, uncorroded specimen with bold
oMJ and clear 171 of date (last digit weak but confirmed by
style, somewhat similar to the counterparts in gold), good cross
and half of shield, nicely toned (some of it dark). Pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
465. Mexico City, Mexico, cob (17)14/3(J), very rare. S-
M22, KM-unlisted. 25.3 grams. Very solid and uncorroded but with
much flatness, yet the date is very bold and shows a clear 4/3,
also good cross, lightly toned around edge only. From the 1715
Fleet, with original Treasure Salvors certificate signed by Mel Fisher.
Estimate: $300-$450.
466. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1715J, full date,
choice. S-M22, KM-47, CT-744. 25.7 grams. An amazing coin with
100% full date and crown, also choice full cross, solid and
uncorroded, interesting shape, nicely toned, probably the best
specimen we have ever seen, and with a desirable pedigree as
well. With old Real Eight Co. certificate signed by John Jones. Estimate:
$1,000-up.
467. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V, assayer
not visible, interesting “Coke® bottle” shape. KM-47. 26.4
grams. Very long shape that resembles a Coke® bottle, full shield
and cross, bold denomination 8, a little worn but no corrosion.
Estimate: $125-$200.
109
468. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V, assayer
not visible. KM-47. 18.1 grams. Bold and nearly full shield and
cross, clear mintmark oM, nicely toned but thin from corrosion,
valuable for its original (early) certificate. With original Treasure
Salvors certificate (1960s vintage) hand-signed by Mel Fisher and Rupe
Gates. Estimate: $200-$300.
469. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales “greenie,” Philip
V(?), assayer not visible. KM-47. 30.1 grams. Solid coin that could
have nice detail if cleaned but is probably more interesting in
its as-found state with veneer of green and shell bits. Estimate:
$150-$225.
470. Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V, assayer not visible.
KM-47. 22.9 grams. Long barrel-shaped flan with good shield, off-
center cross, some corrosion (mostly around edge). From a
recently cleaned chest of coins found by the Real Eight Co. in the 1960s,
with letter from Lou Ullian. Estimate: $75-$110.
471. Lot of 4 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V,
assayers not visible. KM-47. 11.2 to 25.7 grams each (87.6 grams
total). Three solid coins (a little worn and flat but not terribly
corroded, some detail) plus one heavily pitted and corroded
down to 4R size. Estimate: $125-$200.
472. Lot of 4 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V,
assayer J or not visible. KM-47. 22.5 to 25.5 grams each (95.5 grams
total). Four solid coins with light to moderate corrosion and
wear, at least some detail visible on each one. Estimate: $125-
$200.
473. Clump of Mexico City, Mexico, cobs of Philip V,
assayers not visible: two 8 reales and one 4 reales. KM-47
and 40. 53.7 grams. Tight stack of three very solid coins (the 4R
on top) with even brown coating all over augmented by shell
bits. Estimate: $200-$300.
110
474. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, 1713J. S-M22, KM-
40, CT-1018. 12.7 grams. Choice bold and full date (rare thus), nearly
full cross, no corrosion but some curious surface spots of pure
copper. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
475. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip V, assayer
not visible. KM-40. 9.1 grams. Choice condition (no corrosion,
comparatively high grade) with full and well-detailed cross and
shield, darkly toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$100-$150.
476. Lot of 9 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip V,
assayers not visible. KM-40. 105 grams total. Mostly solid coins
(light to moderate corrosion) with fairly readable details, great
lot for resale. Estimate: $160-$240.
477. Lot of 3 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip V,
assayers not visible. KM-40. 11.5 to 13.3 grams each (37.2 grams total).
Three nice coins with nearly full shields and crosses, light
corrosion only, attractively toned. Estimate: $125-$200.
478. Lot of 3 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip V,
assayers not visible. KM-40. 11.5 to 13.1 grams each (37.3 grams total).
Solid coins with good details (nearly full shields and crosses),
one darkly toned and interestingly shaped, minimal corrosion.
Estimate: $125-$200.
479. Lot of 3 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip V,
assayers not visible. KM-40. 12.1 to 13.0 grams each (38.3 grams total).
Nearly full shields and crosses, solid coins with little or no
corrosion. Estimate: $125-$200.
111
480. Lot of 2 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales “greenies,”
Philip V(?), assayers not visible. KM-35. 5.8 and 5.9 grams. Two
cute coins completely covered in a veneer of green with minute
bits of debris, one of the coins an interesting shape. Estimate:
$50-$75.
481. Mixed lot of 3 cobs: 2 Mexican 1 reales, Philip V,
assayers not visible, and 1 Potosí 2 reales, 1699F(?). 2.7, 2.6
and 2.1 grams. Corroded but readable, each coin with a decent
cross, the Potosí piece with dark encrustation. Estimate: $60-
$90.
482. Clump of 11 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 and 1/2
reales, Charles II and Philip V, assayers not visible. 33.0
grams. Very cute compact clump with solid, somewhat readable
coins cemented together by white, tan and green coral and
oxidation, darkly toned. Estimate: $160-$240.
483. “Greenie” clump of 2 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 or
1/2 reales. 4.9 grams. Two small coins (no details visible but
attributed by shape) sandwiched together and totally covered
in tan, white and green sediment and oxidation, just the way
they come from the wrecks. Estimate: $40-$60.
484. “Greenie” clump of 2 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1
reales. 6.5 grams. Two small coins (no details visible but attributed
by shape) sandwiched together and totally covered in tan, white
and green sediment and oxidation, just the way they come from
the wrecks. Estimate: $40-$60.
485. Lot of 9 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 reales “greenies.”
1.9 to 3.7 grams each (25.1 grams total). Small green coins, just the
way they are found, with no details visible, possibly nice if
cleaned but curious the way they are. Estimate: $90-$135.
486. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, (1)710J, rare. S-
M22, KM-24, CT-1823. 1.8 grams. Bold 10 of date and oM mintmark,
most of cross, light corrosion and toning. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
487. Clump of 1 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real and a
rock. 32.5 grams. This interesting artifact looks like a bunch of
coins in a smooth coral cocoon, but best we can tell there is
only one coin (solid but encrusted and unreadable), resting on
top of two connected lumps of gray with white shells
appending. Estimate: $50-$75.
488. Lima, Peru, cob 8 reales, 1711M. S-L20, KM-34, CT-634.
26.7 grams. Choice, big-flan beauty with bold details, both cross
and pillars-and-waves nice but off-center, 100% corrosion-free.
With original Cobb Coin Co. (Fisher) photo-certificate #GS-180 from
1983. Estimate: $300-$450.
112
489. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, assayer B
(5th period, rare with king’s ordinal visible) or R (curved
leg), probably not actually from this wreck. S-P14a, KM-10,
CT-121. 25.9 grams. A very solid but apparently salvaged specimen,
with full shield and cross, lightly corroded with spots of toning,
but really too early for the Fleet and probably from the San
Martín (1618) instead, despite the accompanying certificate. With
original Treasure Salvors certificate from 1967 hand-signed by Mel Fisher.
Estimate: $250-$375.
Le Chameau, sunk in 1725 off Nova Scotia, Canada
490. France (mint uncertain), ecu, 1725. 21.2 grams. Typical
specimen with heavy wear and corrosion all around, yet with
date remarkably clear and coated on one side with green and
white shell bits. With certificate. Estimate: $35-$50.
Akerendam, sunk in 1725 off the coast of Norway
491. Holland, United Netherlands, 2 stuivers, 1724. KM-
48a. 1.1 grams. Lustrous, high-grade coin with no corrosion at
all, variable toning, perfect details, just small and thin. With
certificate. Estimate: $60-$90.
1733 Fleet, Florida Keys
493. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1733F,
rare. KM-103. 25.2 grams. Smooth, satin surfaces with light toning,
broad flan, light corrosion only on part of edge, AU details.
From the “Coffins Patch” site, with photo-certificate #14 from the salvager.
Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
492. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1733F,
rare. KM-103. 26.4 grams. AU details with nice toning, minimal
corrosion, very attractive and well struck. From the “Coffins Patch”
site, with photo-certificate #15 from the salvager. Estimate: $2,000-
$3,000.
113
Vliegenthart, sunk in 1735 off Zeeland, the Netherlands
494. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1732F. S-M26, KM-
47a, CT-764. 26.6 grams. Thick, rectangular flan with full date and
oMF, full cross, some weak strike but no corrosion. Pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
495. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1732/1(F). S-M26,
KM-47a, CT-763. 24.7 grams. Full and bold date with obvious
overdate that looks like 2/9 (but really can’t be), full cross,
interesting shape, some corrosion and spots of encrustation.
With certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
496. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1732F, weak final
digit in date. S-M26, KM-47a, CT-764. 25.8 grams. Bold 173 of date,
full oMF, good full cross, thick and solid coin but with light
corrosion all over. With certificate. Estimate: $100-$150.
497. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1733F, scarce final
date of cobs. S-M26, KM-47a, CT-766. 26.1 grams. Perfectly 4-sided
flan with full and clear date, full cross and oMF, most of shield,
lightly corroded and toned. With certificate. Estimate: $175-$250.
498. Lot of 2 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V,
assayers not visible, one with error in cross. 26.6 and 24.3
grams. Two solid coins with little or no corrosion but much
flatness, the better of the two with lions and castles in the
cross rotated from their proper positions (first of this error we
have seen). With certificate. Estimate: $100-$150.
499. Gelderland, United Netherlands, “rider” ducatoon,
1734. KM-95.3. 32.6 grams. Choice, high-grade specimen (basically
Mint State) with lustrous surfaces, perfect details, just a touch
of corrosion near edge and variable toning. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
Please place absentee bids at
www.iCollector.com/sedwick
(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
114
500. Holland, United Netherlands, “rider” ducatoon,
1734. KM-90. 32.5 grams. Sheer perfection in a salvaged coin,
totally corrosion-free and Mint State, with dark satin surfaces
and hint of color in the rich toning. With certificate. Estimate:
$250-$375.
501. Overijssel, United Netherlands, “rider” ducatoon,
1734. KM-80. 32.0 grams. Very nice specimen with minimal
corrosion, excellent details, silvery surfaces. Estimate: $150-
$225.
502. Overijssel, United Netherlands, “rider” ducatoon,
1734. KM-80. 29.7 grams. A bit more worn than most but with
nice details, also richly toned. With Hiron certificate. Estimate:
$100-$150.
Rooswijk, sunk in 1739 off southeast England
Cobs
503. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (17)29R. S-M24,
KM-47a, CT-754. 26.2 grams. Choice full shield, full cross and oMR,
weak but certain date, minimal corrosion but somewhat worn,
with contrasting toning on fields. With certificate #AC1451.
Estimate: $125-$200.
504. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (17)29(R), small
natural bubble. S-M24, KM-47a, CT-754. 25.3 grams. Big, roundish
flan with bold cross, most of crown and shield, weak but clear
29 of date above narrow, natural hole from bubble in original
strap from which the planchet was cut, light corrosion, some
toning. With certificate #AC3673. Estimate: $100-$150.
505. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1730, assayer not
visible. KM-47a. 25.7 grams. Full and bold date and oM but assayer
flat, full shield and cross, no corrosion but patchy toning. With
certificate #AC7310. Estimate: $150-$225.
115
506. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (1)730R. S-M24, KM-47a, CT-755. 25.9 grams. Nice full oMR and 30 of date, well-detailed
shield, full but weak cross, no corrosion. With certificate #AC13013. Estimate: $125-$200.
507. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1730R. S-M24, KM-47a, CT-755. 26.5 grams. Thick, rectangular flan with full oMR, clear
date, full shield, good full cross, minimal corrosion. With certificate #AC8901. Estimate: $100-$150.
508. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (1)730(R). S-M24, KM-
47a, CT-755. 26.2 grams. Bold date next to well-detailed crown (off-
center strike), good full cross, no corrosion but patchy toning. With
certificate #AC11087. Estimate: $100-$150.
509. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (17)30(R). S-M24,
KM-47a, CT-755. 26.4 grams. Very solid and corrosion-free specimen
with bold 0 of date, nice full shield and cross, light toning.
With certificate #AC5253. Estimate: $100-$150.
510. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (17)30R. S-M24, KM-
47a, CT-755. 25.8 grams. Choice full cross, nice full crown above
nearly full shield, clear oMR and 0 of date, no corrosion. With
certificate #AC3675. Estimate: $90-$135.
511. Lot of 5 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V,
assayer R (1729-30). S-M24, KM-47a. 25.2 to 26.2 grams each. Very
solid coins with nice detail, all with assayer visible and partial
dates, little or no corrosion, mostly nicely toned. With certificates
#AC3656, AC3670, AC4862, AC4880 and AC7313. Estimate:
$350-$500.
116
512. Lot of 4 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V,
assayer R (1729-30). S-M24, KM-47a. 26.2 to 26.7 grams each. Thick
and very solid (also roundish) coins with good full shields and
crosses, all but one with full oMR, little or no corrosion and
nicely toned. With certificates #AC3276, AC4850, AC7297 and
one without a number. Estimate: $300-$450.
513. Lot of 2 Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V,
assayer F (1730-32). S-M26, KM-47a. 26.5 and 26.4 grams. Two thick
and solid coins with partial dates and good full crosses, one
darkly toned but corrosion-free and with full oMF, the other
very lightly corroded but nicely detailed. With certificates
#AC3678 and AC13055. Estimate: $150-$225.
514. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, 1730R. S-M24, KM-
40a, CT-1026. 13.3 grams. Bold date and mintmark, nearly full cross,
thick and uncorroded with patch of brown encrustation. With
certificate #AC4896. Estimate: $125-$200.
515. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, 1730R. S-M24, KM-
40a, CT-1026. 13.1 grams. Bold oMR, full but weak date, nearly full
cross, no corrosion. With certificate #AC5045. Estimate: $100-
$150.
516. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip V, assayer
R (1729-30). S-M24, KM-40a. 13.4 grams. Choice and totally
uncorroded specimen with bold (o)MR, nice but off-center
shield and cross, contrasting toning. With certificate #AC7563.
Estimate: $80-$120.
117
Klippes
517. Mexico City, Mexico, klippe 8 reales, 1733MF. S-M28,
KM-48, CT-768. 26.0 grams. Beautifully full shield side, with all
important details clear, also good full cross but with touch of
peripheral corrosion, nicely toned. With certificate. Estimate:
$600-$900.
518. Mexico City, Mexico, klippe 8 reales, 1733MF. S-M28,
KM-48, CT-768. 28.0 grams. Completely corrosion-free (could pass
for non-salvage), with lightly toned satin surfaces, all crucial
data clear, just a trifle worn. With certificate. Estimate: $600-
$900.
519. Mexico City, Mexico, klippe 8 reales, 1733MF. S-M28,
KM-48, CT-768. 26.0 grams. Gorgeous, fully detailed and well-
centered strike with lovely contrasting toning, faint hint of
corrosion at very edge. With certificate. Estimate: $600-$900.
520. Mexico City, Mexico, klippe 8 reales, 1734MF. S-M28,
KM-48, CT-770. 26.0 grams. Almost perfectly square shape, with
full inner details and most of legend, a bit scuffed (adjustment
marks?) on both sides, no corrosion, lightly toned all over. With
certificate. Estimate: $750-$1,100.
Pillars
521. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1733F.
KM-103, CT-775. 25.0 grams. XF details, minimal corrosion, patchy
toning, slightly off-center strike. With certificate #AC10875.
Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
522. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1733MF.
KM-103, CT-776. 26.7 grams. Lustrous Mint State with faint toning,
bare trace of corrosion at edge, very choice specimen. With
certificate #AC9313. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
118
523. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1733MF.
KM-103, CT-776. 24.9 grams. XF details despite very light corrosion
all over, nicely toned, slightly irregular edge (as made). With
certificate #AC10931. Estimate: $800-$1,200.
524. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1733MF.
KM-103, CT-776. 25.9 grams. Choice, lustrous Mint State shield side,
lightly corroded pillars side (XF details), attractively toned all
over. With certificate #AC10930. Estimate: $800-$1,200.
525. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1733MF.
KM-103, CT-776. 25.4 grams. Nice XF details and attractive toning
despite traces of corrosion all over, also spots of dark
encrustation. With certificate #AC10876. Estimate: $800-
$1,200.
526. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1733MF.
KM-103, CT-776. 27.0 grams. BU (lustrous Mint State) shield side,
faintly corroded pillars side, silvery surfaces, very solid (full
weight). With certificate. Estimate: $800-$1,200.
527. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1734MF.
KM-103, CT-778. 26.2 grams. Choice XF specimen with no
corrosion, lovely even toning, perfect details, slightly off-center
strike. Estimate: $250-$375.
528. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1734MF.
KM-103, CT-778. 25.0 grams. Lovely rainbow toning on fields
highlighting XF details, minimal corrosion, off-center strike.
With certificate. Estimate: $200-$300.
529. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1734MF.
KM-103, CT-778. 26.0 grams. Bold details but lightly corroded in
centers, the high points somewhat silvery. With certificate.
Estimate: $200-$300.
119
530. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1735MF.
KM-103, CT-779. 26.4 grams. Choice, lustrous AU shield side, lightly
corroded but fully detailed pillars side, no toning. With certificate
#AC12829. Estimate: $200-$300.
531. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1735MF.
KM-103, CT-779. 25.8 grams. XF details, minimal corrosion, slightly
off-center strike. With certificate. Estimate: $200-$300.
532. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1735MF.
KM-103, CT-779. 27.0 grams. Bold details accentuated but dark
brown encrustation on fields, slightly porous surface on pillars
side. With certificate. Estimate: $200-$300.
533. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1736MF.
KM-103, CT-780. 26.4 grams. Lustrous AU shield side, XF pillars
with faint adjustment marks in center, lightly toned. With
certificate #AC11891. Estimate: $200-$300.
534. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1736MF.
KM-103, CT-780. 27.0 grams. Bold XF details with weak centers,
dark encrustation on fields, no corrosion. With certificate.
Estimate: $200-$300.
535. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1737MF.
KM-103, CT-781. 26.4 grams. Lustrous Mint State, very nicely
preserved, with uneven rainbow toning, choice strike, center
of shield weak. With certificate #AC12527. Estimate: $250-$375.
536. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1737MF.
KM-103, CT-781. 26.5 grams. Lustrous Mint State with smooth, dark
fields and brown encrustation in crevices, choice details, minor
corrosion on part of edge. With certificate #AC11810. Estimate:
$200-$300.
Any questions? Please email us
at info@sedwickcoins.com
or call (407) 975-3325
120
537. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1737MF.
KM-103, CT-781. 26.8 grams. AU details against smooth, satin
surfaces, richly brown-toned all over, no corrosion but old
scratch (adjustment mark?) on worlds. With certificate
#AC11808. Estimate: $200-$300.
538. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1737MF.
KM-103, CT-781. 26.4 grams. Lustrous and beautifully toned AU,
no corrosion, slightly off-center strike. With certificate
#AC11809. Estimate: $200-$300.
539. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1737MF.
KM-103, CT-781. 26.4 grams. Smooth and satiny surfaces (a bit
lustrous) with nice rich toning, XF-AU details but shield slightly
weak, no corrosion but bits of dark encrustation. With certificate
#AC5346. Estimate: $200-$300.
540. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1737MF.
KM-103, CT-781. 26.0 grams. Bold XF details despite hint of
corrosion, dark patches here and there against silvery surfaces.
With certificate. Estimate: $200-$300.
541. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1738MF.
KM-103, CT-783. 27.0 grams. XF+ details, lustrous and corrosion-
free, lightly toned all over. With certificate. Estimate: $200-$300.
542. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 4 reales, Philip V, 1734/
3MF, rare. KM-94, CT-1046. 13.0 grams. Broad flan with uncorroded
XF+ details, clear overdate, center of shield weak. With certificate.
Estimate: $250-$275.
543. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 4 reales, Philip V, 1735MF.
KM-94, CT-1049. 12.6 grams. Attractively tan-toned all over
contrasting with nice XF details, hint of corrosion only. With
certificate #AC12922. Estimate: $175-$250.
Please place absentee bids at
www.iCollector.com/sedwick
(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
121
544. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 4 reales, Philip V, 1735MF.
KM-94, CT-1049. 12.7 grams. Bold XF detail despite very light
corrosion, patchy toning. With certificate #AC7094. Estimate:
$175-$250.
545. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 4 reales, Philip V, 1736MF.
KM-94, CT-1050. 9.9 grams. Lustrous and well-detailed pillars and
date but rest of coin moderately to heavily corroded, patchy
toning. With certificate #AC13664. Estimate: $100-$150.
546. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 4 reales, Philip V, 1737MF.
KM-94, CT-1052. 12.0 grams. Nice XF details despite very light
corrosion, one dark patch but otherwise mostly silver in color.
With certificate #AC12924. Estimate: $175-$250.
547. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 4 reales, Philip V, 1738/
7MF, rare. KM-94, CT-1053. 12.5 grams. Lustrous and high-grade
shield side, pillars side lightly corroded but with clear overdate
(R3 in Gilboy), nicely toned fields. With certificate #AC2959.
Estimate: $250-$375.
Hollandia, sunk in 1743 off the Scilly Isles, southwest of England
548. Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1740MF, mounted
shield-side out in bezel made from silver from the wreck,
with chain. KM-103, CT-790. 39.3 grams. Fully detailed but lightly
corroded, the reeded-flower bezel custom-designed and
somehow stressed to look like salvaged silver, the links of the
chain similarly done, a nice match and doubly historical as
probably crafted in the 1970s. Estimate: $200-$300.
549. Utrecht, United Netherlands, “rider” ducatoon, 1659.
KM-46.1. 28.0 grams. Very bold and attractive details despite wear
and light corrosion, also lightly toned. With original Rex Cowan
certificate. Estimate: $100-$150.
122
Princess Louisa, sunk in 1743 off the Cape Verde Islands, west of Africa
550. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, 1731F. S-M26, KM-
35a, CT-1269. 6.1 grams. Triangular flan with 100% full and bold
date and oM, good but off-center cross, thick and uncorroded.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
551. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1722Y. S-P43a, KM-31, CT-
882. 24.9 grams. Bold main date between full pillars, full second
date below flat cross, typically thick and chunky, appears to be
uncorroded but piece of edge probably missing. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
552. Pyramidal clump of over 30 silver cobs and pebbles.
229.8 grams. Large (3" x 2-1/2") and very attractive cluster of an
almost uncountable amount of silver cobs arranged in a
wonderful pyramid that trapped all kinds of pebbles and orange
crud in the top, wonderfully solid and stable, the coins all dark
and mostly featureless but clearly a mix of mints and
denominations (some small, some large but eroded). With
Arqueonautas box. Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
Reijgersdaal, sunk in 1747 off South Africa
555. Mexico City, Mexico, klippe 8 reales, 1733MF. S-M28,
KM-48, CT-768. 26.6 grams. Big flan with full inner details and much
legend (full date and king’s name), some weak spots but no
corrosion, uneven toning, scarce type from this wreck. With
generic certificate and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$900-$1,350.
553. Guatemala City, Guatemala, cob 4 reales, 1737J. S-
G1, KM-4, CT-956. 12.4 grams. Weakly struck and lightly corroded
details, weak but certain final digit of date, toned, scarce type
as from a shipwreck. With red-plastic insert-tag and pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
554. Guatemala City, Guatemala, cob 4 reales, 1739J. S-G1,
KM-4, CT-958. 12.3 grams. Very thick and solid (uncorroded), with
XF details (for type), nicely toned, clear date and assayer, scarce
type as from a shipwreck. Estimate: $150-$225.
123
556. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1738MF.
KM-103, CT-783. 25.8 grams. Very bold and beautiful details (XF)
against rainbow-toned fields, corrosion only near part of edge,
quite lovely overall. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$200-$300.
557. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1739MF.
KM-103, CT-787. 26.6 grams. AU details against smooth, satin
surfaces graced with light toning, 100% corrosion-free, a choice
beauty to be sure. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$300-$450.
558. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1741MF.
KM-103, CT-791. 26.0 grams. Darkly toned and lightly pitted but
with all details full. Estimate: $125-$200.
559. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1742MF.
KM-103, CT-793. 26.6 grams. Very choice shield side, very light
corrosion on pillars side, beautifully toned all over. In small
promotional case with certificate. Estimate: $250-$375.
560. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1742MF.
KM-103, CT-793. 26.1 grams. Choice XF details against lightly toned
fields, very light corrosion on pillars side only. With certificate.
Estimate: $200-$300.
561. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1743MF.
KM-103, CT-795. 26.4 grams. Totally uncorroded and with choice
XF details, nice but uneven toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
562. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V, 1744MF.
KM-103, CT-797. 26.8 grams. Choice and totally corrosion-free AU
with rich toning all over, nice strike, interesting variety with
final digit of date too close to the penultimate digit. Pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
124
563. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 4 reales, Philip V, 1740MF.
KM-94, CT-1057. 13.5 grams. Lustrous UNC but with patchy toning,
no corrosion. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-
$300.
Bredenhof, sunk in 1753 off Mozambique
564. Large conglomerate of about 40 Dutch East India Co. copper duits dated 1752. 689 grams. A big chunk (5-1/2" x 4"
x 3") of sea-rock impregnated with dozens of coins, all white and green with encrustation and wafer thin, the crud itself
containing bits of glass and rounded at the bottom where it surrounded an onion bottle (see lot #1767), quite impressive and
stable. With original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $350-$500.
565. Compact but attractive clump of about 16 Dutch East India Co. copper duits dated 1752. 61 grams. Well-detailed
coins in a very loose shuffle, some with green and white debris and encrustation, a nice little display. With original certificate from the
salvagers. Estimate: $150-$225.
566. Compact but attractive clump of about 16 Dutch East India Co. copper duits dated 1752. 62 grams. Small but dense
clump, the coins protruding at all angles and all thickly encrusted with tan crud tinged with blue, some bright copper color
peeking out. With original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $150-$225.
567. Clump of 8 or more Dutch East India Co. copper
duits dated 1752 with lots of debris. 215 grams. Large (4"),
whitish lump of coins and crud with lots of green and tan
colors too, the coins completely encased, also with bits of glass,
a bit sandy but solid. With original certificate from the salvagers.
Estimate: $100-$150.
125
Bredenhof, sunk in 1753 off Mozambique, and Admiral Gardner, sunk in 1809 off the southeast coast of
England
568. Lot of two East India coppers: Dutch East India Co. duit 1752
and English East India Co. X cash 1808. 4.6 and 2.8 grams. Nice specimens
with little or no corrosion, generally darkly toned, with clear details. Estimate:
$30-$45.
Auguste, sunk in 1761 off Nova Scotia, Canada
569. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1749MF. KM-104.1, CT-324. 26.1 grams. Choice pillars side with
beautiful contrast (dark fields, silvery details), nice shield side
but with weak center and less contrast, minimal corrosion,
adjustment marks on worlds. Estimate: $200-$300.
570. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1756MM. KM-104.2, CT-340. 26.2 grams. Nice XF+ details with
satin surfaces graced with dark toning, bare trace of corrosion.
Estimate: $200-$300.
571. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1756MM. KM-104.2, CT-340. 26.2 grams. Bold XF details, nice
toning, faint trace of corrosion. Estimate: $200-$300.
572. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1757MM. KM-104.2, CT-342. 26.5 grams. Darkly toned AXF with
no corrosion, part of shield slightly weak, smooth fields.
Estimate: $200-$300.
573. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1758MM. KM-104.2, CT-343. 25.9 grams. Choice XF+ with even
toning, no corrosion, slightly off-center pillars side. Estimate:
$200-$300.
574. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1758MM. KM-104.2, CT-343. 26.2 grams. Deeply toned XF with
satin surfaces, no corrosion, bits of encrustation. Estimate:
$200-$300.
126
Count Ernst Schimmelmann, sunk in 1781 off the Cape Verde Islands, west of Africa
575. Sweden (Avesta mint), copper “plate money” 4
dalers, Fredrik I, 1723. KM-PM74. 2854 grams, 10-1/4" x 10".
Immense square “coin” with 5 clear stamps, the denomination
above mint in the center and crowned king’s monogram above
date in the corners (all bold), uncorroded surface but part of
edge bent upward as found, deep brown color. With
Arqueonautas certificate #MAI-010/99/CN/20412. Estimate:
$700-$1,000.
576. Sweden (Avesta mint), copper “plate money” 4
dalers, Fredrik I, 1729. KM-PM74. 2484 grams, 9-1/2" x 9". Large
square “coin” with 5 stamps, the center one with denomination
above mint and 3 of the corners with crowned king’s
monogram above date all bold but one of the corners corroded,
a separate corner very much bent upward. With Arqueonautas
certificate #MAI-010/99/CN/20459. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
577. Sweden (Avesta mint), copper “plate money” 2 dalers,
Karl XII, 1716 with 1718 countermark (1-1/2 dalers), rare.
KM-PM46 (host), PM94 (countermark). 1309 grams, 7-1/4" x 7". Some
corrosion but with 6 clear stamps, the 4 in the corners with
crowned king’s monogram splitting 1716 date, the center mark
showing denomination above mint, and an additional mark near
the center with 1718 date, tougher early issue. With Arqueonautas
certificate #MAI-010/99/CN/0008. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
578. Sweden (Avesta mint), copper “plate money” 2 dalers,
Fredrik I, 1726. KM-PM71. 1193 grams, 7-3/4" x 7". Reddish and
somewhat corroded specimen with choice stamp in center
(denomination above mint), one clear stamp in corner and parts
of 3 others (all with crowned king’s monogram above date), a
few small holes from corrosion. With Arqueonautas certificate
#MAI-010/99/CN/20294.01. Estimate: $500-$750.
127
579. Sweden (Avesta mint), copper “plate money” 2 dalers, Fredrik I, 1728. KM-PM71. 944 grams, 6" x 6-1/2". Three bold full
stamps (denomination above mint in center, 2 with crowned king’s monogram above date in corners), the other 2 cut off from
heavy corrosion that took away about 15% off the edge. With Arqueonautas certificate #MAI-010/99/CN/20671. Estimate:
$400-$600.
580. Sweden (Avesta mint), copper “plate money” 2 dalers, Fredrik I, 1750. KM-PM71. 1249, 8" x 7-1/2". Intact square shape
but with surface corrosion, all 5 stamps still readable (denomination above mint in center, crowned king’s monogram above date
in corners), nice light-brown color. With Arqueonautas certificate #MAI-010/99/CN/20373.02. Estimate: $400-$600.
581. Sweden (Avesta mint), copper “plate money” 2 dalers,
Adolf Fredrik, 1756. KM-PM73. 1137 grams, 7-1/2" x 7-1/2". Two
sides intact but the others corroded, with 3 stamps bold
(denomination above mint in center, crowned king’s monogram
above date in corners), somewhat rippled surface as made, even
brown color. With Arqueonautas certificate #MAI-010/99/CN/
20294.02. Estimate: $500-$750.
Nicobar, sunk in 1783 off South Africa
582. Sweden (Avesta mint), copper “plate money” 2 dalers,
Fredrik I, 1742. KM-PM71. 1231 grams, 6-1/2" x 6-1/2". Somewhat
pitted and with one corner corroded away, but 4 of the stamps
clear (denomination above mint in center, crowned king’s
monogram above date in corners), even brown color with spots
of green. The wreck source for this piece, the Danish East
Indiaman Nicobar, wrecked off South Africa in 1783, remains
the largest single source of Swedish copper plate money of all
time. With certificate. Estimate: $300-$450.
128
Cazador, sunk in 1784 off New Orleans, Louisiana
583. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1757M (crowns alike), rare type from this wreck. KM-86.1,
CT-497. 4.6 grams. Good pillars side (bold details) but half of
shield side corroded away. With original certificate from the salvager.
Estimate: $75-$110.
584. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1783FF. KM-106.2, CT-933. 26.0 grams. Choice full details, especially
the bust, and smooth surfaces (no pitting), nicely toned with
some dark encrustation. Estimate: $125-$200.
585. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1783FF. KM-106.2, CT-933. 25.5 grams. Very choice bust, nicely
contrasted against toned fields, with small patch of corrosion
above, uncorroded reverse with slightly weak center. Estimate:
$125-$200.
586. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1783FF. KM-106.2, CT-933. 22.7 grams. Good details despite
corrosion on about 1/3 of the surfaces (yet bold date inside
the corroded area), silvery but starting to tone. With special
certificate. Estimate: $100-$150.
587. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1783FF. KM-106.2, CT-933. 24.2 grams. Bold pillars and bust part
of edge corroded and all surfaces a bit “mushy” from sea-wear,
starting to tone. Estimate: $50-$75.
588. Uncleaned clump of 10 Spanish colonial bust 8 reales
(probably Mexico). 240.4 grams. A circular staircase of worn
and corroded coins, mostly gray but with green, orange and tan
in crevices, a solid and attractive display. Estimate: $500-$750.
589. Uncleaned clump of 7 Spanish colonial bust 8 reales
(probably Mexico). 169 grams. A fallen stack of fairly solid but
worn and featureless coins of a typical gray dappled with green
and brown and white, great for a paperweight. Estimate: $350-
$500.
129
590. Lot of 8 Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles
III, 1783FF. KM-106.2, CT-933. 18.9 to 22.2 grams each. Polished
(silvery) and moderately corroded but with clear details, great
lot for resale. With special certificates. Estimate: $500-$750.
591. Lot of 8 Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles
III, 1783FF. KM-106.2, CT-933. 17.8 to 21.4 grams each. Polished
(silvery) and heavily corroded but with clear details, great lot
for resale. With special certificates. Estimate: $400-$600.
Hartwell, sunk in 1787 off the Cape Verde Islands, west of Africa
593. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1780FF. KM-106.2, CT-930. 25.0 grams. Bold details all over despite
light corrosion, minor flaw in edge. With original certificate from
the salvagers. Estimate: $70-$100.
594. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1783FF. KM-106.2, CT-933. 24.0 grams. Bold details all over despite
light corrosion. With original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate:
$70-$100.
592. Lot of 6 uncleaned Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales,
Charles III, 1783FF. KM-106.2, CT-933. 21.3 to 24.2 grams each. Each
coin crusty and corroded as found, lots of orange and some
green color, but with some detail peeking out, interesting as
examples of typical salvaged coins, or clean your own! With
special certificates. Estimate: $300-$450.
130
Unidentified late-1700s wreck in the English Channel
595. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar
1 real, Philip V, 1738MF. KM-75.1,
CT-1600. 2.0 grams. Thin from
corrosion but with bold details all
over, rare provenance. Estimate:
$60-$90.
596. Lot of 2 Dutch East India Co. copper duits dated
1787 and 1793. 2.5 and 2.4 grams. Nice before-and-after display
(one cleaned and the other dark and green as found), thin from
corrosion but with somewhat readable details, rare provenance.
Estimate: $40-$60.
597. Lot of 2 British coppers (halfpenny 1797 and a SSC
token?). 12.4 and 3.3 grams. The larger coin (halfpenny) is thick
and solid, with nice details (minimal corrosion), but the other
coin is thin and worn and only shows enough detail to attribute
to the South Seas Company (silver) issues of 1723 (token or
contemporary counterfeit in copper?), rare provenance.
Estimate: $40-$60.
598. Lot of 5 French copper sols dated 1791. 5.7 to 10.7 grams
each. Lightly corroded coins with clear details, varying shades
of copper color, rare provenance. Estimate: $40-$60.
599. Strassbourg, France, bronze décime, LAN 8 (1799-
1800), with Royalist(?) countermark in center, possibly
rare. 17.8 grams. Corroded but thick coin with bust on obverse
and denomination and date on reverse, the centers partially
pierced with a very deep countermark tentatively linked to
Royalists during the French Revolution, rare provenance.
Estimate: $25-$40.
Leocadia, sunk in 1800 off Punta Santa Elena, Ecuador
600. Lima, Peru, bust 8 reales, Charles IV, 1795IJ. KM-97,
CT-650. 17.3 grams. Full details despite moderate corrosion and
thinning, scarce early date from this wreck. Estimate: $70-
$100.
601. Lima, Peru, bust 8 reales, Charles IV, 1799IJ. KM-97,
CT-654. 17.5 grams. Nice bust and other good details despite
moderate corrosion, scarce from this wreck. Estimate: $70-
$100.
131
602. Lima, Peru, bust 8 reales, Charles IV, 1800IJ. KM-97,
CT-655. 25.3 grams. Superb example with full, uncorroded details
(AU), lightly toned. Estimate: $150-$225.
603. Lot of 2 Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales,
Charles III and IV, dates and assayers not
visible. 18.5 and 12.1 grams. Two heavily corroded
examples that can at least be attributed to Potosí
mint, which is scarce for this wreck. Estimate:
$70-$100.
Unidentified ca.-1800 wreck off Europe
604. Great Britain, dollar, George III oval countermark
(1797) on a Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles
III, 1788FM. Sp-3765A, KM-632. 21.5 grams. This is the first time
we have seen this scarce and popular issue (known affectionately
as “the head of a fool on the neck of an ass”) from a shipwreck,
and we just wish we knew what wreck it was! The countermark
is very bold and clear (XF) and the host coin is fairly well detailed
but moderately corroded. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $100-$150.
Admiral Gardner, sunk in 1809 off the southeast coast of England
605. Lot of 30 English East India Co. copper XX cash, 1808. KM-321. 274 grams total. Choice, cleaned specimens (light, matte
color), no corrosion, top quality. Estimate: $450-$675.
606. English East India Co., copper X cash, 1808, mounted in 14K gold bezel for necklace with galleon for bale at top.
KM-320. 8.2 grams. Nice specimen (no corrosion) with attractive bezel. Estimate: $100-$150.
132
607. Super big clump of about 350 English East India Co. copper X cash, 1808. KM-320. 1600 grams, roughly 6-1/2" x 3" x 3".
This immense clump is dense with coins, hundreds of them, in as-found state, a series of disorganized stacks, dark in color but
with a nice orange-white crust on one side where it must have been exposed, the details on exterior coins quite clear and in some
places showing the reverse impressions of formerly attached coins. An incredible big chunk of coins, worth well beyond the
total of its contents for its artifact value. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
608. Uncleaned clump of 8 English East India
Co. copper X cash, 1808. KM-320. 41.4 grams. Tight stack
of solid coins totally encrusted with blue-green
oxidation. Estimate: $75-$100.
611. Lot of 35 English East India Co. copper X cash, 1808,
some uncleaned. KM-320. 161 grams total. Solid specimens with
little or no corrosion, most cleaned to a light matte color but
about a third of them dark and crusty as uncleaned. Estimate:
$150-$225.
612. Lot of 115 uncleaned (as found) English East India
Co. copper X cash, 1808. KM-320. 537 grams total. Large lot of
totally uncleaned coins (as found), all of which appear to be
solid and uncorroded underneath a (sometimes thick) layer of
crud and oxidation, great way to “clean your own” and retail
them to tourists. Estimate: $150-$225.
609. Lot of 50 English East India Co. copper X cash,
1808, darkly toned. KM-320. 232 grams total. Choice (top-quality)
specimens, great for resale, nicely toned, no corrosion.
Estimate: $200-$300.
610. Lot of 50 English East India Co. copper X cash, 1808,
darkly toned. KM-320. 234 grams total. Choice (top-quality)
specimens, great for resale, nicely toned, no corrosion.
Estimate: $200-$300.
133
“Coconut wreck,” sunk ca. 1810 in deep water off Bermuda
Mexico City, Mexico
613. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Charles III,
1763M. KM-87, CT-1328. 5.9 grams. Scarce early type for this wreck,
no corrosion, clear details, just a bit worn (Fine), probably from
circulation before the wreck. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck”
Research Collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
614. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1772MF (initials facing rim), rare. KM-106.1, CT-915. 25.5 grams.
Corrosion-free and nicely toned, just a bit worn (Fine) and
with a couple fine scratches, probably from circulation before
the wreck, rare variety with transposed assayers’ initials. Pedigreed
to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
615. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1773FM (initials facing rim). KM-106.1, CT-917. 25.0 grams. Very
solid and nearly corrosion-free but with much wear and some
old scratches. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
616. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1784FM. KM-106.2, CT-936. 25.1 grams. Great details, minimal
corrosion (and only on the reverse), starting to tone. Pedigreed
to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
617. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV
transitional (bust of Charles III, ordinal IV), 1789FM. KM-
107, CT-681. 25.5 grams. Nice specimen, uncorroded and very lightly
toned, nice VF details. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research
Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
618. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV
transitional (bust of Charles III, ordinal IV), 1790FM. KM-
107, CT-682. 25.7 grams. Nice specimen, uncorroded and very lightly
toned, nice VF details. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research
Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
619. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1791FM. KM-109, CT-684. 25.5 grams. Lustrous and uncorroded
(AXF) obverse, lightly corroded reverse, starting to tone.
Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-
$450.
134
620. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1792FM. KM-109, CT-685. 25.2 grams. Choice details contrasted
against toned fields, no corrosion, slightly off-center obverse.
Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-
$450.
621. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1793FM. KM-109, CT-686. 25.5 grams. Lustrous and uncorroded
AXF with rainbow toning on reverse. Pedigreed to the “Coconut
wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
622. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1794FM. KM-109, CT-687. 25.3 grams. Very attractively toned and
corrosion-free XF with weak center on reverse, minor edge-
nick. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate:
$300-$450.
623. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1795FM. KM-109, CT-689. 25.4 grams. Gorgeous, frosty AU with
hint of toning and no corrosion. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck”
Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
624. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1796FM. KM-109, CT-690. 25.1 grams. Nicely struck AXF with faint
toning on fields, bare trace of corrosion on reverse, quite nice.
Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-
$450.
625. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1797FM. KM-109, CT-691. 25.5 grams. Uncorroded XF with a touch
of toning, a few weak areas and spots of orange but not to
distraction. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
626. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1798FM. KM-109, CT-692. 25.5 grams. Nicely toned and uncorroded
VF with rim flaw. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
135
627. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1799FM. KM-109, CT-694. 24.9 grams. Solid VF, some toning and
a hint of corrosion on reverse. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck”
Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
628. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1800FM. KM-109, CT-695. 25.5 grams. Lovely XF+ or better with
no corrosion, starting to tone. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck”
Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
629. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1801FT/FM. KM-109, CT-697. 25.1 grams. Lightly toned XF, no
corrosion. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
630. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1802FT. KM-109, CT-698. 25.9 grams. Only AXF for wear but totally
unaffected by the sea and starting to tone nicely around the
letters. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
631. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1803FT. KM-109, CT-699. 25.4 grams. Lightly toned XF+ with no
corrosion, nice strike, just lovely. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck”
Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
632. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1803FT. KM-109, CT-699. 25.3 grams. XF+, no corrosion, slightly
shiny on high points but toned on fields, off-center strike.
Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-
$450.
633. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1804TH. KM-109, CT-701. 25.8 grams. Lustrous, non-toned AU
with no corrosion, some weakness on rim. Pedigreed to the
“Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
136
634. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1805TH. KM-109, CT-704. 25.8 grams. Lustrous, non-toned AU
with no corrosion, a few very minor rim-flaws. Pedigreed to the
“Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
635. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1806TH. KM-109, CT-705. 24.5 grams. AU details despite very light
corrosion (almost all on reverse), beginning to tone. Pedigreed
to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
636. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1807TH. KM-109, CT-707. 25.2 grams. Richly toned XF+, very
attractive, with minimal corrosion only on reverse. Pedigreed to
the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
637. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1808TH. KM-109, CT-709. 25.2 grams. Nice XF with bold details,
no corrosion, starting to tone. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck”
Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
638. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII
(“armored” bust), 1808TH. KM-110, CT-537. 25.8 grams. Bold
AU interior details, rims a bit weak, both as struck and from
very light corrosion. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research
Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
639. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII
(“armored” bust), 1809TH. KM-110, CT-539. 26.1 grams. Bright
and beautiful XF+, no corrosion. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck”
Research Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
640. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII
(“armored” bust), 1809TH. KM-110, CT-539. 24.7 grams.
Uncorroded and lustrous XF with weak jaw and crown and
part of rim, brockage error showing inverse of pillars behind
head. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate:
$300-$450.
137
641. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 4 reales, Charles III,
178(?)FF, extremely rare denomination from this wreck
(only one found). KM-97.2. 10.8 grams. This is the ONLY 4 reales
recovered in the entire find, and so it has value well beyond its
quality and type might indicate (since there can only be ONE
complete denomination set for this wreck), for it is moderately
corroded (heavily pitted in places) and the date is not 100%
(looks like 1780 or 1782), but at least the bust is well detailed
and the crowned arms between pillars is full, with some light
toning here and there. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research
Collection. Estimate: $500-$750.
642. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1 real, Charles III, 1782FF. KM-78.2, CT-1564. 2.9 grams. Full-rim Fine with nice toning despite
light corrosion on reverse. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
643. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1 real, Charles III, 1782FF. KM-78.2, CT-1564. 3.2 grams. Broad flan with very pronounced rims,
lustrous and corrosion-free VF. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
644. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1 real, Charles III, 178(?)(??), probably used as a button. 1.2 grams. More of an artifact
than a coin, this corroded and barely attributable piece has five small holes arranged in a cross pattern, making it suitable for use
as a button or some part of a piece of jewelry. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
645. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1 real, Charles IV, 1803FT. KM-81, CT-1151. 3.1 grams. Lustrous XF+ with patchy red toning,
no corrosion. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
646. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1/2 real, Charles III, 1776FM, desirable date. KM-69.2, CT-1768. 1.4 grams. Heavily worn
(Good) but not really corroded, the all-important date clear. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $75-
$110.
647. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1/2 real, Charles III, 1781FF. KM-69.2, CT-1773. 1.6 grams. Nice clear details all over, minimal
corrosion, Fine or so. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
648. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1/2 real, Charles IV, 1800FM. KM-72, CT-1294. 1.6 grams. AVF with nicely contrasting toning
around letters, minimal corrosion. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
Lima, Peru
649. Lima, Peru, bust 8 reales, Charles IV, 1805JP. KM-97,
CT-662. 24.8 grams. Nice XF details despite very light corrosion,
no toning. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
138
650. Lima, Peru, bust 8 reales, Charles IV, 1806JP. KM-97,
CT-663. 25.8 grams. Lustrous AU+ with hint of toning, no
corrosion. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
651. Lima, Peru, bust 2 reales, Charles III, 1788IJ. KM-76a,
CT-1286. 6.0 grams. Broad-flan Fine with minimal corrosion, no
toning. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection.
Estimate: $250-$375.
Potosí, Bolivia
652. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles III, 1786PR.
KM-55, CT-994. 24.8 grams. Bold details on a big flan, lightly
corroded and worn. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research
Collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
654. Potosí, Bolivia, bust “1/2 real” (half-cut of a 1R), Charles IV, 1808PJ. 1.6 grams. A rare and curious
example of “making small change” in its time, this neat cut is the better half of the deal, for it shows clearly
the date and mintmark and assayer, worn and lightly corroded. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection.
Estimate: $50-$75.
Guatemala City, Guatemala
655. Guatemala City, Guatemala, bust 8 reales, Charles
IV, 1792M. KM-53, CT-621. 25.3 grams. Solid and beautiful XF+
with just a thin veneer of oxidation, starting to tone nicely.
Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-
$450.
653. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles IV, 1793PR. KM-
73, CT-714. 25.0 grams. Big flan with pronounced rims due to poor
centering, VF grade with very light corrosion on reverse only.
Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $300-
$450.
656. Guatemala City, Guatemala, bust 8 reales, Charles
IV, 1805M. KM-53, CT-637. 25.9 grams. Lustrous AU with practically
no corrosion, parts of rims weak due to poor centering, starting
to tone. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research Collection.
Estimate: $300-$450.
139
657. Guatemala City, Guatemala, bust 2 reales, Charles
IV, 1795M. KM-51, CT-918. 6.4 grams. Silvery AXF on a somewhat
oval flan, no corrosion. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research
Collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
658. Guatemala City, Guatemala, bust 2 reales, Charles
IV, 1798M. KM-51, CT-921. 6.6 grams. Highly lustrous AU+, no
corrosion, small spots of toning. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck”
Research Collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
Santiago, Chile
659. Santiago, Chile, bust 1/2 real, Ferdinand VII (bust of Charles IV), 1808FJ. KM-64, CT-1387.
1.6 grams. Uncorroded Fine with uneven rims and fields (as made), starting to tone. Pedigreed to the
“Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
France
660. France (Limoges mint), ecu, Louis XVI, 1779-I. KM-
564.7. 26.5 grams. Bold full details despite light corrosion, rare as
one of only 3 French coins found. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck”
Research Collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
661. France (Bayonne mint), ecu, Louis XVI, 1785-L. KM-
564.9. 24.3 grams. Toned Fine with no corrosion, rare as one of
only 3 French coins found. Pedigreed to the “Coconut wreck” Research
Collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
662. France (Republic), Bayonne mint (mintmark L), 5
francs, l’an 10 (1801-2). KM-639.6. 24.2 grams. Choice and
uncorroded XF with weak center, starting to tone around the
rims, rare as one of only 3 French coins found. Pedigreed to the
“Coconut wreck” Research Collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
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140
Sabina, sunk in 1842 off South Africa
663. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1801FT/FM. KM-109, CT-697. 24.0 grams. Good details despite
graininess from corrosion all over, richly toned, rare
provenance. With original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate:
$75-$110.
664. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1808TH. KM-109, CT-709. 22.0 grams. Moderately corroded but
with all details barely visible, nicely toned, rare provenance.
With original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $75-$110.
665. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII,
1813JJ. KM-111, CT-551. 24.0 grams. Bold details despite moderate
corrosion, deep toning, rare provenance. With original certificate
from the salvagers. Estimate: $75-$110.
666. Zacatecas, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII,
1821RG. KM-111.5, CT-697. 25.0 grams. Bold details, light to
moderate corrosion, good toning, rare provenance. With original
certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $75-$110.
Santo Andre, sunk in 1856 off the Cape Verde Islands, west of Africa
667. France, 5 francs, 18??-B (Rouen) EMPIRE
FRANÇAIS (1809-14). KM-694.2. 22.6 grams. Bold bust of
Napoleon on obverse, weak reverse due to corrosion, date only
partially visible, starting to tone, rare type from this wreck.
With original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $50-$75.
668. France, 5 francs, 1852-A (Paris). KM-773.1. 22.0 grams.
Choice details accentuated by contrasting toning, light corrosion
only, rare type from this wreck. With original certificate from the
salvagers. Estimate: $60-$90.
141
669. Sardinia, Italy, 5 lire, 1835-P, anchor mintmark. KM-
113.3. 23.0 grams. Finely detailed and well preserved (minimal
corrosion), lightly toned, rare type from this wreck. With original
certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $60-$90.
670. Philippines (under Spain), 8 reales, Ferdinand VII,
crowned F.7.o countermark on Lima, Peru, 8 reales,
1833MM. KM-83, CT-536. 25.0 grams. Rare type as from a
shipwreck (first we have seen), with bold full details, only lightly
corroded, nicely toned. With original certificate from the salvagers.
Estimate: $70-$100.
671. Seville, Spain, 20 reales, Isabel II, 1851. KM-593.3, CT-
190. 25.0 grams. Beautiful XF details against attractively toned
fields, minimal corrosion. With original certificate from the salvagers.
Estimate: $70-$100.
672. Seville, Spain, 20 reales, Isabel II, 1855. KM-593.3, CT-
193. 24.0 grams. AVF with weak centers, nicely toned, very light
corrosion. With original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $60-
$90.
S.S. Republic, sunk in 1865 in deep water off Savannah, Georgia
673. USA, Seated Liberty half dollar, 1858-O, doubled 1,
encapsulated NGC Shipwreck Effect. KM-A68. Mint State
with a veneer of oxidation all over, professionally conserved.
Shipwreck name printed inside slab. Estimate: $250-$375.
674. USA, Seated Liberty half dollar, 1859-O, 9 in border,
encapsulated NGC Shipwreck Effect. KM-A68. Lustrous
Mint State but with traces of corrosion, professionally
conserved. Shipwreck name printed inside slab. Estimate: $300-
$450.
142
Crescent City, sunk in 1871 off Ireland
675. San Luis Potosí, Mexico, cap-and-rays 8 reales,
1833JS. KM-377.12. 27.0 grams. Choice, lustrous XF, very bold,
with completely uncorroded surfaces (just a few minor nicks),
lovely toning, rare provenance, a British merchant steamship
returning from New Orleans that sank in thick fog off Ireland
with hundreds of thousands of Mexican silver coins, only some
of which have been recovered in modern times. Estimate:
$50-$100.
676. San Luis Potosí, Mexico, cap-and-rays 8 reales,
1868PS. KM-377.12. 27.0 grams. Nice AVF with no corrosion but
a few shallow cuts, lovely toning, rare provenance, a British
merchant steamship returning from New Orleans that sank in
thick fog off Ireland with hundreds of thousands of Mexican
silver coins, only some of which have been recovered in modern
times. Estimate: $50-$100.
Unidentified steamship wreck sunk ca. 1900 in the San Juan River between Costa Rica and Nicaragua
677. Guatemala City, Guatemala, peso, 1869R. KM-190.1.
24.7 grams. Nice Fine with dark sediment, no corrosion (portrait
of Carrera). Estimate: $60-$90.
678. Guatemala City, Guatemala, peso, 1882AE. KM-208.
24.3 grams. Nicely toned Fine, no corrosion. Estimate: $125-
$200.
679. Guatemala, half real counterstamp of 1894 on
Santiago, Chile, peso, 1885. KM-215. 24.5 grams. Host coin nice
VF, attractively toned and corrosion-free, counterstamp Fine
and a bit grainy. Estimate: $100-$150.
680. Guatemala, half real counterstamp of 1894 on Lima,
Peru, sol, 1891TF. KM-224. 24.4 grams. Well-detailed XF (both
host and counterstamp), spots of dark encrustation here and
there but no corrosion. Estimate: $60-$90.
681. El Salvador, peso, 1892-CAM. KM-115.1. 24.5 grams. Solid
VF with spotty toning, no corrosion (portrait of Columbus).
Estimate: $125-$200.
143
682. Honduras, peso, 1887. KM-52. 24.7 grams. Deeply toned
AVF, no corrosion. Estimate: $100-$150.
Various wrecks
683. Calhoun Collector’s Society boxed set of shipwreck coins (instant collection!). This is from a “coin-of-the-month”
type of promotion in which, after ordering the fancy binder-case printed with “The Sunken Treasure Silver Coin Collection” on
top, the client received a new coin from a different wreck in installments, and it is apparent that only mediocre coins (cheapest
cost to promoters) were used (but at least they are all genuine). According to the accompanying flyer, each coin cost $150, and
there are 19 here, each with its own small certificate from the promoter (plus others from divers and dealers), as follows: Potosí
cob 8R Philip II P-B (5th period) from the “Rill Cove wreck” (ca. 1618); Westfriesland lion daalder 1624 from the Campen (1627);
Santo Domingo copper 4 maravedís Charles-Joanna from the Maravillas (1656); Mexico cob 8 reales Charles II from the Joanna
(1682); England shilling 1696 from the Association (1707); Utrecht rider ducatoon 1711 from DeLiefde (1711); Mexico cob 4 reales
Philip V from the 1715 Fleet; Holland double stuiver 1724 from the Akerendam (1725); Potosí cob 1 and half reales from the
Catalana (supposedly 1727, probably a fabrication); Mexico cob 8 reales 1730 from the Vliegenthart (1735); Mexico pillar 4 reales
1740, Westfriesland rider ducatoon 1734 and Brabant portrait ducatoon 1664 from the Hollandia (1743); Mexico pillar 8 reales
1740 from the Reijgersdaal (1747); Potosí cob 8 reales 1680V from the Piedmont (1795); English East India Co. copper XX and X
cash 1808 from the Admiral Gardner (1809); and Madrid bust 8 reales 1816 from the Cabalva (1818). Estimate: $600-$900.
145
SESSION II: Thursday, October 15, 2009, 4:30 p.m.
SILVER COBS OF MEXICO CITY, MEXICO
Charles-Joanna “Early Series”
684. Mexico City, Mexico, 4 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Early
Series,” oMo to left, oPo to right. S-M4, KM-17, CT-74. 11.9
grams. Very darkly toned (uncleaned), with pristine pillars side
but heavily corroded shield side, scarce first coinage of the
New World. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-
$450.
Charles-Joanna “Late Series”
687. Mexico City, Mexico, 2 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Late
Series,” M to left, L to right. S-M9, KM-12, CT-116. 6.7 grams.
Well-detailed AXF with no toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
688. Mexico City, Mexico, 1 real, Charles-Joanna, “Late
Series,” oM to left, O to right. S-M10, KM-9, CT-150. 3.4 grams.
Typically well-detailed XF with attractively contrasting toning.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
689. Mexico City, Mexico, copper 4 maravedís, Charles-
Joanna, “Late Series.” KM-3.3, CT-203. 10.2 grams. Scarce this
nice (uncorroded), VF with dark fields beneath lighter high
points, slightly off-center strike. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $225-$350.
685. Mexico City, Mexico, 4 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Late
Series,” oM to left, L to right, encapsulated PCGS AU-53.
S-M9, KM-18, CT-85. Lustrous (no toning), typically nice strike
with particularly bold legends, unusual to see in a slab (and
with such a high grade). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $500-$750.
686. Mexico City, Mexico, 4 reales, Charles-Joanna, “Late
Series,” M to left, G to right. S-M2, KM-18, CT-81. 13.3 grams.
Broad, round planchet with full details, shield side slightly
doubled, richly toned XF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $350-$500.
Please place absentee bids at
www.iCollector.com/sedwick
(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
146
THE BROTHERS BEZERRA: A TALE OF TWO ASSAYERS
least, very often show a surprisingly clear date in the peripheral
legend. To finally have a name for this assayer means we can
fully attribute hundreds of thousands of coins for the first time.
The research paper focuses on Gerónimo Becerra and
his technical contributions to metallurgy. As a “renaissance man”
of sorts, Becerra was a scientist, not only in the field of
metallurgy but also in medicine, at least as it was defined in the
17th century. His work Anathomia Philosóphica (Philosophical
Anatomy) was an important text in its time relating to psychology,
in which Becerra explained intellectual, sensitive and emotional
activities linked to the composition and operation of the five
senses. As we know, however, he was not a medical doctor by
trade but a coin assayer at the Mexican mint, as well as a technical
researcher relating to that profession. By order of the mint in
1671 he wrote a 24-page paper entitled Breve relacion del ensaye de
plata y oro (Brief relation of the assaying of silver and gold), a sort of
training manual for performing assays written in a very baroque
and flowery fashion. Note especially that he mentions gold,
which was not being coined at the time. The silver coins
produced during his tenure as assayer are marked with a large
G for Gerónimo under the oM mintmark, which is seen for the
dates 1666 through 1677. According to Ms. Rodríguez-Sala’s
thesis, Becerra died on February 15, 1677, which, incidentally,
explains why coins of that date with his initial are so rare.
But even more important was how Becerra got the job
as assayer in the first place. According to the thesis, Gerónimo
had an older brother, Pedro, who was assayer before him and
in fact passed the office to him due to illness. While nothing
further about Pedro could be found in Ms. Rodríguez-Sala’s
paper (for he was not a pioneer in metallurgy like his younger
brother was later), this was enough to fill a huge void in Spanish
colonial numismatics. Assayer P of 1634-1666 now had a name:
Pedro Bezerra!
We can make three further observations from this new
information. First of all, we see yet another instance of an
assayer using his first name and not his last name for his initial
on the coins, but we believe that habit is coincidental and has
more to do with the fact that G and P were standard letter
punches in the mint’s kit, since they were used in the words of
the legends, whereas B was not. Second, Gerónimo Bezerra’s
advanced technical study helps us appreciate that assayers were
important officials in charge of serious metal-testing and not
just figureheads or minters hammering the coins. Finally, we
wonder if the fact that Gerónimo Bezerra was such an advanced
metallurgist and published scientist had anything to do with
the decision to begin minting gold coins in Mexico in 1679.
Surely given the delays in communication he must have had
some role in the innovation, and perhaps he even planned to
mint the first gold coins before he died suddenly.
In any case we now have some answers where before
we had a guess and a blank. Assayer P was Pedro Bezerra (1634-
1666), and assayer G was Gerónimo Bezerra… a “typo” I am
quite happy to correct in the next edition of our book.
“I think I found a typo in your book.”
The words caught me off guard. I mean, here was
Augi, my extraordinary numismatic researcher but notoriously
bad speller, telling me, Mr. Perfectionist, that my book, The
Practical Book of Cobs, had an error. It simply could not be.
“What are you talking about?” was all I could say.
“In the Mexican assayers. You have this name
‘Bercerra’ but you meant ‘Bezerra’.”
He was referring to Gerónimo Bercerra on page 69,
assayer for Mexican cobs from 1666 to 1677. I knew the name
with that spelling had been passed from edition to edition of
our book without comment and even appeared that way in
other references.
“In Spanish we have the name ‘Becerra’, spelled in old
documents as ‘Bezerra’, but not ‘Bercerra’.”
Augi, whose real name is Agustín García-Barneche, is
from Argentina, and Spanish is not only his first language but
his cultural heritage.
“OK,” I said, “if you prove it, then I will believe it.”
So Augi hit the books, or more accurately I should say
he hit the Internet, specifically some virtual libraries and online
databases of Hispano-American research. And it did not take
long.
“I found it,” he said almost instantly. “Jerónimo
Bezerra. He is mentioned in a thesis about metallurgy from
Mexico a few years ago. And I think his brother was an assayer too.”
Those last nine words, really an offhand comment,
were the key to solving a nagging mystery that was older than
any numismatic researcher alive today.
* * *
The thesis Augi found is entitled Tres Constructores de
Obras Científico-Técnicas de Minería y Metalurgia en la Nueva España
del Siglo XVII: Luis Berrio de Montalvo, Jerónimo de Becerra y Juan
del Corro (Three Developers of Scientific-Technical Works on Mining
and Metallurgy in New Spain during XVII Century: Luis Berrio de
Montalvo, Gerónimo de Becerra y Juan del Corro), written in 2000 by
María Luisa Rodríguez-Sala for the Instituto de Investigaciones
Sociales of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México
(UNAM) in Mexico. It is an advanced paper in the broad area
of mining and metallurgy that has obvious connections to
assaying. Just nobody bothered to look there for information
about mint assayers. Like so many other fields, numismatics
tends to ignore related fields and fills the gaps in information
with what we see on the coins themselves.
In this case, however, the coins in question are among
the most common and obvious of all Mexican silver cobs. In
every edition of every book on cobs and assayers I have ever
seen, there is no mention of a name for assayer P of the mid-
1600s (1634-1666). The coins in question comprise the bulk
of finds from two major shipwrecks (the Concepción of 1641
and the Maravillas of 1656) and from countless hoards and
finds around the world. The coins very typically show a clear
and large “oMP” next to the shield, and, in the early 1650s at
147
Shield-type
690. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip II, oMF. S-
M12, KM-43, CT-154. 27.4 grams. Choice specimen with excellent
full cross and shield, full oMF, attractively toned VF. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
691. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (16)20(?)D. S-M18,
KM-44.3, CT-117. 26.7 grams. Nice full cross, good full shield, weak
date, toned Fine with some old scratches. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
692. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (1)648P, scarce. S-
M19, KM-45, CT-347. 27.3 grams. Clear bottom half of date, bold
full oMP, good full cross, nearly full shield, non-toned Fine.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
693. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1649P, rare. S-M19,
KM-45, CT-349. 24.5 grams. Full date, full cross and oMP and nearly
full shield, About Fine, with several test-cuts (and piece of edge
missing as a result) as from circulation in the Orient. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
694. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, (16)51/0P, rare. S-
M19. 26.9 grams. Full 51/0 of date (unlisted in KM and CT), high
grade (VF) but typically crude with lots of flat spots and uneven
thickness, no toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$250-$375.
695. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1654P, with
Indonesian countermarks on cross side. S-M19, KM-45, CT-
360. 26.4 grams. Weak date (confirmed by distinctive style of castle)
but bold full oMP, full shield, excellent full cross with one 4-
pointed and 2 curlicue countermarks, richly toned VF+ with
no corrosion but probably from a late-1660s Dutch wreck off
Tuban, Indonesia. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$150-$225.
Any questions? Please email us
at info@sedwickcoins.com
or call (407) 975-3325
148
696. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1656P. S-M19, KM-
45, CT-363. 27.0 grams. Very choice, full and bold date (rare thus)
and oMP, also nice full cross, VF+ with some flatness, nice
light toning, much rounder flan than usual. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $450-$675.
697. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1657P, with
Indonesian countermarks. S-M19, KM-45, CT-365. 26.6 grams.
Choice full date and oMP and shield, also full cross with 4-
pointed countermark, diamond-shaped punchmark and one
other unidentified mark, toned and corrosion-free AVF but
probably from a late-1660s Dutch wreck off Tuban, Indonesia.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $325-$475.
698. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip IV, oMP,
with large chopmark. S-M19, KM-45. 27.2 grams. Thick flan with
full shield and cross and oMP, dark and patinated AVF with
one large Chinese chopmark and two small punchmarks on
the cross side as from circulation in the Orient. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
699. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip IV, oMP,
with Indonesian countermark. S-M19, KM-45. 26.1 grams. Typical
barrel-shaped flan with full shield and cross, the latter of which
is stamped with a huge 8-petaled flower countermark,
uncorroded Fine but probably from a late-1660s Dutch wreck
off Tuban, Indonesia. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $150-$225.
700. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip IV?, cut
down and flattened back out to 8R diameter in its own
time. 18.0 grams. A fine piece of 17th-century thievery, the
original coin trimmed to almost half its diameter and then
hammered flat to look like an 8R once again, with square nail
hole in center where the coin was secured during the hammering,
the small part in the center where original design remains,
grading Fine or so, nicely toned. Estimate: $50-$75.
701. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip IV, assayer
not visible. KM-45. 26.8 grams. Very choice full cross, nice full
shield, smallish flan with no peripheral detail, richly old-toned
AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
702. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Charles II, oMG.
S-M20, KM-46. 26.6 grams. Bold (o)MG, nearly full shield, small
full cross, richly toned Fine with flat spots, very solid and
uncommonly nice. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$125-$200.
149
703. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Charles
II, assayer not visible, mint-produced bird shape,
Plate Coin in The Practical Book of Cobs (4th
edition). KM-46. 27.4 grams. With curved beak and erect
tail, this full-weight coin was obviously a bird from the
beginning, not cut down or modified later except to
add a hole for the eye, the actual numismatic data
nothing special (worn Fine with flatness, only about
half the cross and slightly more of the shield visible),
lightly toned, a unique and special coin to be sure. Plate
Coin on page 69 of The Practical Book of Cobs (4th
edition, 2007). Estimate: $600-$900.
704. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Charles II, assayer
not visible, very elongated shape (possibly longest known).
KM-46. 27.1 grams. Mark Bir’s accompanying tag says “THIS IS
THE LONGEST COB I’VE SEEN,” and we can’t think of
any longer ones, this being a full 2-1/4" and of course very
narrow, with at least most of the shield (crude) and cross (nice)
visible, Fine or so for wear. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $125-$200.
705. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Charles II, assayer
not visible, very odd shape. KM-46. 24.5 grams. More than
anything else this coin resembles a sitting camel or llama, and it
was made that way naturally at the mint, with a hole added later
for an eye and for wearing on a strap, which over the centuries
wore some channels to the edge, the details minimal and very
worn (Good) but attributable, also with number 64(?) scratched
into the surface above the cross long ago. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
706. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1720(J), rare,
unusual shape. S-M22, KM-47, CT-748. 27.6 grams. Sort of a small
barrel but with long, diagonal foot, with clear 172 of date (last
digit weak), most of the coin flat and crude (Fine or so) but at
least nicely toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$175-$250.
707. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V, oMD,
elongated planchet. S-M23a, KM-47. 26.8 grams. Very long
planchet (over 2"), with clear oM, most of shield and cross,
VG for wear. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-
$120.
150
708. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1730R. S-M24, KM-
47a, CT-755. 27.1 grams. Very bold oMR and clear 0 of date, nicely
detailed but incomplete shield and cross, VF+ with significant
peripheral flatness, lightly toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $175-$250.
709. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1730G. S-M25, KM-
47a, CT-759. 26.8 grams. Weird shape, with full oMG and most of
crown and cross, clear 0 of date, Fine with weak areas, lightly
toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
710. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, Philip V, ca. 1733
as reverse is struck from klippe die, possibly unique. KM-
47a. 25.2 grams. This oddity shows a crude, seemingly late-1720s
style shield on the obverse but a fancy, klippe-style cross on
the reverse, which means either the mint had klippe dies long
before 1733 or they reused some coins in that year. The coin is
worn (Fine) and patinated, somewhat squarish in shape with
one corner bent. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$200-$300.
711. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip II, oMO to
left. S-M11, KM-36, CT-335. 13.7 grams. Broad flan with full and
well-detailed crown, shield and cross, some bold legend, oddly
not quite round, AXF with some flat areas and spots of toning.
Estimate: $100-$150.
712. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip II, oMO to
right. S-M11, KM-36, CT-333. 13.6 grams. Small, round planchet with
nice full cross and shield (the latter slightly doubled), full oMO,
richly old-toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$200-$300.
713. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip III, oMF,
king’s name with two L’s. S-M12a, KM-37.1, CT-223. 13.8 grams.
Good full cross and shield, well centered on a roundish flan,
AXF, not much contrast. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $200-$300.
714. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip III, oMA,
very scarce. S-M16, KM-37.2. 13.7 grams. Broad flan with nice full
shield, full shield, bold oMA, king’s ordinal III in legend, AVF
with toning in crevices. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $250-$375.
Please place absentee bids at
www.iCollector.com/sedwick
(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
151
715. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip III or IV,
oMD. 13.4 grams. Bold full shield and oMD, full cross, no
corrosion but two big dark-orange spots and also high grade
(XF), which makes a salvage source likely (possibly the Concepción
of 1641). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-
$200.
716. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, 1652/1P, rare. S-
M19. 13.6 grams. Compact round flan with good full cross, full
oM and most of shield, bottoms of all digits of date visible,
richly old-toned Fine+, unlisted overdate. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
717. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, 1658P, bold full
date, rare. S-M19, KM-38, CT-714. 13.6 grams. Odd shape with very
bold full date and oMP, good full cross, AVF with toning in
crevices, looks like salvage (possibly from the “Jupiter wreck”
of 1659). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $275-
$425.
718. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, Philip IV, oMP. S-
M19, KM-38. 13.4 grams. Full cross and shield and oMP, toned
Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
719. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, 1731F. S-M26, KM-
40a, CT-1029. 13.0 grams. Bold full date with what looks like a 3/2
overdate (according to Mark Bir), full oMF, decent cross, toned
Fine with area of light corrosion as probably from the
Vliegenthart (1735). Pedigreed to Ponterio auction #117, lot #1880
and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
720. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 4 reales, 1732F. S-M26, KM-
40a, CT-1031. 13.0 grams. Full date (just the last digit slightly weak)
and oMF, good full cross and most of shield (well detailed),
toned Fine with old hole at very edge. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
721. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Philip II, oMO to
left. S-M11, KM-31, CT-501. 6.7 grams. Broad flan with nice full
shield and cross, typically well detailed, XF, no toning. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
722. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Philip II, oMO to
right. S-M11, KM-31, CT-unlisted. 6.6 grams. Typically round and
thin with nice full cross and shield, also much crown, deeply
toned AXF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-
$200.
152
723. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Philip III, oMF, variety with 3 small castles in triangle pattern in each quadrant.
S-M12a, KM-32.1. 6.8 grams. Nice full cross with unusual variety of castles, full but partially flat shield, clear assayer F, richly old-
toned Fine+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
724. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Philip III, oMF. S-M12a, KM-32.1, CT-338. 6.8 grams. Choice full cross, full and well-
detailed but doubled shield, bold oMF, nice VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
725. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Philip III, (o)MA, scarce. S-M16, KM-32.2. 6.7 grams. Excellent full cross, nice full
shield, clear assayer despite edge-split in same place, lightly toned AXF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
726. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Philip III, oMF/A, scarce. S-M17. 6.6 grams. Round flan with nice full cross and
shield, bold oMF/A, richly toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
727. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, 1610F, rare. S-M17, KM-unlisted, CT-344. 6.6 grams. Bold date and oMF and good full
shield and cross on a round flan, VF with spots of orangish toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
728. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, 1612F, rare. S-M17, KM-unlisted, CT-346. 6.6 grams. Clear date, bold oMF, full shield and
cross, old-toned Fine with flat spots. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $225-$325.
729. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, (16)55P, rare. S-M19, KM-33, CT-870. 5.5 grams. Bold 55 of date, decent cross, but rest
of coin crude, mostly flat, VG overall, inexplicably underweight. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
730. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Philip IV, oMP. S-M19, KM-33. 6.6 grams. Cute full cross, full oMP and half of well-
detailed shield, crudely toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
731. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Charles II, 169(0 or 6)L. S-M21, KM-34. 5.7 grams. Rectangular flan with full 69 of date
and clear oML, most of shield and cross, Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
732. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Charles II, (o)ML. S-M21, KM-34. 6.2 grams. Bold L, good cross and most of shield,
VG for wear, strange shape. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
153
733. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, 1731/0F. S-M26, KM-35a, CT-1268. 6.6 grams. Bold full date with clear overdate, full oM,
good cross, toned Fine+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
734. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 2 reales, Philip V, assayer not visible, with small chopmarks. KM-35a. 6.9 grams. Small, thick
flan with nearly full cross and most of shield sprinkled with a few tiny chopmarks as from circulation in the Orient (scarce on
smaller denominations), richly toned Fine+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
735. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip II, oM to left, O to right S-M11, KM-26, CT-643. 3.3 grams. Typically thin and round
with choice detail on full shield and cross, bold assayer, XF with flat peripheries. Estimate: $75-$110.
736. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip II, O to left, oM to right. S-M11, KM-26, CT-644. 3.3 grams. Broad and thin, with
full shield and cross, clear O and oM, full king’s name PHILIPPVS, lightly toned AVF with weak areas. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
737. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip II, O to left, oM to right. S-M11, KM-26, CT-644. 3.3 grams. Unusually small (but
full weight) flan with nice full cross and shield, bold assayer O, king’s ordinal II, very lightly toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
738. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip II, O to left, oMO to right, unlisted variety. S-M11. 3.2 grams. Round and thin,
with well-detailed crowd and shield and cross, clear O and oMO (rare arrangement), AXF with flat areas. Estimate: $80-$120.
739. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip II, (o)MF/O to left, scarce over-assayer. S-M12. 3.4 grams. Smallish AVF with
full shield and cross, 2 hairline edge-splits. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
740. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip II, F to left, oMoD to right, rare double assayer. S-M14, KM-26. 3.5 grams. Bold
full shield with clear oMoD to right, full but double-struck cross, lightly toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$200-$300.
741. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip II, oM to left, F to right, scarce. S-M12. 3.3 grams. Round and thin, with full
shield and bold oM and F, good and full but off-center cross, rainbow-toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$90-$135.
742. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip III, oMF to left. S-M12a, KM-27.1. 3.1 grams. Choice full shield and cross (well
centered and nicely detailed), bold oMF, VF with toning in crevices. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
154
743. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip III, oMA, scarce. S-M16, KM-27.2. 3.4 grams. Bold and beautiful VF with excellent
full shield and cross, full oM, very attractively toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
744. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, (16)09(A), rare. S-M16, KM-27.2, CT-450. 3.2 grams. Choice detail, full 09 of date and oM
mintmark, nearly full cross and shield, deeply toned XF. Estimate: $300-$450.
745. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, (1)611/0F, rare. S-M17, KM-27.2. 3.5 grams. Nice but not 100% full cross and shield, also
part of crown, bottom part of date, VF+ with patina in crevices. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
746. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip IV, oMP. S-M19, KM-28. 2.9 grams. Very cute turnip shape with bold oMP and good
full shield and cross, contrasting toning in crevices, Fine with patch of black encrustation, inexplicably underweight. Pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
747. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, Philip IV, oMG/P, scarce. S-M19a, KM-28. 3.3 grams. Choice full cross, bold (but small)
G/P (1666) and full shield, About Fine with nice toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
748. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1 real, 1729R. S-M24, KM-30, CT-1582. 3.3 grams. Thick flan with sharp points, bold full date and
oM, most of cross, lightly toned VF. From the “Meseta Central hoard,” with small certificate and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $150-$225.
749. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, O to left, oM to right. S-M11, KM-20, CT-718. 1.7 grams. Round and thin, with
full crown and monogram, full but off-center cross, VF with flat areas. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
750. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, oM to left, O to right. S-M11, KM-20, CT-717. 1.6 grams. Choice specimen
with gorgeous full cross, crown and monogram, bold oM and O, plus lots of bold legend, beginning with king’s ordinal II at 2
o’clock, AXF with lovely toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
751. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, oM to left, F to right. S-M12, KM-20, CT-716. 1.6 grams. Full monogram with
S above V in center, bold oM to left, choice full cross, king’s ordinal II in legend, nicely toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $110-$175.
752. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, oM(F) to left, interesting variety of monogram, possibly rare. S-M12,
KM-20. 1.5 grams. Bold full monogram with S to right (not in center and not interlaced with the vertical upright), full cross, a bit
worn (Fine) but nice. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
753. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Philip III, F at top left, oM at top right, and oD below monogram, scarce
double assayer. S-M14a. 1.4 grams. Full and bold monogram with V at top in center (hence Philip III), full oD and fairly clear F
and oM, choice full cross, toned VF with drilled hole at top. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
155
754. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Philip III, oM to left, F to right. S-M12a, KM-21, CT-545. 1.7 grams. Choice broad flan
with full king’s ordinal III, bold oM and monogram, off-center cross, VF with dark toning in some crevices. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
755. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Philip III, oM to left, D to right. S-M18, KM-21. 1.5 grams. Perfectly round (possibly
shaved, although weight is correct), with full and bold monogram, full but messy cross, Fine for wear. Estimate: $60-$90.
756. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, (1)620/19?(D). S-M18. 1.5 grams. Veritably tiny lions and castles (why?) in choice full
cross, nice full monogram with bold oM to left, fleur below, but right side flat, bottom part of date (not 100% certain),
attractively toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
757. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, (1)647(P), rare. S-M19. 1.7 grams. Full but messy monogram, bottom half of date (the
4 and 7 very close together), nearly full cross, VG. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
758. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Philip IV, oMP to left, : to right. S-M19, KM-22. 1.7 grams. Bold full monogram with
clear oMP to left and odd (unique?) pair of vertical dots to right, most of cross, AVF with toning on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
759. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, posthumous Philip IV, (166)7G, rare. S-M19a. 1.3 grams. Interesting oval shape with
full monogram and oMG, trace of date, full cross, Fine with some toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
760. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Charles II, oML to left. S-M21, KM-23. 1.3 grams. Full oML to left of half of
monogram, also half of cross, toned Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $35-$50.
761. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Charles II, assayer not visible, elongated shape. KM-23. 1.5 grams. Nearly full
monogram, off-center cross, on a very strangely elongated flan, darkly toned Fine+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$100-$150.
762. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Philip V, oMJ. S-M22, KM-24. 1.4 grams. Very bold oMJ and elegant monogram, full
cross with weak lions and castles, king’s ordinal V in legend, lightly toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-
$75.
763. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, Philip V, oMD. S-M23a, KM-24. 1.6 grams. Bold full oMD and most of monogram and
crown, full cross, toned Fine+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
764. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 1/2 real, 1732(F). S-M26, KM-24a. 1.7 grams. Full and bold date and crown, most of monogram,
choice full cross, nicely toned and decent grade (VF) but with solder-mark on top edge. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $100-$150.
156
SILVER COBS OF LIMA, PERUEarly pillars type
765. Lima, Peru, 4 reales, Philip II, assayer Rincón, motto
as PL-VSV-LT, legend ending in HISPA/N, encapsulated
NGC VF-20. S-L1, KM-10.1, CT-unlisted. Excellent shield side with
bold R and great lions and castles, doubled pillars side with
bold 4 and clear motto, not much legend except clear HISPA
with the A punched over an N, dark toning on fields, rare and
popular as the highest “affordable” denomination of the first
coinage struck in South America. Estimate: $1,250-$2,000.
766. Lima, Peru, 4 reales, Philip II, assayer Rincón, motto
as PL-VSV-LT, legend ending in HISPANIA. S-L1, KM-10.1,
CT-313. 10.0 grams. Solid specimen with full details despite
corrosion (otherwise Fine), dark fields contrasting with details,
much legend, minor doubling on pillars side, rare and popular
as the highest “affordable” denomination of the first coinage
struck in South America. Pedigreed to Heritage auction #3002, lot
#21922. Estimate: $900-$1,350.
767. Lima, Peru, 2 reales, Philip II, assayer Rincón, motto
as PL-VSV-L. S-L1, KM-8, CT-479. 6.3 grams. Choice XF details
and bold legends against beautifully toned fields, faintly pitted
from salvage, scarce. Estimate: $350-$500.
768. Lima, Peru, 1 real, Philip II, assayer Rincón, motto
as PL-VSV-TR. S-L1, KM-6, CT-630. 3.3 grams. Broad flan with
much legend (including king’s ordinal II) but rather double-
struck, Fine with contrasting toning, old hairline scratch.
Estimate: $150-$225.
769. Lima, Peru, 1 real, Philip II, assayer Rincón, motto
as P-LVS-V. S-L1, KM-6, CT-630. 1.8 grams. Very thin and
underweight from corrosion yet still fairly well detailed (Fine),
a little wrinkled. Estimate: $90-$135.
770. Lima, Peru, 1 real, Philip II, assayer Rincón, motto
as PL-VS-VL. S-L1, KM-6, CT-630. 2.2 grams. Good full shield and
pillars despite light corrosion, piece of edge missing, salvaged
VG. Estimate: $90-$135.
771. Lima, Peru, 1 real, Philip II, assayer Rincón, motto
as P-LV-S. S-L1, KM-6, CT-630. 2.0 grams. Full shield and pillars,
darkly toned, crudely eroded on part of edge as from salvage
(otherwise VG). Estimate: $75-$110.
772. Lima, Peru, 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer Rincón, rare
variety with legends ending in HISPANI and INDIARVM.
S-L1, KM-3, CT-702. 1.0 gram. Very choice salvaged specimen with
full legends and inner details, including bold king’s ordinal,
beautifully toned on fields, VF for actual wear. Pedigreed to the
Ponterio CICF 2001 sale, lot #2212. Estimate: $350-$500.
157
773. Lima, Peru, 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer R (Rincón),
legends ending in HISP and INDIA. S-L1, KM-3, CT-702. 1.5
grams. Broad flan with full and bold legends (including full
PHILIPPVS II), full but somewhat weak inner details, AVF
with spots of oxidation, sediment on fields. Estimate: $150-
$225.
774. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer Rincón,
extremely rare. S-L1, KM-1, CT-761. 0.5 gram. Among only about
10 known, this is actually one of the better examples, at least
on the half that is still present (the other half lost to corrosion),
with AVF details, much bold legend, light toning. Estimate:
$700-$1,000.
Shield-type
775. Lima, Peru, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-X to right,
extremely rare. S-L3, KM-11, CT-327. 11.3 grams. Huge flan with
small parts of edge lost to corrosion, full shield and crown and
cross, much bold legend including full PHILIPPVS, silvery VF
and so rare that only about 6 specimens are known to exist.
Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
776. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, Philip II, x-ii to left, P-
erasure(?) to right, reverse legend rotated 180 degrees,
king’s name misspelled as PHILPPVS (unique). S-L3, KM-
9, CT-495. 6.4 grams. A very strange and educational coin that is
either assayer X or the very first issue of Diego de la Torre
(rare and interesting either way), for above the denomination
to the left is a small x (decidedly not a star), and below the
mintmark to the right is a blank spot that is either an erasure or
just a very weak oD, notably identical dies for the known oD/
X 2 reales (note the misspelling of the king’s name), nicely
toned and with full shield and crown and bold legends, the
cross very weak, Fine+ overall. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
777. Lima, Peru, cob 8 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, P-8 to left, *-oD to right. S-L4, KM-14, CT-146. 27.2
grams. Perfectly round and solid, with very bold and well-detailed
shield, full but slightly doubled cross, semicolon stops in legend,
AVF with toning in crevices. Estimate: $750-$1,100.
778. Lima, Peru, cob 8 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, *-8 to left, P-•D to right. S-L4, KM-14, CT-148. 27.2
grams. Nice VF with full and well-detailed shield and crown and
cross, some bold legend. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $600-$900.
158
779. Lima, Peru, cob 4 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, P-4 to left, *-oD to right, choice. S-L4, KM-11, CT-
318. 13.6 grams. Lustrous AU+ with super details, choice full shield
and cross and crown, no toning. Estimate: $600-$900.
780. Lima, Peru, cob 4 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, 4-P to left, oD-* to right of shield. S-L4, KM-11, CT-
320. 13.6 grams. Choice full shield and cross, some bold legend,
XF with patches of dark toning. Estimate: $400-$600.
781. Lima, Peru, cob 4 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, *-oIIII to left, (P)-•D to right. S-L4, KM-11, CT-316.
9.6 grams. VF details despite light corrosion all over, nicely
contrasted with toning on fields, full shield and cross and much
legend. With Forecastle Treasures photo-certificate. Estimate: $250-
$375.
782. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, *-ii to left, P-oD/X to right, very rare. S-L4, KM-9.
6.7 grams. Choice VF+ with clear oD/X, nice full shield and
crown and cross, much legend, elegant toning. Pedigreed to Ponterio
sale #137, lot #2032. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
783. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, *-ii to left, P-oD/X to right, king’s name
misspelled as PHILPPVS, very rare. S-L4, KM-9. 6.4 grams.
Bold full cross and oD/X with bold king’s name (showing the
error), full but very weak crown, full shield, F-VF with honest
wear. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
784. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, P-ii to left, oD-* to right. S-L4, KM-9, CT-490. 6.9 grams.
Choice, richly toned XF with full shield and crown and cross,
much legend, rather gorgeous all around. Estimate: $300-$450.
785. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, P-ii to left, oD-* to right. S-L4, KM-9, CT-490. 6.3 grams.
Good full cross, some bold legend, but mostly worn (Good)
and crude for this normally attractive issue. Estimate: $100-
$150.
786. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, P-ii to left, oD-* to right. S-L4, KM-9, CT-490. 6.5 grams.
Crisply detailed full shield and cross-lions-castles, lightly
corroded from salvage but XF+ details, dark sediment in
crevices. Estimate: $100-$150.
159
787. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de la Torre, *-II to left, P-•D to right. S-L4, KM-9. 6.9 grams. VF+
with weak spots in full crown, shield and cross. Purchased privately from Dan Sedwick in 1998. Estimate: $200-$300.
788. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de la Torre, *-I to left, P-oD to right. S-L4, KM-7, CT-634. 3.0 grams.
Choice full crown and shield, very nice full cross, attractively toned AVF. Estimate: $150-$225.
789. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de la Torre, *-I to left, P-oD to right. S-L4, KM-7, CT-634. 3.2 grams. Nice
full shield and cross with contrasting toning, but worn (Fine) and holed near edge. Estimate: $60-$90.
790. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de la Torre, *-I to left, P-•D to right. S-L4, KM-7, CT-634. 3.2 grams.
Good full crown and shield, bold *-I and P-•D, full cross-and-tressure with weak center, Fine with darkly toned fields. Estimate:
$80-$120.
791. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de la Torre, (*)-P to left, oD-I to right. S-L4, KM-7. 3.4 grams. Good full
cross and tressure, full but corroded shield, some bold legend, VF details. Estimate: $100-$150.
792. Lot of 5 Lima, Peru, cob 1 reales, Philip II, assayer Diego de la Torre, all different varieties. S-L4, KM-7. 14.3 grams
total. Interesting study lot with 5 different varieties, 4 with holes, one corroded, but all attributable, VG-F. Estimate: $300-$450.
793. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de la Torre, P to left, oD to right of monogram. S-L4, KM-5. 1.4
grams. Nice full monogram below full crown, nearly full cross, much legend, salvaged AXF with toned fields. Estimate: $75-
$110.
794. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de la Torre, oD to left, P to right, * below monogram. S-L4, KM-
5, CT-706. 1.5 grams. Bold legends, including a full PHILIPPVS and ISPANIA, weak inner details, nicely toned Fine+ overall.
Estimate: $100-$150.
795. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de la Torre, oD to left, P below monogram. S-L4, KM-5. 1.7 grams.
Choice full monogram and oD and P, full PHILIPPVS in legend, good full cross, most of crown, lightly toned XF+. Pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
796. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de la Torre, oD to left, * to right. S-L4, KM-5, CT-705. 1.4 grams. Good
full crown and monogram and cross, toned, salvaged but VF for actual wear. Estimate: $90-$135.
160
797. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, oD to left, * to right. S-L4, KM-5, CT-705. 1.4 grams.
Choice broad flan with 100% full crown, excellent full
monogram, bold PHILIP and oD, full cross on back with much
legend there too, VF with contrasting toning. Estimate: $100-
$150.
798. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, oD to left, * to right. S-L4, KM-5, CT-705. 1.6 grams.
Perfectly round with choice full monogram, nearly full crown,
bold oD, full but slightly doubled cross, richly toned VF.
Estimate: $100-$150.
799. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, oD to left, * to right. S-L4, KM-5, CT-705. 1.7 grams.
Superb specimen with very choice full monogram and cross,
bold PHILIPPVS in legend, nearly full crown, wonderfully
toned XF. Estimate: $150-$225.
800. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, •D to left, * to right. S-L4, KM-5, CT-705. 1.7 grams.
Choice grade (XF+) but some weak areas in the full monogram
and cross, the nearly full crown well defined, no toning.
Estimate: $125-$200.
801. Lot of 2 Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 reales, Philip II, assayer
Diego de la Torre, different varieties. S-L4, KM-5. 1.4 grams
each. One coin choice AXF with full monogram between oD
and * but holed at top, the other coin worn (Fine+) and doubled
but with nice full cross. Estimate: $100-$150.
802. Lot of 4 Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 reales, Philip II, assayer
Diego de la Torre, all different varieties. S-L4, KM-5. 6.7 grams
total. Good study lot with 4 different varieties but all holed and/
or plugged and/or salvaged and/or tooled, and in fact one
appears to be counterfeit, VG-F overall. Estimate: $200-$300.
803. Lima, Peru, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, P to left, oD to right of castle, * to left and P to
right of lion. S-L4, KM-2. 0.9 gram. Choice, broad-flan AVF with
full crown, PHILIPPVS, oD and star around full but weak castle,
similar situation on other side, toned on fields, holed at very
edge. Estimate: $150-$225.
804. Lima, Peru, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, P to left, * to right of castle. S-L4, KM-2. 0.6 gram.
Nicely detailed full castle and lion, high grade (XF) but probably
salvaged. Pedigreed to Ponterio sale #90, lot #554. Estimate: $150-
$225.
805. Lima, Peru, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, P to left, * to right of castle and lion. S-L4, KM-2.
0.8 gram. Superb specimen with bold P-castle-* and P-lion-*,
smooth and nicely toned fields, AXF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
161
806. Lima, Peru, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, P to left of castle. S-L4, KM-2. 0.7 gram. Salvaged Fine
with bold but slightly doubled castle and lion, lightly toned.
Purchased privately from Dan Sedwick in 2006. Estimate: $100-
$150.
807. Lima, Peru, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, * to right of castle, P to left, * to right of lion. S-
L4, KM-2. 0.7 gram. Full but off-center castle, choice full P-lion-*
with crown above, nicely toned AXF. Estimate: $150-$225.
808. Lima, Peru, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, * to right of castle. S-L4, KM-2. 0.8 gram. Choice, non-
salvage XF with full crown, castle and lion and much legend,
beautifully toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$250-$375.
809. Lima, Peru, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, * to right of castle, * to right of lion. S-L4, KM-2.
0.8 gram. Nicely toned VF with full but slightly doubled crown,
castle and lion. Purchased privately from Dan Sedwick in 2006.
Estimate: $200-$300.
810. Lima, Peru, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, * to left, P to right of castle. S-L4, KM-2. 0.8 gram.
AVF with weak spots, some toning (dark in places). Pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
811. Lima, Peru, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer Diego de
la Torre, (o)D to right of castle, lion punched over castle
on reverse, rare. S-L4, KM-2. 0.6 gram. Odd and presumably late
issue with lion punched over a tiny castle (bold on this
specimen), crude but clear D to right of proper castle, dark
fields, corroded Fine. Estimate: $100-$150.
812. Lot of 6 Lima, Peru, cob 1/4 reales, Philip II, assayer
Diego de la Torre, all different varieties. S-L4, KM-2. 3.1 grams
total. Good study lot of salvaged specimens, all more or less
readable but corroded, some with one nice side, VG-F overall.
Estimate: $250-$375.
162
“Star of Lima” type
813. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, “Star of Lima” type, 1659V, * over LIMA over 1659 in center, •V• to left, •2• to right, very
rare. S-L5, KM-16, CT-841. 3.6 grams. Unexpectedly rare denomination for this already-rare unauthorized issue, and a nice specimen
too with full and well-centered pillars with bold LIMA and date, full but slightly off-center cross, flat peripheries, AVF with
some corrosion near edge as from unspecified salvage (probably the Consolación of 1681). Estimate: $900-$1,350.
814. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, “Star of Lima” type, 1659V, star over LIMA over 1659 in center, V to left, I to right, scarce.
S-L5, KM-15, CT-989. 3.3 grams. Choice, high-grade specimen on a compact thick flan, with full and well-centered pillars-and-waves
(also full crown), bold full cross, lightly toned VF+. With Freeman Craig lot tag and ANACS photo-certificate #E-6155-P. Estimate:
$350-$500.
815. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, “Star of Lima” type, 1660(V), 60 over I*I over PLVS in center, very rare. S-L5, KM-15, CT-990.
1.8 grams. Bold central details plus most of crown, full but doubled cross, VF with light corrosion near edge as from the Joanna
(1682). Pedigreed to Ponterio sale #98, lot #240, with Joanna certificate. Estimate: $600-$900.
816. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, “Star of Lima” type, (1659), very rare. S-L5, CT-253. 1.4 grams. Choice full cross, weak monogram
above king’s ordinal IIII in legend, toned Fine overall. Estimate: $350-$500.
Pillars-and-waves type
817. Lima, Peru, cob 8 reales, 1684V. S-L6, KM-24, CT-227.
27.4 grams. Choice, well-centered specimen with 3 dates, including
a very bold full 1684 in legend, 3 mintmarks and 2 assayers,
full cross, Fine with toned fields, small edge-split. Pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $500-$750.
818. Lima, Peru, cob 8 reales, 1686R. S-L7, KM-24, CT-229.
27.1 grams. Full bold cross, 2 dates and mintmarks and assayers,
bold waves, Fine with flat spots. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $350-$500.
819. Lima, Peru, cob 8 reales, 1692V. S-L10, KM-24, CT-235.
27.0 grams. Broad flan with full cross and pillars-and-waves, 2
dates and mintmarks and assayers, VF with weak areas.
Estimate: $400-$600.
820. Lima, Peru, cob 8 reales, 1698(H). S-L13, KM-24, CT-243.
27.0 grams. Crude Fine with flat peripheries but bold main date
to left of full pillar above full waves. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
163
821. Lima, Peru, cob 8 reales, 1744V, rare. S-L22, KM-34a, CT-
668. 23.7 grams. Typically thick and chunky and with much flatness
but clear date, lightly rainbow-toned Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
822. Lima, Peru, cob 4 reales, 1684V, very rare. S-L6, KM-23,
CT-444. 13.3 grams. Bold main date and 1684 in legend, 2 full
assayers, decent grade (AVF) but doubled all over and with
crude edge, nicely toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $350-$500.
823. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, 1686R, scarce. S-L7, KM-21,
CT-560. 6.5 grams. Broad planchet with full cross and pillars, clear
date, 3 mintmarks, light rainbow toning, AVF with flat areas.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
824. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, 1687/6R, rare overdate. S-
L7. 6.9 grams. One perfect pillar in center (off-center strike), full
cross, bold assayer, 2 dates, VF with flat areas. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
825. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, 1692V. S-L10, KM-21, CT-565. 6.8
grams. Interesting barrel-like shape with full and bold cross and
pillars (nicely centered), 1-1/2 dates and mintmarks, 2-1/2
assayers, VF with flat peripheries. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
826. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, 1711M, scarce. S-L20, KM-32,
CT-1202. 6.5 grams. Perfect full pillars and waves on a round flan
(no evidence of shaving), nice full cross too with king’s name
PHILIPP(VS) in legend, 2 dates and mintmarks, 2-1/2 assayers,
nicely toned AXF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$250-$375.
827. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, 1714/3M, rare. S-L20. 6.8 grams.
Broad planchet with full cross and pillars-and-waves, 2 full dates,
2 assayers, richly toned but worn (About Fine). Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
828. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, 1720M. S-L20, KM-32, CT-1211.
5.8 grams. Odd shape with hairline split, 2 full pillars-side dates
and part of third date below bold cross, 2 mintmarks, Fine+
with flat areas. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-
$175.
829. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, 1722M. S-L20, KM-32, CT-1213.
6.2 grams. Choice full pillars, good full cross, 2 dates, 3 mintmarks,
toned but worn (About Fine). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $110-$175.
164
830. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, 1736(N). S-L21, KM-32a, CT-1225. 6.9 grams. Well-centered cross, most of pillars with 1-1/2 dates
on that side, lightly toned VF with flat peripheries. Estimate: $80-$120.
831. Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, 1752R, rare final year of Lima cobs. S-L23, KM-A43. 7.1 grams. Interesting lemon shape and
typically crude and chunky but with bold date and pillars, most of cross, clear mintmark, Fine with toning in crevices, oddly
overweight. Estimate: $175-$250.
832. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1684V. S-L6, KM-20, CT-671. 3.8 grams. Very bold full pillars with date and assayer and mintmark, bold
second date below most of cross, lightly toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
833. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1685R. S-L7, KM-20, CT-672. 2.2 grams. Neat little lemon shape with one full pillar, nearly full cross,
2 dates and assayers, toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
834. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1686R. S-L7, KM-20, CT-673. 4.1 grams. Small, thick flan (overweight), crudely struck but with 2+
dates, 2 mintmarks, full ANO in legend, full but weak cross, lightly toned Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-
$100.
835. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1687R. S-L7, KM-20, CT-674. 2.5 grams. Excellent specimen with 100% full cross and pillars, 2 bold
dates plus another in the legend, 2 assayers, parts of 3 mintmarks, king’s ordinal II in legend, broad flan (a bit thin) with edge-
split, AVF with tan sediment on fields, the flan shaped like a catcher’s mitt. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-
$175.
836. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1688R. S-L7, KM-20, CT-675. 3.0 grams. Beautifully toned VF with full cross and pillars-and-waves, 2
bold dates and assayers. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
837. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1689V. S-L8, KM-20, CT-677. 2.4 grams. Bold date and part of another in the legend, AVF with flat
peripheries, patches of toning, small flan (no evidence of clipping). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
838. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1690R. S-L9, KM-20, CT-679. 3.2 grams. Crude, thin flan but with 3 clear dates, 2 assayers, Fine with
flat spots. With Spanish Colonial Coin Co. certificate and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
839. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1691R. S-L9, KM-20, CT-680. 2.8 grams. Good full pillars with bold date, 2 mintmarks and assayers,
off-center cross with third date and assayer, salvaged Fine with dark toning on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$70-$100.
840. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1692V. S-L10, KM-20, CT-682. 2.8 grams. Full pillars, off-center cross, 2 dates, VG+. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
165
841. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1693V. S-L10, KM-20, CT-684. 3.3 grams. Well-detailed full cross, bold date and full motto above waves,
AXF with spotty toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
842. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1694M. S-L11, KM-20, CT-685. 3.4 grams. Choice full pillars-and-waves with all data plus 4-digit date
in legend, third date below full cross, much legend, nicely toned VF. Estimate: $125-$200.
843. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1695R. S-L12, KM-20, CT-686. 3.0 grams. Great full cross and pillars, salvaged VF+ with dark toning.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
844. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1696H. S-L13, KM-20, CT-687. 3.2 grams. Full pillars, full but off-center cross, 2 bold assayers, 1-1/2
dates, nice VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
845. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1697H, scarce. S-L13, KM-20, CT-688. 3.2 grams. Bold date and assayer above waves, most of cross,
nicely toned Fine with flat areas, part of edge hammered in. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
846. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1698H. S-L13, KM-20, CT-689. 3.1 grams. Super full cross and pillars, 2 dates and mintmarks, bold
assayer, AXF with contrasting toning, surely one of the best specimens known. Estimate: $150-$225.
847. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1699R. S-L14, KM-20, CT-691. 2.6 grams. Nice full cross and pillars, both well centered, 2 dates, 3
assayers, nicely toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
848. Lima, Peru, contemporary cast counterfeit cob 1 real, 1699H, possibly rare. 3.6 grams. At first glance this passes for a
genuine example, but then you notice the date and assayer don’t match and that the letters in the legend look a little funny, but
it is worn and proper weight, so we think it is probably a contemporary counterfeit, with good full cross, off-center pillars,
About Fine. Estimate: $50-$100.
849. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1703H. S-L15a, KM-31, CT-1476. 3.6 grams. Choice pillars side with bold date and assayer and mintmark,
full but slightly crude cross, toned AVF. Estimate: $125-$200.
850. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1703H. S-L15a, KM-31, CT-1476. 4.0 grams. Choice full pillars-and-waves and full cross, 2 dates, 3
mintmarks and assayers, AXF with light rainbow toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
851. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1704H. S-L15a, KM-31, CT-1477. 3.0 grams. Bold full 1704 date in legend, second date above waves, and
third date below full cross, toned Fine with flat spots. Estimate: $125-$200.
852. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1705H. S-L15a, KM-31, CT-1478. 3.1 grams. Full pillars with full crown and 2 dates, bold but off-center
cross, AVF. Estimate: $125-$200.
166
853. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1706R. S-L16, KM-31, CT-1480. 3.0 grams. Richly toned AVF with the most amazing 4-digit date in the
legend, full pillars with main date too, full but off-center cross resulting in bold HISPANIA(RVM). Estimate: $150-$225.
854. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1711M. S-L20, KM-31, CT-1488. 3.5 grams. Broad flan with full cross and pillars, clear date, 3 mintmarks,
non-toned Fine+. Estimate: $125-$200.
855. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1726/5M, rare overdate. S-L20b. 2.6 grams. Large flan but oddly underweight, with bold but
incomplete cross and pillars, clear overdate and mintmark, Fine with contrasting dark sediment on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
856. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1748V. S-L22a, KM-42, CT-542. 2.9 grams. Typically crude strike on chunky planchet but with bold date
in which the 8 appears to be an S over an upside-down S, VF with much flatness. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-
$90.
857. Lima, Peru, cob 1 real, 1752R, rare final year of Lima cobs. S-L23, KM-42. 2.7 grams. Two dates, bold assayer, one full lion,
typically crude with lots of flatness, Fine with contrasting fields. Estimate: $75-$110.
858. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1684. S-L6, KM-22, CT-785. 1.4 grams. Full monogram and cross, clear date, VF but a bit oxidized.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
859. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1685. S-L7, KM-22, CT-786. 1.4 grams. Nice full monogram above clear date, nearly full cross, Fine.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
860. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1694. S-L11, KM-22, CT-795. 1.2 grams. Choice bold monogram and date, nearly full and doubled
cross, AVF with dark sediment on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
861. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1696. S-L13, KM-22, CT-797. 0.9 gram. Salvaged VF with full monogram and date, off-center cross,
nicely toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
862. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1697. S-L13, KM-22, CT-798. 1.1 grams. Nice full monogram and date, good but off-center cross,
Fine+ with spotty toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
863. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1699. S-L14, KM-22, CT-800. 1.4 grams. Off-center monogram with bold date below and 4-digit date
in legend, nearly full cross, toned VG+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
864. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1700. S-L15, KM-22, CT-801. 1.2 grams. Very bold full date, full but weak monogram, nearly full
cross, Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
865. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1701H, Charles II (posthumous). S-L15, KM-22, CT-802. 1.5 grams. Choice specimen with
excellent full cross, full monogram and date, clear assayer, nicely toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-
$135.
167
866. Lot of 3 Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 reales, Charles II and
Philip V, all with visible dates. 5.0 grams. Three decent pieces
dated 1685, 1686 and 1718, one holed and one salvaged but all
well detailed, Fine on average. Estimate: $80-$120.
867. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1704. S-L15a, KM-30, CT-1753.
2.2 grams. Bold AXF with choice full monogram and date, nearly
full cross, touch of pitting, overweight. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
868. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1706. S-L16, KM-30, CT-1755. 1.1
grams. Very bold date below full monogram plus another in the
legend next to nice crown, nearly full cross, AVF with black
areas. Estimate: $50-$75.
869. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1711. S-L20, KM-30, CT-1760. 1.4
grams. Perfectly round (possibly shaved, but correct weight), with
very bold date below full monogram, good full cross, lightly
toned Fine+ with hole at edge. Estimate: $50-$75.
870. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1711. S-L20, KM-30, CT-1760. 1.3
grams. Salvaged VG with parts of monogram and 11 of date
bold, very weak cross, lemon-shaped flan. Estimate: $30-$45.
871. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1717. S-L20, KM-30, CT-1766. 1.4
grams. Full monogram, bold final digit of date, nearly full cross,
AXF with hint of oxidation. Estimate: $30-$45.
872. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1719. S-L20, KM-30, CT-1768. 1.0
gram. Bold full monogram and date and cross, attractively toned
Fine+ on a smallish planchet (possibly clipped long ago).
Estimate: $50-$75.
873. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1725, Louis I, very scarce.
S-L20a, KM-30a, CT-52. 1.8 grams. Typically crude but with most of
cross and monogram, bold date, salvaged Fine with good toning.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
874. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1728/?, 1R-sized cross die.
S-L21, KM-30. 1.2 grams. Very peculiar coin with letters (not
numbers) peeking out between the (nearly full) monogram and
bold date, oversized cross, Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $60-$90.
875. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, 1746V. S-L22, KM-30a, CT-1793.
1.7 grams. Large oval flan with 2 bold dates, full cross and
monogram, double-struck but far better detailed than most of
this era, toned VF with crude hole at edge. Estimate: $100-
$150.
876. Lima, Peru, cob 1/2 real, (175)0(R), struck from 1-
escudo (castle) die, extremely rare. S-L23, KM-A41. 0.7 gram.
When this odd variety was discovered several years ago, it was
initially believed to be a quarter real, as all known specimens
were underweight like this one (all from the Rimac River), but
of course quarter reales were not being made at that time. The
design is of a 1 escudo (castle) and 1 real (large cross), but we
doubt the original size was any larger or heavier than for a half
real. On this specimen, one of only about 5 known, the castle
is nearly full but very off-center and the date and assayer are
very weak, still AVF overall with light pitting and some toning.
Estimate: $250-$375.
Please place absentee bids at
www.iCollector.com/sedwick
(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
168
THE COBS OF THE MINT OF LA PLATA, BOLIVIA
At our American Numismatic Association Summer
Seminar course this year, we were privileged to have Barry
Stallard present his die-study proof on the cobs of La Plata,
Bolivia. Barry has spent years studying the earliest shield-type
cobs of Lima and Potosí for the “missing link” of La Plata.
His conclusions, summarized here, are beyond reproach.
Archival documents show that the Lima mint, under
assayer Xinés Martínez, closed in 1572 and did not reopen
until 1577, under assayer Diego de la Torre. In 1572, recognizing
the need to move the mint closer to the source of the silver in
Potosí, Viceroy Toledo ordered
the dormant Lima mint to send
its tools to a new mint in the
mountain town of La Plata,
where it was assumed that more
silver would be turned in for
making into coins, a process
which generated income for the
crown in the form of a 20% tax
known as the quinto, the “king’s
fifth.” The assayer selected for
the job was none other than
Alonso Rincón, the Lima mint
assayer from its inception in 1568
to 1571 and also a former assayer
of the Mexican mint in the 1540s.
Naturally the move was
unpopular in Lima, whose mint
workers instead sent only half the
tools, which were received in La
Plata in September of 1573.
Archives indicate that, by early
1574, only 2,104 marks of silver
(equaling about 141,000 reales)
were converted to coins at the La
Plata mint, using whatever tools
they had. That was still a paltry
amount of silver, in fact not even
enough to cover the high
expenses and the all-important
king’s fifth. A second move in
March of 1574, this time to the source itself in Potosí, using
the same assayer (Rincón) and tools, apparently solved the
problem.
The problem for us, however, is how to identify those
very few coins made in La Plata from December of 1573
through February of 1574. Because the same tools from Lima
were used, the only major difference in design would be the
assayer’s initial. More confounding is the fact that the general
design—including the assayer’s initial R for Rincón—was not
changed when minting resumed in Potosí. In a nutshell, the
task at hand is to identify which of the assayer-R coins matched
the dies of Lima assayer X.
In order not to miss anything, we start by assuming a
whole range of denominations were made at La Plata: quarter,
half, 1, 2, and 4 reales. Unfortunately, the known Lima assayer-
X specimens of the fractional (quarter and half) denominations
are just too rare to find any comparisons, but Stallard found
several partial matches (separate punches, particularly lions and
castles) with assayer-R specimens in 1, 2 and 4 reales. After
studying die states and other factors, Stallard concluded that
these partial matches coincided with separate deliveries of the
second half of the tools to the Potosí mint.
There was, however, one full
die match: the entire cross side
of a 1R with P-X to right with a
1R with P-R to the left. The
shield side on these coins was not
an exact match but did contain
several of the same punches. It
is intriguing to speculate that
moving P-R to the left of the
shield was Rincón’s way of
distinguishing the La Plata issue,
especially since all later 1R from
Potosí showed the P-R on the
right instead. The reverse of that
rule seems to be the case for
Potosí’s higher denominations,
nearly all of which show P-R to
the left exclusively.
Fortunately the X-to-R die-
match in 1R that we can safely
attribute to La Plata is easy to
recognize. While the castles are
fairly standard, the lions are
distinctively passant (one paw
raised) and have a prominent
tongue. Also, the tressure around
the cross is triple-punched. In his
presentation, Stallard said that the
multiple-tressure diagnostic
occurs only in the third quadrant,
which appeared to be the case on
the average-grade specimen he displayed, but the specimen we
offer in this auction shows the other quadrants more clearly
and reveals faint tripling in them as well.
There are, in fact, only two known specimens of this
La Plata issue so far, the Stallard specimen and the lot you see
here. We expect and hope that this article will bring forth more
examples, and perhaps something will turn up in other
denominations as well. That said, if Stallard, who is an active
collector, found only one example in one denomination in many
years of study, and we can confirm only one other, then it will
probably always be an extremely rare issue, just as you would
expect from a mintage that lasted no more than three months.
169
SILVER COBS OF POTOSI, BOLIVIAShield-type
879. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, P-”S/X”
(assayer B), rare. S-P8, KM-5.1. 26.7 grams. This is perhaps the
clearest example known of the famous “S/X issue” of assayer
B, the S/X now believed to be an early attempt to craft a letter
B using standard punches (since B was not one of the letters in
the legends), with nice full shield and cross, particularly
pronounced tressure, much legend, lightly toned Fine+ with
hole at top, same dies as lot #681 in the June, 1993, Ponterio
auction, which sold for $1,155. Estimate: $500-$750.
880. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, P-erasure-C,
very rare. S-P5, KM-5.1, CT-160. 26.7 grams. Typically large flan
with full crown and much legend, very clear C and erasure, in
which you can barely make out what is believed to be B/S/X,
full but partially weak cross and shield, About Fine with minor
corrosion at very edge, a celebrated rarity that was once
attributed (by Sellschopp) to La Plata in error, first specimen
we have been able to offer in a long time. Estimate: $3,500-
$5,000.
878. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, P-M to left,
very rare second assayer of mint. S-P2, KM-5.1, CT-141. 27.0
grams. Effectively the first earliest affordable 8 reales of this
mint (since Rincón examples are tens of thousands of dollars,
if you can ever find one in the first place), with bold P above
weak but certain M to left, parts of legend bold, overall Fine
with significant areas of weak strike. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
881. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, P-B (3rd
period), possibly finest known. S-P10, KM-5.1. 27.2 grams. This
is the most terrific example of 3rd-period B we have ever seen
(the specific die variety apparently missing in Sellschopp and
Paoletti), with unusually broad flan containing nearly full
legends, choice full crown, gorgeous full shield and cross, very
bold P-B, lovely toning, XF for wear. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
882. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, P-B (3rd
period). S-P10, KM-5.1. 27.3 grams. Bold full shield and P-B, full
but weak cross, nicely toned Fine with crude old plug at top (in
crown). Estimate: $100-$150.
170
883. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, P-A. S-P11, KM-
5.1, CT-157. 27.6 grams. Choice specimen with full crown and shield
and cross, all well detailed, also bold P-A, well centered and
round, VF+. With Spanish Colonial Coin Co. certificate and pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
884. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, P-B (4th
period). S-P12, KM-5.1. 27.2 grams. Bold P-B next to good full
shield below full crown, full but doubled cross, much legend,
deeply toned Fine+ with drilled hole near edge. Estimate: $100-
$150.
885. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip II, P-B (5th
period), borders of x’s. S-P14, KM-5.5. 27.4 grams. Very nice bold
and full shield below full crown with very bold P-B, choice full
cross, clear x’s in border, AVF with lovely toning, spot of extra
metal above denomination that could be a very subtle
contemporaneous plug. Estimate: $200-$300.
886. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, P-R (curved
leg). S-P15, KM-10, CT-126. 26.9 grams. Lustrous AU- with bold P-
R, choice full shield, full cross, some legend. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $225-$350.
887. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip III, P-M/Q,
scarce. S-P18, KM-10. 27.0 grams. Broad flan with nice full shield
and cross, bottom of old Q a bit below the M, full REX in
legend, lightly toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $250-$375.
888. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip IV, P•P (1620s),
scarce. S-P23, KM-19a. 27.1 grams. Bold P•P, full shield and cross,
smallish flan, toned Fine with weak spots. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
889. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1629T, denomination
O-VIII, large dots in borders. S-P26, KM-19a, CT-470. 27.0 grams.
Choice XF (near AU) with gorgeous full shield, bold full cross,
clear 162 and tail of 9 of date, full •P•T• and denomination,
lustrous with hint of toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $200-$300.
171
890. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1629T, denomination
•8•, large dots in borders. S-P26, KM-19a, CT-470. 27.3 grams. Very
bold 29 of date, full but partially crude shield and cross (one
lion perfectly detailed), bold P-T and clear denomination, well-
centered VF with nice toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $250-$375.
891. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, Philip IV, P-T,
denomination x8x (1630). S-P26, KM-19a. 26.8 grams. Lustrous
high grade (XF+), with choice full shield, full but weaker cross-lions-castles, bold king’s name, part of edge crude, lightly toned.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
892. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, (16)45T, rare. S-P30, KM-
19a, CT-492. 26.3 grams. A very tantalizing coin that Mark thought
was 1625 (a date not yet confirmed to exist in 8 reales) because
it shows a very full and clear 5 with a faint but certain horizontal
line for the penultimate digit; but a careful study of the whole
coin reveals its true attribution. The key to the puzzle is the
lions and castles. In 1622 the mint changed from normal
rampant lions to something flatter, at least for a few years, and
we do not see the normal lions again till... 1645! It is not known
why in that one year the mint went back to the normal lions
after implementation of grander “furry” lions in the early 1640s,
a style of lions which continued well into the pillars-and-waves
period starting in 1652, but many clear-date specimens of 1645
are known with the normal lions to prove the issue.
Complicating matters is the fact that both the mid-1620s and
the mid-1640s are crudely struck coins, like this one, which is
doubled and flat in places. For its period this is actually a nice
specimen, attractively toned Fine and with most data readable;
we just cannot agree with Mark and call it 1625. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $500-$750.
893. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1647P/T, unique. S-P33, KM-19a. 27.9 grams. For the advanced Potosí 8 reales collector,
this coin shows an exceptionally clear 47 date and bold assayer P punched over a faint T, typically very crude but full shield
and cross (much doubling and flatness), lightly toned Fine, with odd triangular punchmark in middle of cross. Note that
assayer P for this period was totally unknown until just a few years ago, and this is the only specimen known to us with clear
date. Estimate: $1,500-$2,500.
172
894. Denomination set (8-4-2-1 reales) of Potosí, Bolivia,
cobs of Philip IV assayer Ramírez (late 1640s), who was
executed for debasement. S-P31. 23.4, 10.4, 5.2 and 2.7 grams. This
well-matched set (perhaps the only such set in existence) is a
prime example of why Ramírez and his partner in crime, ex-
mayor Rocha, were executed for malfeasance, as each coin is
far underweight and discolored due to low fineness. Because
of the massive recall and devaluation of these coins, specimens
with a visible R for Ramírez are among the rarest of all Potosí
coins, yet the R is clear on each coin in this set (the 8 reales is
actually is R/P, which is unique). Average grade Fine, mostly
nicely toned, the 4R with a touch of corrosion and the 2R
with several edge-splits. The 8 reales is a Plate Coin on page 104 of
The Practical Book of Cobs (4th edition, 2007). Estimate:
$1,500-$3,000.
895. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-L to left. S-
P3, KM-4.2, CT-321 (under Lima). 13.2 grams. Round and well detailed,
with full shield and choice bold cross, clear P-L, nice crown,
darkly toned XF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$250-$375.
896. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-B (2nd
period, “Great Module”). S-P6, KM-4.2. 13.5 grams. Choice
specimen with full and incredibly detailed crown above full
shield, full cross with weak center, bold P-B, much legend on a
broad flan, beautifully toned AU- with hairline edge-split.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
897. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-B (2nd
period). S-P6, KM-4.2. 13.5 grams. Bold details against dark fields,
full shield and cross, most of crown, some bold legend
(including erroneous DG, IISPANIARVM, with I instead of
H and no comma between the D and G), VF with some two
small flat spots. Estimate: $125-$200.
898. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-B (2nd
period). S-P6, KM-4.2. 13.6 grams. Round and well detailed, with
choice full cross (just a bit doubled) and shield, with bold assayer
and much legend, lustrous XF but with distractingly dark spots
on shield side. Estimate: $125-$200.
899. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-A. S-P11, KM-
4.2, CT-346. 13.6 grams. Broad flan with much legend, full shield
and cross, bold assayer A, VF with a few weak areas and dark
spots. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $225-$325.
173
900. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-B (4th
period), long-tailed lions. S-P12, KM-4.2. 13.0 grams. Choice VF
with full and well-detailed shield, good (but slightly weaker)
full cross whose lions have tails that reach above their heads,
much legend (period stops) and crown, richly toned on obverse
only, small edge-split. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$150-$225.
901. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-RL. S-P13,
KM-4.2, CT-347. 13.3 grams. Round flan with very choice full shield
and cross, richly toned VF, a couple natural edge-flaws. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $225-$325.
902. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip II, P-B (5th
period), borders of x’s. S-P14, KM-4.3. 12.7 grams. Full shield
and cross (the latter doubled), lustrous XF but with corrosion
on shield side, no toning. Estimate: $50-$75.
903. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip III, P•M (1617),
choice. S-P19, KM-9, CT-245. 13.6 grams. Very choice full and well-
centered shield and cross, bold P•M, beautifully toned VF.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
904. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip IV, P•P (1620s). S-
P23, KM-17. 13.1 grams. Full but off-center cross, incomplete (8R
sized?) shield, clear P•P, Fine+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $110-$175.
905. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip IV, P-T (late
1620s). S-P24, KM-17a. 13.6 grams. Great full shield, full but off-
center and slightly weak cross, clear 16 of date, silvery AVF.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
906. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, Philip IV, (1649-50)O,
crowned-•F• countermark on cross, scarce as non-salvage.
S-P35, KM-17b. 11.1 grams. Round flan, full but partially flat shield
and cross, bold countermark, About Fine with nice toning on
fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
907. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip II, P-R to left
(Rincón), rare first issue of mint. S-P1, KM-3.2, CT-485 (under
Lima). 6.6 grams. Absolutely immense flan with full legends and
crown and inner details despite flat areas and minor doubling,
Fine+ with toned fields. Estimate: $250-$375.
174
908. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip II, P-L/B (2nd
period). S-P9, KM-3.3, CT-491 (under Lima). 6.6 grams. Never has
there been a clearer example of this issue, which is identical
dies with Sellschopp #47 of assayer B (small letter) but with
the B partially erased and over-punched with L, the coin itself
quite nice anyway, with full legends and crown in addition to
the inner data (just a couple weak spots), wonderfully toned
AVF with drilled hole at edge. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $225-$350.
909. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip II, P-B (3rd
period). S-P10, KM-3.2. 6.9 grams. Choice high grade (lustrous
AU-) with excellent full shield and crown and cross, some
legend, toning in crevices. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $225-$350.
910. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip II, P-A. S-P11, KM-
3.2, CT-508. 6.4 grams. Nice full shield and cross, most of crown,
clear assayer, richly toned AVF with dark spot and edge
irregularities. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-
$225.
911. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip II, P-B (4th
period), half-real sized lions. S-P12, KM-3.2. 6.7 grams. High
grade (XF+) with bold assayer, nice full shield and particularly
well-defined cross with small castles and even tinier lions (toned
in crevices). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-
$175.
912. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip II, P-RL (RL/
B?). S-P13, KM-3.2, CT-510. 6.7 grams. Full king’s name in legend,
full but slightly weak shield and cross, most of crown, small
lions and castles, toned AVF with crude assayer that really looks
like L/B. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
913. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip III, P-RL (curved
leg). S-P13, KM-3.2, CT-510. 6.3 grams. Bold king’s ordinal III in
legend, good full shield and cross, nicely toned AVF. Pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
914. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip III, P-M. S-P18,
KM-8, CT-356. 6.8 grams. Good full cross and shield and nearly full
crown, toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$110-$175.
915. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1617(M), date at 12-1
o’clock, scarce. S-P19, KM-8, CT-356. 5.5 grams. Bold 16 of date
followed by closely spaced 17, full cross, full and slightly crude
off-center shield, guitar-pick shape, lightly toned Fine,
underweight as made. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$125-$200.
916. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip IV, P*P (early
1620s), quadrants of cross transposed. S-P22, KM-14. 6.8 grams.
Bold mintmark and assayer with odd ornament in between,
choice full shield, full cross, Fine+ with contrasting toning on
fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
175
917. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1625P, extremely rare (discovery specimen), quadrants of cross transposed. S-P23,
KM-14a. 6.6 grams. First specimen we have ever seen or heard of, with very bold 625 of date outside of a full cross, full shield on
obverse with bold mintmark P, weak assayer P, clear denomination z, crude as expected but About Fine for wear, nicely toned.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $600-$900.
918. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, (1)628P/T, rare. S-P25, KM-14a. 6.0 grams. Broad flan with bold 2 and bottom half of 8 of
date, good cross and full shield but very worn (Good) and with big drilled hole at edge. Estimate: $250-$375.
919. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, (1)629T, rare. S-P26, KM-14a, CT-880. 6.4 grams. Clear 6z9 of date, also clear P-T, full cross and
shield, just a bit worn (VG) and with drilled hole at edge. Estimate: $250-$375.
920. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1630T, rare. S-P26, KM-14a, CT-881. 7.0 grams. Full date and crown, full but partially weak shield
and cross, toned Fine, oddly overweight. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
921. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1632T, rare. S-P26, KM-14a. 6.0 grams. Full and mostly bold date, good cross, nearly full shield,
lightly toned AVF with very crude edge (as made). Estimate: $275-$400.
922. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, (16)34T, very rare. S-P26, KM-14a. 6.7 grams. Big thick flan with full 4 of date, full P•T, good
full cross, nearly full shield, slightly crude VF. Estimate: $250-$375.
923. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 163(?), assayer not visible. KM-14a. 5.9 grams. Bold 163 of date but blank after that, most of
shield and half of cross as part of edge clipped off, toned AVF. Estimate: $60-$90.
924. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip IV, P-TR. S-P27, KM-14a. 6.6 grams. Full shield and cross (off-center) and P-TR,
typically uneven in thickness, Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
925. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip IV, P-FR, upper half of shield transposed, rare. S-P28, KM-14a. 5.6 grams. Eye-
catching error with Naples-Sicily at upper left (might be the first we have seen), also bold full P-FR, nice half of cross, crude as
expected, Fine with orange sediment on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
926. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip IV, P-Z, scarce. S-P34, KM-14a. 6.5 grams. Nice full shield with bold P-Z and denomination
z, also full cross, edge slightly crude, attractively toned VF+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
927. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip IV, P-E, scarce. S-P36, KM-14b. 7.2 grams. Choice and Royal-like round flan with full
and finely detailed crown, shield and cross-lions-castles, bold P-E, beautifully toned VF+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $150-$225.
176
928. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip II, P-R to right, assayer Rincón, rare first issue of mint. S-P1, KM-2.1, CT-638. 2.8
grams. Choice full crown and shield (very intricate) with bold P-R to right, full but oxidized cross (probably salvaged), nicely
toned Fine overall. Estimate: $75-$110.
929. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip II, P-B (2nd period). S-P6, KM-2.2, CT-649. 3.5 grams. Choice full cross, full PHILIPPVS
and shield and crown, bold P-B, nice VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
930. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip II, P-A, unrecorded variety with single fleur-de-lis in shield. S-P11, KM-2.2, CT-648.
3.5 grams. Very choice detail all over, with bold P-A, king’s name, cross and shield, the last of which shows a single fleur for New
Burgundy (usually 2 or more), VF with wonderfully contrasting toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
931. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip II, P-B (4th period). S-P12, KM-2.2, CT-649. 3.4 grams. Bold assayer, good full shield and
cross (the latter slightly doubled), AVF with lovely toning. Estimate: $40-$60.
932. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip II, P-R (Ramos),
scarce. S-P13, KM-2.2, CT-650. 3.3 grams. Broad flan with good
full shield and cross, silvery AVF. Estimate: $60-$90.
933. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip II, P-R (Ramos),
tiny R, scarce. S-P13, KM-2.2, CT-650. 3.3 grams. Full shield with
tiny P-R to left, good lions and castles in crudely doubled cross,
deeply toned Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$60-$90.
934. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip II, assayer not visible,
mounted in 14K necklace bezel. KM-2.2. 5.6 grams. Very worn
(Fair) and crude coin with pinhole near middle but with full
enough cross to lend itself well to jewelry. Estimate: $35-$50.
935. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip III, P-R, nice. S-P15, KM-7, CT-463. 3.4 grams. Bold P-R, full shield, good full cross, Fine
with toning on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
936. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip III, P-Q/R, scarce. S-P17, KM-7. 3.0 grams. Bold Q/R, off-center shield and cross,
toned, crude Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
937. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1618T, P-T to right, rare. S-P21, KM-7. 3.3 grams. Broad flan with 100% full date, full cross and
full shield with crude but clear P-T to right (rare thus), toned About Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
938. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip III, P+T. S-P21, KM-7. 3.2 grams. Partial date (1618?), bold full shield, off-center cross,
crude VG. Estimate: $50-$75.
177
939. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip IV, P-T (1620s), quadrants of cross transposed. KM-12. 3.3 grams. Choice full shield
with bold P-T, full cross-and-tressure, nice Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
940. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1627P/T, unique and unlisted. S-P23. 3.9 grams. Bold assayer and 7 of date, a combination
that is unlisted in all references, good full cross, off-center shield, crude but attractive Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $150-$225.
941. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip IV, P-T/P (ca. 1629). S-P26. 3.0 grams. Bold P-T/P, good full cross, incomplete shield,
nicely toned Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
942. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, (1)630(T), rare. S-P26, KM-12a, CT-1025. 3.0 grams. Clear date, full but crude cross and shield,
most of crown, toned About Fine. Estimate: $70-$100.
943. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1631T, rare. S-P26, KM-12a, CT-1026. 3.3 grams. Choice detail for the issue, with bold 1631 date,
full crown and shield and cross (all doubled), AVF with contrasting toning, drilled hole at edge. Estimate: $125-$200.
944. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, (16)32T, very rare. S-P26, KM-12a, CT-1027. 3.1 grams. Full and bold 2 of date, off-center cross,
most of shield, crude and oxidized VG, only the second specimen we have ever seen. Estimate: $70-$100.
945. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip IV, P-TR (large). S-P30, KM-12a. 3.8 grams. Exceptionally bold and full assayer mark (rare
thus), good full shield and cross, toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
946. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, (16)41, assayer not visible, very rare. KM-12a. 3.2 grams. Bold full 41 of date (only the second
specimen we have ever seen), nearly full shield and cross, Fine with patchy toning. Estimate: $175-$300.
947. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, (16)42FR, very rare. S-P28, KM-12a. 3.3 grams. Full 4 and partial 2 of date (first specimen we
have confirmed), very crude strike, non-toned VG with green spots. Estimate: $75-$110.
948. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, (16)45T/TR, very rare. S-P30. 3.6 grams. Clear bottom half of 45 of date, bold T with parts of
TR peeking out from underneath, nice little cross, good but off-center shield, non-toned AVF. Estimate: $100-$150.
949. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1645T, rare. S-P30, KM-12a, CT-1040. 4.0 grams. Full small cross, full 4 and top of 5 of date at edge,
bold P-T, toned Fine with weak areas. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
950. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, (16)47T, very rare. S-P30, KM-12a, CT-1042. 3.2 grams. Choice full cross and shield, bold 7 and
bottom of 4 of date, About Fine with contrasting toning, first and only specimen ever recorded. Estimate: $200-$300.
178
951. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 164(?)T. KM-12a. 2.8 grams. Nice full cross and shield but small flan, VF. Estimate: $60-$90.
952. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, Philip IV, unlisted error with no mintmark and assayer, 1/2R-sized lion and castle
punches. KM-12a. 3.3 grams. Crazy coin that is clearly blank to left of shield, and the full cross shows tiny lions and castles, high
grade (XF) but with some flat areas. Estimate: $50-$75.
953. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, (1651-2)E, scarce. S-P36, KM-12b. 3.3 grams. Choice, well-detailed shield and cross and crown,
odd shape with hairline edge-split, lightly toned XF+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
954. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, P to left, R to right (Rincón), scarce first issue of mint. S-P1, CT-712 (under
Lima). 1.7 grams. Very broad flan with full legends and crown, full monogram, full but doubled cross, AVF with contrasting toning.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
955. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, R (Rincón) to left, P to right, scarce first issue of mint. S-P1, CT-713 (under
Lima). 1.5 grams. Excellent details (everything full), Fine with contrasting toning, well centered and round. Estimate: $125-$200.
956. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, R (Rincón) to left, P to right, scarce first issue of mint. S-P1, CT-713 (under
Lima). 1.4 grams. Full crown and monogram and cross, lightly toned Fine with crude, square nail hole near edge. Estimate: $60-
$90.
957. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer M below monogram, scarce. S-P2, KM-1.2, CT-709 (under Lima). 1.6 grams.
Choice specimen with great full crown and monogram and bold M, full cross, toned AVF. Estimate: $125-$200.
958. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer A, rare. S-P11, KM-1.3, CT-722. 1.9 grams. Choice full cross and monogram
with tiny A to left, particularly nice and neat borders of dots, lightly toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-
$375.
959. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, no assayer or mintmark (assayer-A period), very rare. 1.7 grams. Neat style
(tiny and even dots) characteristic of assayer A but clearly missing any mintmark or assayer, good full cross, full but weak
monogram, toned Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
960. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, assayer B (5th period), borders of x’s. S-P14, KM-1.4. 1.4 grams. Full but off-
center monogram and cross, clear assayer B and borders of x’s, toned but slightly crude Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $50-$75.
961. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, Philip III, P to left, R to right. S-P15, KM-6.1, CT-558. 1.3 grams. Small round flan with full
cross and monogram and crown, bold R, deeply toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
962. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, Philip III, Q to left, P to right. S-P17, KM-6.1, CT-557. 1.7 grams. Choice bold monogram with
bold assayer and mintmark, nice full cross too, VF with contrasting toning, just a bit wrinkled. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $150-$225.
179
963. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, Philip III, assayer M. S-P18, KM-6.1, CT-561. 1.4 grams. Full monogram with bold M to left,
also full crown and off-center cross, toned VF (appears to be salvaged). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
964. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer B (2nd period), rare. S-P6. 0.7 gram. Salvaged About Fine with clear P to
left and B to right (weak castle), bold lion. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
965. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/4 real, Philip II, assayer L, very rare, finest known. S-P9. 0.8 gram. Very broad flan with complete
legends and crowns, choice inner details, clear P and L (only 3 known to us, and this is the best), beautifully toned VF. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $700-$1,000.
1652 transitionals
966. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1652E transitional, McLean Type VI, variety with two dots
below crown. S-P37, KM-B13.2. 2.9 grams. Very choice specimen with full pillars-side data and crown
and Potosí in legend, unbelievably well-detailed full cross, XF+ with beautifully contrasting toning.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
967. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1652E transitional, McLean Type VI. S-P37, KM-B13.2. 2.6
grams. Bold full pillars and cross but both off-center and peripheries flat, XF with lovely toning.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
Pillars-and-waves type
968. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales Royal, 1657E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-418. 27.6 grams. Nice strike even for a Royal (round presentation
issue), well centered and even and with no doubling, all details clear, typically gilded and holed and obviously worn for many
years (AVF grade), probably because it is so lovely, yet not a particularly rare year for Royals (Lázaro records 7 different dies).
Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
180
969. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1658E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
446. 27.5 grams. Choice full cross and pillars-and-waves, with bold
date in legend plus 1-1/2 others, 2 mintmarks and 3 assayers,
nicely toned VF with curious edge-split. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
970. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1659E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
447. 26.8 grams. Royal-like pillars side with complete inner details
and 4-digit date in legend (the other 2 dates bold as well), 3mintmarks (2 bold), both crowns nice, lightly toned Fine.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
971. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1660E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
448. 28.5 grams. Full pillars-and-waves, double-struck cross, 3 dates
and mintmarks, Fine with flat spots. Estimate: $175-$250.
972. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1663E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
452. 26.6 grams. Incredible full pillars side with bold 4-digit date
in legend, full cross with bold PHILIPPVS IIII in legend, AVF
with toning that points to the ca.-1671 Seville Harbor wreck
for provenance (unconfirmed). Pedigreed to Ponterio auction #147,
lot 64, and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $450-
$675.
973. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1664E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
453. 26.6 grams. Choice full cross and pillars, well centered, with 2
dates, 3 mintmarks and assayers, Fine with some weak spots
but contrasting toning. Estimate: $250-$375.
974. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1665E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
454. 25.9 grams. Bold 4-digit date in legend (plus parts of 2 others)
outside full waves, good full cross and crown, lightly toned AVF.
Estimate: $250-$375.
975. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1666E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
455. 25.8 grams. Excellent full cross and pillars, full crown, all 3
dates and mintmarks and assayers at least partially visible, Fine+
with contrasting toning. Estimate: $250-$375.
181
976. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1667E. S-P37a, KM-21, CT-
342. 27.4 grams. Bold full pillars with bold date and mintmark
and assayer, crude and weak full cross, Fine for actual wear.
Estimate: $175-$250.
977. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1668E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
343. 26.7 grams. Excellent full pillars and cross (well centered), 2
dates, Fine with some weak areas but contrasting toning.
Estimate: $250-$375.
978. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1669E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
344. 27.9 grams. Full and bold 4-digit date in legend plus 2 others,
bold POTO(SI), full waves, 2 bold mintmarks and assayers,
weak and doubled cross below nice crown, Fine with light old
scratches. Estimate: $200-$300.
979. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1672E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
347. 27.2 grams. Bold full pillars, good full cross, part of king’s
name in legend, nice crown, 2 dates and mintmarks and assayers,
VF with flat areas. Estimate: $200-$300.
980. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1672E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
347. 26.6 grams. Full king’s name, bold full pillars, clear date, Fine
with many weak areas. Estimate: $175-$250.
981. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1674E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
349. 27.5 grams. Broad flan with great full pillars and waves, bold
POTOSI and PERV in legend, good but slightly doubled and
off-center cross, 2 dates, 3 mintmarks and assayers, lightly toned
VF. Estimate: $200-$300.
982. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1675E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
350. 26.7 grams. Incredibly bold date in legend, which also shows
(P)OTOSI, EL PERV and CARO(LVS), full but partially weak
pillars and cross, Fine with contrasting toning. Estimate: $200-
$300.
182
983. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1675E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
350. 25.1 grams. Nice full pillars-and-waves, full but weak cross, 2
mintmarks, 3 assayers, Fine with weak areas. Estimate: $175-
$250.
984. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1676E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
351. 27.5 grams. Bold full pillars, nice lions in full but partially
weak cross, 3 assayers, 2 mintmarks, Fine. Estimate: $175-
$250.
985. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1677E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
352. 26.9 grams. Nice full cross, nearly full pillars, but much
flatness, still with 2 dates and assayers, crude About Fine with
lightly scuffed surfaces. Estimate: $150-$225.
986. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
354. 27.0 grams. Gorgeous full cross-lions-castles, full pillars-and-
waves, very bold date and mintmark and denomination, richly
toned AXF. Estimate: $250-$375.
987. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
354. 27.5 grams. Full cross and pillars, bold full waves, 3 dates, 2
mintmarks and assayers, lightly toned Fine with flat areas, part
of edge crude. Estimate: $175-$250.
988. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
354. 27.1 grams. Choice full pillars-and-waves and cross-lions-
castles, bold mintmark, 2 dates and assayers, nice VF. Estimate:
$250-$375.
989. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
354. 27.0 grams. Bold (P)OTOSI and part of king’s name, off-
center cross, bold date and denomination, Fine with much
flatness. Estimate: $175-$250.
990. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-26, CT-
354. 26.6 grams. Very high grade (AU) with choice full pillars-and-
waves, full cross with well-detailed castle, CAROL(VS) in legend,
2 dates and mintmarks, 3 assayers. Estimate: $250-$375.
183
991. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1679C. S-P38, KM-26, CT-
357. 25.7 grams. Full pillars-and-waves, incomplete cross, bold
assayer and 2 bold mintmarks, VF with flat areas. Estimate:
$150-$225.
992. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1679C. S-P38, KM-26, CT-
357. 25.9 grams. Bold and full but doubled cross and pillars-and-
waves, bold date and 2 mintmarks, VF with flat areas and one
old scratch. Estimate: $175-$250.
993. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1679C. S-P38, KM-26, CT-
357. 27.0 grams. Full pillars, full but off-center cross, 2 assayers,
very weak date, AVF with flat areas. Estimate: $100-$150.
994. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1683V. S-P39, KM-26, CT-
365. 27.4 grams. Broad flan with full date in legend, full pillars-
and-waves with second date, choice full crown, nearly full cross,
king’s ordinal II, AVF with weak areas. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $275-$400.
995. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1686VR. S-P40, KM-26, CT-
369. 26.8 grams. Two very bold dates (one in legend), full but
doubled pillars and cross, 3 mintmarks, AVF with flat areas.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
996. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1690VR. S-P40, KM-26, CT-
376. 27.5 grams. Broad planchet with excellent full crown, pillars
and waves, also full cross, 3 dates, 2 assayers and mintmarks,very nice AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $325-
$475.
997. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1701Y, Charles II
posthumous. S-P43, KM-26, CT-392. 26.6 grams. Scarce issue with
clear O of king’s name, 2 full dates and assayers, 3 mintmarks,
nice full pillars and bold cross, AVF, much nicer strike than
usual for this assayer. Estimate: $275-$400.
Please visit our website at
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184
998. Contemporary counterfeit of a Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8
reales, 1702(Y). 26.9 grams. Thick and chunky planchet that at
first looks like a genuine issue of the 1760s, but the date is
clearly 1702 and other inconsistencies (odd P and lions) belie
its authenticity, toned VF+ but with obvious wear from its
time. Pedigreed to Ponterio auction #93 (March 13-14, 1998), lot
#1280, with lot-card. Estimate: $100-$300.
999. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1706Y, scarce. S-P43a, KM-
31, CT-866. 25.8 grams. Very richly toned, with bold full pillars
(very strong 8 and date), full but crude cross, Fine with flat
peripheries, actually rather nice for its time. Estimate: $300-
$450.
1000. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1708Y. S-P43a, KM-31, CT-
868. 26.5 grams. Very thick and crude but with 2 clear dates, richly
toned Fine with extensive flatness. Estimate: $200-$300.
1001. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1726Y (Louis I), rare.
S-P43b, KM-35, CT-25. 26.5 grams. Three full dates (1726 in legend),
2 mintmarks and assayers, full cross and pillars-and-waves,
nicely toned Fine+, much better strike than usual for this issue.
Estimate: $500-$750.
1002. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1728M, finest known. S-
P44, KM-31, CT-826. 27.5 grams. Incredible quality for this chunky
era, with 100% full and bold date in legend plus 2 others (both
bold), good full pillars and cross, VF with toning in crevices,
very high previous auction price. Pedigreed to the Heritage auction
#3000, lot 50473 (Besalu collection), where it sold for $1,495, and
pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $600-$900.
1003. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1734E. S-P46, KM-31a, CT-
831. 27.1 grams. Choice full pillars and cross, both well centered,
2 dates and mintmarks, 3 assayers, dark VF+ with touch of
corrosion at very edge. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $325-$475.
1004. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1738M. S-P47, KM-31a, CT-
836. 27.9 grams. Full pillars, very bold cross (tall in center), choice
but dark XF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-
$450.
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(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
185
1005. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales Royal, 1739M. S-P47, KM-31a, CT-837. 25.4 grams. Like all Royal presentation issues in this era,
this coin is very think and nearly round with practically no visible legends, but the inner details are full (choice cross and pillars)
and the thickness of the planchet is even, which is definitely not the case with the business strikes. AVF with contrasting toning,
holed at edge as usual. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
1006. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1740M. S-P47, KM-31a,
CT-838. 27.0 grams. Choice XF+ with super full cross, full but
very slightly doubled pillars, 2 clear dates, 3 mintmarks, darkly
toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
1007. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1748q. S-P50a, KM-40, CT-
358. 26.2 grams. Full and bold cross and pillars, 2+ dates, 2
mintmarks, dark VF+ with edge-crack, choice for the era.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
1008. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1749q. S-P50a, KM-40, CT-
359. 27.1 grams. Superb specimen for its time, with bold full cross
and pillars, 2 dates and mintmarks, 3 full assayers, richly toned
all over, VF+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-
$500.
1009. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1750q. S-P50a, KM-40, CT-
360. 27.0 grams. Choice, lustrous AU with full and bold cross and
pillars-and-waves, bold date and parts of 2 others, 3 assayers, 2
mintmarks, some toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $350-$500.
1010. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1752q. S-P52, KM-40, CT-
364. 27.5 grams. Choice for the era with bold full cross and pillars-
and-waves, 2 bold dates, 3 assayers and mintmarks, darkly toned
XF with part of edge flat. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $350-$500.
186
1011. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1753q. S-P52, KM-40, CT-
365. 27.1 grams. Super bold cross (well centered), bold and full
but off-center pillars, 2 mintmarks and assayers, POTOS(I) in
legend, dark but very choice grade of AU. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
1012. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1754C+q, very scarce.
S-P53, KM-40, CT-371. 27.4 grams. Bold pillars with super date and
2 different assayers (C at upper right, q at lower left), also nice
full cross with P to left and C to right, nicely toned AXF. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $400-$600.
1013. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 8 reales, 1767V-Y. S-P57, KM-45,
CT-954. 26.8 grams. Round planchet with good full cross, nearly
full pillars, nicely toned VF. Estimate: $250-$375.
1014. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1658E. S-P37a, KM-18, CT-
750. 13.3 grams. Broad flan with full cross and pillars-and-waves,
3 bold dates and mintmarks, 2 assayers, AVF with some flatness,
faint toning that points to the ca.-1671 Seville Harbor wreck
for provenance (unconfirmed). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $325-$475.
1015. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1659E. S-P37a, KM-18, CT-
751. 12.7 grams. Good but off-center cross with bold E to right,
full pillars with clear date, nicely toned Fined with peripheral
flatness. Estimate: $175-$250.
1016. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1676E, rare. S-P37b, KM-
25, CT-501. 12.6 grams. Clear date above full waves (doubled pillars),
nearly full cross, nicely toned but crude About Fine with flatness,
rare date (missing in Sellschopp). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $250-$375.
1017. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1682V, scarce. S-P39, KM-
25, CT-509. 13.7 grams. Full and bold pillars, nice but off-center
cross, 2 bold dates, 3 assayers, (CA)ROLVS in legend, VF with
attractively toned fields, scarce date (missing in Karon). Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
1018. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1703Y, scarce. S-P43a,
KM-30, CT-1084. 12.4 grams. Full and well-centered pillars, nearly
full but off-center cross with most of crown above, clear date,
bold mintmark, dusty AVF for issue. Estimate: $175-$250.
187
1019. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1745q, scarce. S-P50, KM-30a, CT-1131. 11.8 grams. Bold full pillars with clear date, full cross,
dark and lightly corroded as from unidentified salvage (XF details), also scarcer date (missing in Karon). Estimate: $200-$300.
1020. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1748q. S-P50a, KM-39, CT-435. 13.6 grams. Choice for era with full pillars and cross, 2 dates, 3
assayers, dark AXF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
1021. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1750E, scarce. S-P51, KM-39, CT-437. 13.4 grams. High grade (XF+) and choice for the era,
with full cross and pillars, bold date and parts of 2 others, 2 assayers, darkly toned all over, scarce date (missing in Karon).
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
1022. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 4 reales, 1767V-Y. S-P57, KM-44, CT-1160. 13.3 grams. Typically thick and chunky but somewhat round
flan with bold denomination and clear date, well-centered and nicely toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$150-$225.
1023. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1653E, PH at top. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-898. 7.1 grams. Bold full waves, good full cross, 3 dates,
toned Fine+ with some peripheral flatness. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
1024. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1655E. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-901. 5.3 grams. Fat urn shape with extra wide and bold pillars, nearly
full cross, 2 dates, nicely toned AVF with some edges flat. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1025. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1656E. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-900. 7.0 grams. Broad flan with bold full pillars-and-waves, full cross,
3 dates, 2 assayers, toned Fine with touch of corrosion. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1026. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1657E. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-905. 5.9 grams. Choice full pillars-and-waves and cross, 2 bold dates
and mintmarks, VF with rich old toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1027. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1658E, finest known. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-906. 7.1 grams. Near-perfect, Royal-like detail all
over, well-centered, with bold date in legend and 2 others, 3 mintmarks, AXF with nice toning on fields, best specimen we have
seen. Pedigreed to the Paul Karon and Mark Bir collections. Estimate: $350-$500.
188
1028. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1660E. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-908. 6.4 grams. Crude broad flan with much interior flatness and
some doubling, 4-digit date in legend and parts of 2 others, bold assayer, full waves, AVF for wear, toned in crevices. Pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1029. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1661E. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-909. 5.7 grams. Crude flan but with some bold strike in high grade
(one castle pristine), full king’s ordinal IIII, one choice full pillar with bold P and E and date, second date below cross, toned XF
with big flat area. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
1030. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1662E. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-910. 5.7 grams. Broad flan with full cross and waves, 2 dates and
assayers and mintmarks, old-toned Fine with scratches and minor edge-split. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-
$135.
1031. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1663E, scarce. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-911. 4.4 grams. Nice full pillars-and-waves and cross, 2 bold
dates and mintmarks, nicely toned AXF with flat areas and scratches, oddly underweight. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $150-$225.
1032. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1664E, scarce. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-912. 5.9 grams. Huge flan with choice full pillars and bold
waves (also nice crown), full but partially flat cross, 2 dates, 3 mintmarks, XF with some luster and toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
1033. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1665E. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-913. 6.2 grams. Full and bold waves, nearly full pillars and cross, bold
full date and mintmark and assayer, AXF with peripheral flatness, contrasting toning, edge-split. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $125-$200.
1034. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1666E. S-P37a, KM-16, CT-914. 6.1 grams. Three dates, 2
assayers, good but incomplete cross and off-center pillars, king’s name in legend, nicely
toned AVF with peripheral flatness and edge-split. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$150-$225.
1035. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1667E, interesting shape. S-P37a, KM-16,
CT-594. 7.5 grams. Absolutely immense flan with dull point (would make a seriously
cool guitar pick!), with choice full pillars-and-waves and nice cross, 2 dates and
assayers, richly toned VF with 2 flat areas near edge, one of which bears a
plugged hole. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
189
1036. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1668E. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-595. 6.4 grams. Good full cross and pillars-and-waves with bold
date, clear assayer, (P)OTOSI in legend, toned VF with light corrosion as from unidentified salvage. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1037. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1669E, scarce. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-596. 6.4 grams. Bold 669 date in legend plus parts of 2
others, 2 assayers, nearly full pillars and cross but much flatness, otherwise AVF, edge-split, scarce date (missing in Karon).
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1038. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1670E, scarce. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-597. 7.1 grams. Superb strike with full cross and pillars-and
waves, 3 dates and assayers, XF+ with contrasting tan sediment on fields, possibly the best we have ever seen. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
1039. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1671E. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-598. 5.5 grams. Full 4-digit date in legend and bold date above full
waves, incomplete cross with clear CAROL(VS) in legend, crude Fine+ with flat areas and edge-splits. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
1040. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1672E. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-599. 5.8 grams. Super full pillars and cross with excellent detail
against toned fields, bold date and assayer and 2 bold mintmarks, VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
1041. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1673E, scarce. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-600. 4.5 grams. Good full cross, full but off-center pillars-
and-waves, 2 dates and assayers, Fine+ with contrasting toning, small hole near edge. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$100-$150.
1042. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1675E. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-602. 6.5 grams. Broad flan with full pillars and cross, 2 dates and
assayers and mintmarks, a bit crude though, Fine with patchy toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1043. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1676E, scarce. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-603. 5.3 grams. Big, teapot-shaped flan with 2 super bold
dates, nearly full cross and pillars, choice full crown, 3 assayers, 2 mintmarks, Fine with toned fields and some flatness. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
1044. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1677+76E, rare. S-P37b. 5.7 grams. Bold full 776 date below nearly full cross, good full pillars
with bold 77 date, Fine with peripheral flatness and tiny hole at edge. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
190
1045. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-24, CT-606. 8.1 grams. Big, thick coin (vastly overweight) with bold date in
excellent full pillars-and-waves, full but slightly messy cross, 3 assayers, 2 mintmarks, Fine with flat spots, some toning. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
1046. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1679V. S-P39, KM-24, CT-608. 7.0 grams. Full 4-digit date in legend plus 2 others above full
waves and below nearly full cross, off-center strike, Fine+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1047. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1680V. S-P39, KM-24, CT-609. 5.8 grams. Nice full tops of pillars and crown, good but incomplete
cross, bold date and 2 bold mintmarks, VF with flat peripheries but nicely toned fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$125-$200.
1048. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1682V, finest known. S-P39, KM-24, CT-611. 6.5 grams. Incredibly choice, high-grade specimen
on a big, onion-shaped flan with 100% full cross-lions-castles and pillars-and-waves, 2 dates and all 3 mintmarks and assayers,
bold king’s ordinal II, a couple minor edge-splits but nicely toned, AU, best specimen we have ever seen. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
1049. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1683V. S-P39, KM-24, CT-612. 5.3 grams. Interestingly large and somewhat heart-shaped flan
with nice full cross and pillars-and-waves, 2 dates and mintmarks, 3 assayers, Fine+ with nicely toned fields, but 2 holes and one
attempted at edge. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
1050. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1684V. S-P39, KM-24, CT-613. 5.8 grams. Choice full cross-lions-castles and pillars but very
crude edge (as made), bold date, 2 mintmarks, VF+ with tan sediment on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$150-$225.
1051. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1685VR. S-P40, KM-24, CT-615. 6.7 grams. High grade (XF+), with full cross and pillars-and-
waves, 3 clear dates, king’s ordinal II, partially toned and with some weak areas. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-
$225.
1052. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1686VR. S-P40, KM-24, CT-617. 7.8 grams. Choice specimen on a huge flan (30 mm) with
excellent (well-centered) full cross and pillars, 3 bold dates, 2+ assayers and parts of 3 mintmarks, AXF, attractively toned, one
of the best specimens possible. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
1053. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1687VR. S-P40, KM-24, CT-618. 6.7 grams. Super broad planchet with great full cross and
pillars, 2 dates and assayers and mintmarks, very nice strike but a bit worn (Fine), richly toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $200-$300.
191
1054. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1688VR. S-P40, KM-24,
CT-619. 6.1 grams. Bold 4-digit date in legend plus other 2 bold as
well, worn (About Fine) and with much flatness but still nice,
with contrasting toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $110-$175.
1055. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1689VR. S-P40, KM-24,
CT-620. 5.6 grams. Choice bold details (full cross and pillars-and-
waves, both slightly doubled), 2 bold dates, 3 assayers and
mintmarks, (CA)ROLVS II in legend, somewhat lemon-shaped
VF with contrasting toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $150-$225.
1056. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1690VR. S-P40, KM-24,
CT-621. 6.6 grams. Crude strike (much flatness) but with parts of
all 3 dates, 3 clear assayers, one choice full pillar, Fine+ for
actual wear. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-
$175.
1057. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1693VR. S-P40, KM-24,
CT-624. 6.2 grams. Full cross and pillars, 3 mintmarks, 2 assayers,
Fine with lightly toned fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $125-$200.
1058. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1695VR. S-P40, KM-24,
CT-626. 6.0 grams. Great full pillars and cross, good full crown,
bold date, 2 assayers and mintmarks, richly toned XF. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1059. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1696VR. S-P40, KM-24,
CT-627. 5.8 grams. Roundish flan with super full pillars, good full
cross, 2 dates, 3 mintmarks and assayers, attractively toned F-
VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
1060. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1697VR. S-P40, KM-24,
CT-628. 6.9 grams. Three clear dates, nearly full cross and pillars,
lustrous and high grade (at least XF) but with some weak strike.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1061. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1697CH, rare. S-P41, KM-
24, CT-629. 6.4 grams. Lustrous and high-grade specimen (XF+)
of a rare one-year assayer, visible clearly 3 times on this coin,
also with choice full cross and good but very slightly doubled
full pillars, no toning. Estimate: $350-$500.
192
1062. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1698F. S-P42, KM-24, CT-
631. 6.1 grams. Crude strike (flat spots) but with 2 clear dates and
assayers, richly toned AVF with some dark sediment. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1063. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1700F, sideways 8 for
00 in date. S-P42, KM-24, CT-633. 7.2 grams. Choice full pillars-
and-waves, nice but slightly off-center full cross, beautifully
toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-
$375.
1064. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1726(Y), Louis I, scarce,
mounted pillars-side out in 14K necklace bezel. S-P43b, KM-
34, CT-39. 9.8 grams. Very worn coin (AVG) but with decent cross
above full date, second date above full waves, nicely toned, with
tiny sapphires on prongs of bezel. Estimate: $100-$150.
193
1065. Potosí, Bolivia, special “zoomorphic” presentation-
issue cob 2 reales, 1735E, in the form of a two-headed
condor, unique and important. S-P46, KM-29a, CT-1358. 9.6
grams. A major highlight of this sale, showing just how skilled
the craftsmen at the mint could be, as the planchet for this
coin was carefully cut to mirror the coat-of-arms of Potosí—
principally a two-
headed condor—and
was struck deeply
once to get the main
design and then
several more times
around the edge with
just parts of the dies
in a very artistic way,
sometimes even
upside-down, even
going so far as to
place dots for the
condors’ eyes! The
Potosí coat-of-arms
(which mirrored that
of the city of Toledo
in Spain) is an
intentional double
entendre using both
Habsburg and native
Andean imagery,
which were eerily
similar and differed
only in the type of
bird, eagles being
common in Spain
and condors being
common in Peru. In
effect this coin is a
presentation issue
that goes beyond the
level of Royals and
even Hearts, and so
we surmise it had a very special purpose. We note with interest
that in that same year for the first time a representative of the
Inca natives, Don Alberto Chosop, was granted an official
position in the Spanish government, so perhaps this was a
welcome gift for him. Another possibility is that this issue is
linked to the naming of José Antonio de Mendoza as Viceroy
of Peru in 1735. In any case we know from other pieces that
this assayer, Estéban Gutiérrez de Escalante, was in the habit
of making special numismatic works of art, not just Hearts
and Royals but also a famous llama 4 reales of 1734 (much
simpler in craftsmanship than the present item), sold by
Ponterio in 1995 for $18,000 (worth considerably more today).
Actually our two-headed condor piece has also appeared at
auction before, but in the form of a cast counterfeit in
A l m a n z a r ’ s
December 1976 sale.
We can trace the
ownership of our
coin, by all accounts
the genuine original
from which the
counterfeit was cast,
back to that time,
when it must have
left the estate of a
Bolivian family with
noble roots and
entered the
numismatic world,
passing through the
hands of some
i m p o r t a n t
numismatists like
Carlos Janson of
Argentina. We feel
this unique coin,
XF+ with beautiful
natural toning, truly
has no limit to value,
but for comparison
we point to the
second-to-last entry
in Lázaro’s book on
Royals and other
special presentation
coins, an eagle-
shaped 8 reales of
1752, to which the
author gave a value of $80,000 in 1996. In terms of zoomorphic
cobs (which, by the way, all have weights that do not necessarily
correspond to their denominations), if the eagle is the most
valuable 8R and the llama is the most valuable 4R, then by all
rights our two-headed condor should be the most valuable 2R
and deserves a place with the two larger coins as the sine qua
non of Potosí cobs. We congratulate the new owner in advance.
Estimate: $25,000-up.
194
1066. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1739M. S-P47, KM-29a, CT-1364. 6.7 grams. Nice bold pillars, nearly full but off-center cross,
VF with dark orange sediment on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1067. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1741/0P, rare overdate. S-P48. 6.3 grams. Second specimen known (last one sold by us in
2005), with overdate only below the full cross, the main date in the full pillars just 741, all well centered and nice for the era,
toned AVF. Estimate: $150-$225.
1068. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1744q. S-P50, KM-29a, CT-1373. 6.6 grams. Bold full cross, perfectly centered, also full pillars, 2
dates, nicely toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
1069. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1761V-(Y). S-P57, KM-43, CT-1359. 6.6 grams. Bold date between pillars, off-center cross, 2
assayers, typically crude, Fine with dark sediment on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1070. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1762(V-Y), cut into pomegranate(?) shape. S-P57, KM-43, CT-1360. 5.0 grams. Clear date
and part of another, nearly full cross and pillars, cut outside the mint into a curious finial shape that we guess is a pomegranate,
holed in the trunk and obviously well worn (AVG) after the cutting. Estimate: $70-$100.
1071. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1766V-Y. S-P57, KM-43, CT-1365. 6.0 grams. Typically chunky flan with good cross and pillars
(for the type), lightly toned Fine, nice old pedigree. Pedigreed to the Echenique Collection, with small tray and label Estimate: $175-$250.
1072. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, 1772(V)-Y. S-P59, KM-43, CT-1374. 6.5 grams. Big bold cross, bold date between pillars, chunky
Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1073. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1652E (post-transitional), 1-PH-6 at top. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1052. 3.1 grams. Good full cross,
full pillars and bold waves, bold (1)-PH-6, king’s ordinal IIII, 2 dates, 3 assayers, About Fine for wear. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1074. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1653E, PH at top. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1053. 3.8 grams. Bold details, full cross and pillars, 2 dates
and assayers, nicely toned Fine+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1075. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1654E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1054. 2.5 grams. Three clear dates, full but partially flat cross, bold
waves, Fine with mostly dark toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1076. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1655E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1055. 2.2 grams. Two bold dates, very bold waves, nearly full cross and
pillars, king’s ordinal IIII, Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
1077. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1656E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1056. 2.6 grams. Full 4-digit date in legend plus 1-1/2 others, most of
king’s name visible, full but off-center cross, very off-center pillars (one full), richly toned Fine+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $110-$175.
195
1078. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1657E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1057. 2.8 grams. Full 4-digit date in legend, good cross, off-center
pillars, PHIL(IPPVS) in legend, VF with patchy toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
1079. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1658E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1058. 3.6 grams. Good full pillars-and-waves with clear main date and
4-digit date in legend, third date below bold but crudely doubled cross, Fine with contrasting toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
1080. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1659E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1059. 5.8 grams. Very overweight flan that could pass for a 2R, with flat
peripheries but nice full cross, full pillars, clear date, 3 assayers, toned AVF with edge-split. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $100-$150.
1081. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1660E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1060. 2.8 grams. Nearly full cross and pillars, 2 dates, About Fine with
flat peripheries and dark sediment on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1082. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1661E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1061. 3.0 grams. Good full cross and pillars-and-waves, clear date, 3
assayers, 2 mintmarks, nicely toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1083. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1662E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1062. 3.1 grams. Bold cross and pillars, both well centered, but with flat
peripheries, Fine with dark sediment on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1084. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1663E, scarce. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1063. 3.1 grams. Choice detail, full pillars and nearly full cross,
2 bold dates and mintmarks, VF with wonderful toning on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
1085. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1664E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1064. 2.8 grams. Full 4-digit date in legend plus 2 others, one bold pillar
and full waves, good full cross, 2 mintmarks, lightly toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $110-$175.
1086. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1665E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1065. 2.7 grams. Choice, high-grade details (super lion and castle)
where not flat, with 2 dates, nice crown, lightly toned XF+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1087. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1666E. S-P37a, KM-13, CT-1066. 4.2 grams. Great full cross, full pillars, 2 clear dates and assayers,
toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1088. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1667E, Charles II. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-703. 3.8 grams. Choice full cross with clear date and bold
king’s ordinal II, full 4-digit date in legend and third date between pillars, AVF with dark and nicely contrasting toning on fields.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
1089. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1668E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-704. 3.2 grams. Smallish flan with choice but off-center cross above
bold date, full pillars with second bold date, lightly toned VF+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
196
1090. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1669E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-705. 3.0 grams. Choice full cross with perfectly detailed lions and
castles, also choice full pillars, 2 dates and mintmarks and assayers, VF+ with lovely toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $125-$200.
1091. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1670E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-706. 2.3 grams. Thin, salvaged specimen with bold date, nearly full
cross, Fine with much dark toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1092. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1671E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-707. 2.7 grams. Odd shape, bold date between pillars, nearly full cross
with second date below, AVF with flat spots and patchy toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1093. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1672/1E, scarce overdate. S-P37b, KM-23. 2.7 grams. Smallish flan with full cross and pillars,
clear date and overdate on both sides (third specimen we have seen), lightly toned Fine+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $70-$100.
1094. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1672E, natural heart shape (as made). S-P37b, KM-23, CT-708. 3.4 grams. Somewhat crude but
with bold date, dark AVF with flat areas, flan a bit bent, desirable shape. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1095. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1673/2E, rare overdate. S-P37b, KM-23. 2.5 grams. Full pillars with bold date (second example
of this overdate we have seen), 2 assayers, lightly toned Fine with flat areas. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1096. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1674E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-710. 3.9 grams. Curious turnip shape with sharp point, full pillars and
cross, 4-digit date in legend plus main on between pillars, Fine with uneven toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$80-$120.
1097. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1675E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-711. 3.3 grams. Choice full cross and bold pillars, bold date in legend,
clear main date, AVF with attractively contrasting toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1098. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1676E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-712. 2.3 grams. Crude strike but technically decent grade (XF), with 2
dates and mintmarks, 3 assayers, dark encrustation in crevices. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1099. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1677/6E, overdate on pillars side, rare. S-P37b, KM-23. 2.3 grams. Choice bold pillars-and-
waves with very bold date and overdate, good but off-center cross, 2 assayers, VF with very faint pitting and toned in crevices.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1100. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1677/6E, overdate on cross side, rare. S-P37b, KM-23. 3.9 grams. Choice details, full pillars but
incomplete cross, both dates clear (with 7/6 only below the cross) and with curious up-pointing serif on front tip of each 7, also
with full pomegranate ornament at top, full Potosí, one full lion with long tongue and no forepaw (looks like a running lizard),
richly toned XF, quite an intriguing piece! Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
197
1101. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1678E. S-P37b, KM-23, CT-714. 4.2 grams. Very bold full cross and pillars with particularly bold
date, 2 assayers, VF+ with toning on fields, thick and slightly overweight flan. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-
$150.
1102. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1679C. S-P38, KM-23, CT-716. 3.8 grams. Bold date and assayer above bold waves, otherwise crude
and mostly flat, off-center cross, Fine or so. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1103. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1680V. S-P39, KM-23, CT-718. 3.1 grams. Full 4-digit date in legend due to off-center pillars with
second date above waves, nice full cross, 2 assayers, non-toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1104. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1681V. S-P39, KM-23, CT-719. 4.1 grams. Full 4-digit date in legend plus 2 others, good full cross,
toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1105. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1682V. S-P39, KM-23, CT-720. 2.8 grams. Three dates, full pillars and cross with well-detailed lions
and castles, VF with dark encrustation in crevices. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1106. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1683V. S-P39, KM-23, CT-721. 3.3 grams. Round turnip shape with sharp point, one bold pillar and
nearly full cross, AVF with spotty black toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1107. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1684/3V, rare overdate. S-P39. 3.2 grams. Decent cross and pillars despite wear (About Fine),
clear date and overdate (only the second one we have seen), 3 assayers, patchy toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$100-$150.
1108. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1684V. S-P39, KM-23, CT-722. 3.3 grams. Great full cross and pillars, 3 dates (full 4-digit date in
legend) and mintmarks and assayers, lightly toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1109. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1684VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-723. 3.1 grams. Nice full cross, one full pillar, AVF with contrasting
dark sediment on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1110. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1685VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-724. 3.5 grams. Full pillars with bold date, second bold date below very
off-center cross, (CA)ROLVS II in legend, nicely toned Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1111. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1686VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-725. 3.0 grams. Interesting harp shape with good full cross, full but
doubled pillars, 2 dates and mintmarks and assayers, AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1112. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1687VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-726. 3.2 grams. Broad and rather spread-out flan with full but crude
cross and pillars, 4-digit date in legend plus 2 others, 3 assayers, Fine, mostly toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$70-$100.
198
1113. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1688VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-727. 3.5 grams. Worn (VG) but with good full pillars and cross, 2 dates
and assayers and mintmarks, richly toned all over. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1114. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1689VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-728. 2.7 grams. Choice full cross, good full pillars, bold date, 2
mintmarks, VF details with nicely contrasting toning but looks like salvage. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1115. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1690VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-729. 2.7 grams. Choice full cross, one full and bold pillar, 2 dates and
mintmarks, VF with dark and contrasting toning on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1116. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1691VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-730. 3.2 grams. Bold date and mintmark above prominent waves,
mostly flat and off-center cross with one good castle, About Fine with toned fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$50-$75.
1117. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1692VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-731. 4.1 grams. Nice full cross, full pillars, 2 dates, one nice lion, edges
look clipped but still overweight, AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1118. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1693VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-732. 3.5 grams. Curious shape with sharp point, half of cross and
most of pillars-and-waves bold, one bold date and 2 assayers, Fine with weak area. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$60-$90.
1119. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1694VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-733. 3.2 grams. Bold full pillars with assayer and date and mintmark all
prominent, weak and off-center cross, Fine overall. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1120. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1695VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-734. 2.6 grams. Crude shape with bold full pillars, mostly flat cross, 2
dates, bold assayer, deeply toned Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1121. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1696VR. S-P40, KM-23, CT-735. 2.7 grams. Nice full cross below full crown, good full pillars, 2
dates, 3 assayers, VF, sharply pointed flan. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1122. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1697VR. S-P40, KM-23. 3.3 grams. Great full cross with well-detailed lions, bold full pillars
(choice tops), 2 dates, VF+ with toning on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1123. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1697CH, rare assayer. S-P41, KM-23, CT-736. 3.0 grams. Broad flan but somewhat weak, with full
castles and pillars, clear date and assayer, Fine with dark sediment in crevices. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-
$200.
1124. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1697F, rare. S-P42, KM-23, CT-737. 4.0 grams. Salvaged but with nice XF details, full pillars and
nearly full cross, 3 assayers (actually rarer than the celebrated CH for this date and denomination), darkly toned and encrusted.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
199
1125. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1698F. S-P42, KM-23, CT-738. 3.3 grams. Crude flan, one full pillar, full but doubled cross, clear
date and assayer and mintmark, AVF with edge-split. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1126. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1699F. S-P42, KM-23, CT-739. 3.3 grams. One full pillar, full but off-center cross with well-detailed
lions, lightly toned AVF with flatness. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1127. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1710Y, date as “10” only, rare. S-P43a, KM-28, CT-1638. 3.8 grams. Very bold date between pillars
(first we have seen with only 2 digits), crude cross, Fine with much flatness. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1128. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1714Y. S-P43a, KM-28, CT-1642. 2.4 grams. Bold full Y-714-P above waves, good full cross, nicely
toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1129. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1725Y, Louis I, scarce. S-P43b, KM-33, CT-49. 2.9 grams. Clear date, most of cross, otherwise
typically crude with lots of flatness, lightly toned Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1130. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1726Y, Louis I, scarce. S-P43b, KM-33, CT-50. 2.1 grams. Nice full cross, one full pillar with bold
date, 2 assayers, AVF with dark sediment on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1131. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1739M. S-P47, KM-28a, CT-1672. 3.8 grams. Nice and full but slightly off-center cross, full pillars-
and-waves, 2 dates, nicely toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1132. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1744q. S-P50, KM-28a, CT-1680. 3.3 grams. Clear pillars-side date, one nice castle in incomplete
cross, chunky Fine+, lightly toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1133. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1 real, 1746q. S-P50, KM-28a, CT-1682. 3.0 grams. Bold but off-center cross, bold full pillars, 2 dates, nice
VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1134. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1657. S-P37a, KM-B12, CT-1170. 1.8 grams. Full 4-digit date in legend, plus 3-digit date below
full monogram with crown and pomegranate flanked by dots above, off-center cross, About Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1135. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1661E, scarce. S-P37a, KM-B12. 2.1 grams. Bold 61 of date below full monogram, bold 16 of
second date in legend, bold mintmark, part of king’s name and ordinal visible, Fine, scarce date (missing in Sellschopp). Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1136. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1662. S-P37a, KM-B12, CT-1173. 1.7 grams. Off-center strike with bold date below full monogram,
king’s name in legend, full Potosí outside cross, Fine with weak spots. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1137. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1663E, scarce. S-P37a, KM-B12, CT-1173a. 0.8 gram. Thin and corroded and mostly flat
specimen with clear 663 date and assayer E, Fine for actual wear. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $25-$40.
200
1138. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1665E, scarce. S-P37a, KM-B12, CT-1175. 1.7 grams. Full but off-center monogram and cross,
bold assayer, Fine with big flat area beyond details. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $30-$45.
1139. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1667, Charles II. S-P37b, KM-22. 1.9 grams. Choice full monogram and date with second date
in legend, bold full cross, nicely toned XF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1140. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1672. S-P37b, KM-22, CT-825. 1.5 grams. Clear date below most of monogram, full but off-
center cross, king’s name in legend, Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $35-$50.
1141. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1674. S-P37b, KM-22, CT-826. 1.7 grams. Bold date in legend, most of monogram with clear date
below, toned Fine+ with some weak areas, nice toning on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1142. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1675. S-P37b, KM-22, CT-827. 1.9 grams. Bold date above king’s name on off-center monogram
side, good full cross, toned About Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1143. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1676. S-P37b, KM-22, CT-828. 2.6 grams. Full monogram above 2-digit date, messy cross due to
weak strike and corrosion, Fine overall, oddly overweight. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $30-$45.
1144. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1678+79, unique mule. S-P38. 1.2 grams. Round flan with full cross above bold 79 date,
nearly full monogram above bold 678 date (only specimen we know of), Fine with contrasting toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
1145. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1682V. S-P39, KM-22, CT-833. 2.3 grams. Very bold date below most of monogram, choice
cross with second date below, VF with dark toning on fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1146. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1684. S-P39, KM-22, CT-835. 1.5 grams. Cute turnip-shaped flan with full cross above bold date,
bold monogram above bold full date, VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1147. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1685. S-P40, KM-22, CT-836. 1.6 grams. Bold full 4-digit date in legend (off-center cross), full
monogram above second date, AVF with patchy toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1148. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1686. S-P40, KM-22, CT-837. 1.0 gram. Two bold dates, most of cross, crude shape, Fine with
much flatness. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1149. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1687. S-P40, KM-22, CT-838. 1.2 grams. Full monogram and date, nearly full cross, faintly toned
Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $25-$40.
1150. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1688. S-P40, KM-22, CT-839. 1.7 grams. Very bold date below off-center monogram, second
date below nice full cross, richly toned VF+. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1151. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1689. S-P40, KM-22, CT-840. 1.1 grams. Bold date below full monogram, second date in legend
outside nearly full cross, darkly toned, salvaged, with AXF details. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
201
1152. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1691. S-P40, KM-22, CT-842. 2.1 grams. Choice full monogram and cross on a cute turnip-
shaped planchet with sharp point, AVF with nicely contrasting toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1153. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1692. S-P40, KM-22, CT-843. 1.2 grams. Smallish flan with bold date below full monogram, full
but slightly off-center cross, silvery AVF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1154. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1693. S-P40, KM-22, CT-844. 1.4 grams. Crude shape, bold date, good full cross, silvery Fine.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1155. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1698. S-P42, KM-22, CT-849. 2.2 grams. Nice full monogram above bold partial date, very nice
cross above bold second date, VF+ with toned fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1156. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1700, sideways 8 for 00 in date. S-P42, KM-22, CT-851. 2.0 grams. Very bold date with curious
rendering of 00 as a sideways 8, full cross, crude edge, nicely toned VF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1157. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1701, posthumous Charles II, scarce. S-P42, CT-852. 1.2 grams. Date in legend, full but weak
monogram with partial second date below, Fine or so, scarce date (missing in Karon). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$60-$90.
1158. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1718, scarce. S-P43a, KM-27, CT-1890. 1.6 grams. Full 4-digit date below nearly full monogram,
incomplete cross, Fine with contrasting toning on fields, scarce date (missing in Sellschopp). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $40-$60.
1159. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, (1725-7), Louis I, scarce. S-P43b, KM-32. 1.7 grams. Full monogram and cross, typically
crude, Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1160. Potosí, Bolivia, cob 1/2 real, 1769, rare. S-P57, KM-41. 1.7 grams. Small thick flan with very bold date (very rare thus), good
cross, VF with toned fields. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
202
OTHER SILVER COBSDominican Republic
1161. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, copper 4 maravedís, Charles-Joanna, assayer not visible (F or oF), with
backwards S countermark for Jamaica (1/11 real, 1581-82), rare. S-SD1. 3.0 grams. Very bold countermark but little else
(corroded and weak), but the countermark is the most interesting part, as it is linked to a sordid episode in which the governor
of imported coins from Santo Domingo that cost him 1/25 real each yet he distributed at 1/11 real each! Estimate: $60-$90.
1162. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, copper 4 maravedís, Charles I (1558-1564), mintmark S-P, assayer F, very
rare. S-SD1, KM-50, CT-73. 4.8 grams. Seldom-seen “second” style of Caribbean coppers with nice full castle flanked by S-P in the
tressure and full lion above assayer F, much legend, dark-brown Fine+. Estimate: $300-$450.
1163. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, copper 4 maravedís, Charles I (1558-1564), mintmark S-P, assayer F, very
rare. S-SD1, KM-50, CT-73. 3.7 grams. “Second” type of coppers with (KAROLVS) OINTVS in legend, full castle flanked by S and
P, full lion with F under his belly, nice AVF with small edge-split. Estimate: $300-$450.
Colombia
1166. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 1/2 real, Philip IV, assayer
not visible, quadrants of cross typically transposed, scarce.
R-M16, KM-8. 1.6 grams. Nearly full cross, most of monogram,
worn (VG+) but with contrasting toning in crevices. Estimate:
$60-$90.
1167. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 1/2 real, Charles II
(“CARLOS” visible, but Philip monogram), assayer not
visible, quadrants of cross transposed, scarce. R-M54, KM-
A8. 1.2 grams. Nice full cross and monogram, bottom of CARLOS
in legend, REX where date should be, Fine with contrasting
toning. Estimate: $125-$200.
1164. Cartagena, Colombia, cob 8 reales, (16)3(0)E,
mintmark RN to left, rare. S-C3, CT-254. 27.3 grams. Big and
solid flan with super bold and full cross, nearly full and well-
detailed shield, full RNE, non-toned XF with parts of edge
crude. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
1165. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 1/2 real, Philip IV, assayer
not visible, lions and castles in proper quadrants, rare. R-
M16, KM-8. 1.2 grams. Partial date (hazy final digit, looks like a 2),
most of cross (Good or so) but practically blank (Fair)
monogram side. Estimate: $60-$90.
203
1168. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 1/4 real, early 1650s, very
rare denomination. R-M14, S-B7. 0.7 gram. With full lion on one
side, the castle side off-center and messy, silvery as salvaged
but with good toning, Fine or so for actual wear. Colombian
quarter reales like this can be dated by comparing the castle
and lion punches with the 8R of the same year, as the same
punches were used in the shield of the larger coin. In the case
of this coin, however, the punches match with several different
dates in the early 1650s. Estimate: $350-$500.
1169. Bogotá, Colombia, cob 1/4 real, (1657) by style, very
rare denomination, unique date (unlisted in Restrepo and
Lasser). R-M14, S-B7. 0.9 gram. Off-center Fine with full lion,
nearly full castle, some hairline scratches under nice toning,
datable to 1657 by matching with the 8R of the same year.
Estimate: $400-$600.
Panama
1170. Silver “plata corriente” money piece, Charles I (Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire), 38.3 grams, with tax
stamp showing, very rare. We have handled several shipwreck specimens of this erstwhile coinage (mostly eradicated after
minting began) broken off crude ingots, but never with clear portions of the king’s tax stamp, as you see on this piece, in fact a
double stamp on different levels (very lumpy, but a fairly substantial chunk), letters ER of IMPERATOR visible. Used and found
in Panama. Estimate: $250-$375.
1171. Silver “plata corriente” money piece, Charles I (Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire), 12.6 grams, with tax
stamp showing, very rare. Small, rectangular lump with tan sediment all over but faint tax stamp peeking through all of one
side. Used and found in Panama. Estimate: $150-$225.
1172. Silver “plata corriente” money piece, Charles I (Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire), 11.7 grams, with tax
stamp showing, very rare. Small, irregular lump with deep, bold stamp on one side that shows MPER of IMPERATOR. Used
and found in Panama. Estimate: $150-$225.
204
1173. Burgos, Spain, 1 real, Ferdinand-Isabel, with P countermark on reverse, extremely rare. 3.1 grams. Bold and deeply
impressed countermark that was only recently discovered and tentatively attributed to Panama, in fact believed to be the first
countermark of the Americas and from the period prior to the first Mexican coins in 1536 (but probably after the crowned-F
issues made in Spain specifically for importation to the New World, since the city of Panama was not founded by the Spaniards
until 1519). Note this is the first time this extremely rare issue has ever been offered at auction, specimens of which have been
found alongside similar coins with countermark C (probably for Castilla de Oro, the name for the region) in only two places: In
land finds in Panama, and on a ca.-1556 wreck off Cuba dubbed the “Ines de Soto wreck.” Choice VF with full Gothic legends
and inner details, lightly toned in crevices. Estimate: $500-$1,000.
1174. Seville, Spain, copper 4 maravedís, Ferdinand-Isabel,
struck for use New World, rare. CT-638. 6.7 grams. Lightly
corroded and patinated but with clear crowned Y and F on
one side and crowned F on the other side, full Gothic legends,
VF for actual wear. Estimate: $125-$200.
1175. Burgos, Spain, copper 2 maravedís, Ferdinand-
Isabel, struck for use New World, rare. CT-533. 3.1 grams. Nice
XF with dark brown toning all over, full inner details (crowned
Y and F on one side and crowned F between B’s and ringlets
on other side) and full Gothic legends. Estimate: $125-$200.
1176. Panama City, Panama, cob 4 reales, Philip II, assayer (o)B to left, AP-4 to right, extremely rare and finest
known. S-AP4. 13.7 grams. Recently discovered specimen (adding to the estimated 50 examples across all the denominations) with
choice full inner details and much legend, including full crown, the cross and shield especially choice, AXF with beautiful light
toning on fields, bold assayer B (note how it was contrived, as no B-punch was available), a match with Proctor #4R.6B but light
years better in quality, in fact the finest of all the known Panama cob 4 reales. Estimate: $5,000-$7,500.
205
1177. Panama City, Panama, cob 4 reales, Philip II, assayer (o)B to left below AP, very rare. S-AP4, KM-4. 5.7 grams. The
polar opposite to the last lot, this is perhaps the worst-known specimen, as well over half the flan has been eaten away from
corrosion, but what is left is actually very clear and high grade (XF, darkly but evenly toned), enough to match this piece with
Proctor #4R.1B, potentially a good opportunity to get a Panama cob on the cheap. From a ca.-1590 wreck off the Yucatan peninsula
of Mexico. Estimate: $500-$1,000.
1178. Panama City, Panama, cob 1/2 real, Philip II, AP to left, P to right, M below monogram, very rare. S-AP2, KM-1,
CT-720. 1.6 grams. Very choice high-grade specimen (matching Proctor #HR.3PM, to which our specimen is far superior) with
bold AP, clear P and M, nice full crown and monogram, exquisite full cross-lions-castles, lightly toned AU, very likely the finest
known (although the half reales typically come nicer than the larger denominations). Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
Guatemala
1179. Guatemala, crown countermark (1663) on a Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip III, assayer T. KM-B1.3, CT-Type 175.
5.3 grams. In response to the debasement scandal in Potosí, it was necessary to countermark the old shield-type 2 reales that were
circulating in Guatemala, and now these countermarks are highly sought by Central American collectors. Bold and nearly full
countermark on well-worn and underweight host (VG, possibly clipped and then further circulated). Estimate: $125-$200.
1180. Guatemala, crown countermark (1663) on a Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip IV, assayer T. KM-B1.4, CT-Type 175.
6.7 grams. Choice countermark, full and bold, on typically worn host (About Fine), desirable issue among Central American
collectors. Estimate: $125-$200.
1181. Guatemala, crown countermark (1663) on a Potosí, Bolivia, cob 2 reales, Philip IV, assayer not visible. KM-B1.4,
CT-Type 175. 6.0 grams. Very choice, full countermark with lovely toning in crevices, the host coin quite worn (Fair) and with crude
hole at edge, desirable issue among Central American collectors. Estimate: $125-$200.
1182. Guatemala City, Guatemala, cob 8 reales, 1740J, with
sun-over-mountains countermark of Guatemala (Type II,
1839) on shield side. S-G1, KM-6, CT-599. 27.1 grams. Choice
specimen for type with full and well-detailed shield with deep
countermark in full crown, bold denomination 8, nearly full
pillars-and-worlds, full mintmark G, richly toned AVF, rare
without hole. Estimate: $250-$375.
206
1183. Guatemala City, Guatemala, cob 8 reales, 1752J, encapsulated NGC F-12. S-G1a, KM-12, CT-284. Bold date below nice
full crown and worlds, weaker shield side, richly toned all over and rare without hole. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$250-$375.
1184. Guatemala City, Guatemala, cob 2 reales, 1739J, bubble hole in metal. S-G1, KM-4, CT-1171. 6.6 grams. Very curious coin
with large natural bubble hole (also drilled at top for wearing), choice full shield and most of crown, 100% full date and pillar and
mintmark, AVF for the issue. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1185. Guatemala City, Guatemala, cob 1 real, 1733J, rare first year of issue. S-G1, KM-3, CT-1455. 3.1 grams. Round flan with
full shield, flanked by assayer J and denomination I, bold full date below nearly full pillars-and-worlds, crude hole at edge per the
norm, richly toned Fine. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1186. Guatemala City, Guatemala, cob 1 real, (1)737J. S-G1, KM-3, CT-1459. 3.2 grams. Bold crown and worlds between pillars
above bold 737 of date and G mintmark, good but off-center shield with denomination I, richly toned Fine, rare without hole.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1187. Guatemala City, Guatemala, cob 1/2 real, 1736J, scarce. S-G1, KM-2, CT-1739. 1.5 grams. Full date below pillars, crown
and worlds, off-center shield, toned AVG, rare without hole. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1188. Guatemala City, Guatemala, cob 1/2 real, 1748J, scarce. S-G1a, KM-8, CT-617. 1.5 grams. Full date below pillars and
crowned worlds, full mintmark G, bold king’s ordinal VI outside assayer J to left of most of crowned shield, lightly toned About
Fine, rare without hole. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
Spain
1189. Seville, Spain, 4 reales, Ferdinand-Isabel, Gothic P
assayer to right of yoke, encapsulated PCGS AU-58. CT-
211. Very choice high grade (effectively Mint State), lustrous
and perfectly detailed with most of legends and full shield and
yoke-and-arrows. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$500-$750.
1190. Seville, Spain, 4 reales, Ferdinand-Isabel, assayer
Gothic P to right of yoke. CT-211. 13.6 grams. Typically nicely
detailed full shield and yoke-and-arrows, some legend, including
a nearly full FERNAND(VS), choice full crown, AXF.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1191. Seville, Spain, 2 reales, Ferdinand-Isabel, S to left
on obverse, * on reverse. CT-266. 6.6 grams. Out-of-round shape
and slightly uneven strike, with some bold legend, full inner
details, AVF overall. Estimate: $80-$120.
207
1192. Seville, Spain, 1 real, Ferdinand-Isabel, S to left and right of yoke and arrows. CT-unlisted. 3.2 grams. Crisply detailed
XF with nice full shield and arrows, one bold mintmark S, some bold legend, darkly toned in crevices. Estimate: $90-$135.
1193. Seville, Spain, 1 real, Ferdinand-Isabel, S to left, * to right on reverse. CT-359. 3.3 grams. Round flan with typically nice
strike, Fine for wear. Estimate: $60-$90.
1194. Burgos, Spain, 1/2 real, Ferdinand-Isabel, B below yoke. CT-422. 1.3 grams. Bold B below weak yoke, full arrows, much
legend (Gothic lettering), Fine with spots of dark toning. Estimate: $60-$90.
1195. Burgos, Spain, 1/2 real, Ferdinand-Isabel, B below yoke, basket before cross-crosslet in obverse legend. CT-425.
1.4 grams. Full Gothic legends around nice full yoke with bold B, weaker arrows (still full), Fine with nice toning. Estimate: $60-
$90.
1196. Seville, Spain, 1/2 real, Ferdinand-Isabel, * and S below yoke. CT-470. 1.7 grams. Bold full yoke with * and S below, bold
full arrows, some legend, XF with orange sediment around details. Estimate: $80-$120.
1197. Mixed lot of Spain 1 real and 1/2 real, Ferdinand-Isabel. 3.2 and 1.3 grams. Two coins of the same issue, the 1R intact
but dark and oxidized, the half real with most of the same type of oxidation removed (showing generally nice details) but with
chips in edge. Estimate: $60-$90.
1198. Spain (mint uncertain, probably Burgos), copper 4 maravedís, Ferdinand-Isabel. 7.1 grams. Large, almost squarish
flan with full lion on one side, flat where castle should be on the other side, Gothic legends, dark brown, AVG for wear.
Estimate: $40-$60.
1199. Cuenca, Spain, copper blanca, Ferdinand-Isabel, C to left, oP to right of crowned F. CT-590. 1.3 grams. Cute little
specimen of a common type, with choice full inner details (lightly patinated), some legend, very dark brown fields, VF. Estimate:
$30-$45.
1200. Lot of 16 Spanish (various mints) copper blancas, Ferdinand-Isabel. 0.6
to 1.7 grams each. Crowned F on obverse, crowned Y on reverse, Gothic legends, small
and thin coins but with pretty details highlighted by toning and light-tan sediment,
VF on average, popular as “Columbus’ pocket change”! Estimate: $200-$300.
1201. Pamplona, Spain, 1 real, Ferdinand II. CT-116. 3.1 grams. Distinctive design
with full and well-detailed crown above shield,
black-encrusted cross on the other side, much
legend, XF for actual wear. Estimate: $70-$100.
208
1202. Seville, Spain, cob 8 reales, 163(?)R. 26.7 grams. Choice
full shield with beautifully crisp details, •R-S to left, choice
bold cross-lions-castles, 163 of date at 6 o’clock, lustrous XF.
Estimate: $75-$110.
1203. Seville, Spain, cob 8 reales, (16)47R, very rare. CT-
unlisted (Type 127). 27.1 grams. Very thick, squarish flan with bold
full shield and cross, •S-R• to left, clear 47 of date at 1 o’clock
(missing in Calicó), non-toned AVF. With Kenneth Aiken certificate
as being from the Concepción (1641) but not a shipwreck coin at all.
Estimate: $100-$200.
1204. Spain (mint uncertain), cob 2 reales, 1627, assayer
not visible, rare. 6.4 grams. Crude strike on an odd-shaped flan,
much flatness but the date above the cross is full, Fine with
deeply toned fields. Estimate: $75-$110.
1205. Spain (mint uncertain), cob 2 reales, Philip IV. 6.7
grams. Nice full shield, choice but off-center full cross, AXF.
With Kenneth Aiken certificate as being from the Concepción (1641)
but not a shipwreck coin at all. Estimate: $50-$75.
1206. Spain (mint uncertain), cob 1/2 real, Philip IV. 1.3
grams. Chunky little piece with full monogram and choice full
cross-lions-castles, good for studying against Colombian cobs
(which it resembles), VF with dusty fields. Estimate: $50-$75.
1207. Spain (mint uncertain), copper 8 maravedís, 1636,
two countermarks on a Ferdinand-Isabel 4 maravedís, in
shadow-box display. Very large coin for its type with bold
legends and most of the inner details covered by VIII (8
maravedís) and 1636 countermarks, dark-brown AVF with edge-
split, other side of coin pasted to matte inside the display, which
measures about 9" x 9" x 1". In wood-framed glass shadow box with
certificate inside. Estimate: $35-$50.
Please place absentee bids at
www.iCollector.com/sedwick
(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)Want to see your collection here? Consign
to our Treasure Auction #7 (spring, 2010),
deadline January 31
Any questions? Please email us
at info@sedwickcoins.com
or call (407) 975-3325
209
WORLD SILVER COINSArgentina (Republic)
1208. La Rioja, Argentina, 2 soles, 1826-P, encapsulated
NGC AU-55, medal alignment. KM-18. Starting to tone
around details, weak strike on PROVIN and same place on
other side. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-
$225.
1209. Cordoba, Argentina, 2 reales, 1844, encapsulated
NGC AU-58. KM-23. Beautifully rainbow-toned, slightly off-
center strike. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $275-
$400.
1210. Argentina, peso, 1882. KM-29. 25.1 grams. Highly lustrous
(lightly cleaned) AU. Estimate: $350-$450.
Argentina (New France/Patagonia)
1212. Patagonia and Araucania (New France), copper pattern 2 centavos,
King Orllie-Antoine, 1874. KM-X1. 10.0 grams. Lustrous UNC with original fields
ranging from medium copper to dull gray-brown, interesting issue that hails from
the brief but fascinating reign of Orllie-Antoine I, who with French support had
himself crowned king by the Indian chiefs below the 42nd parallel, a fantasy kingdom
recognized only by France (where this coin was struck, in Paris) and soon overrun
by the government of Argentina. Estimate: $350-$450.
1211. Argentina, 20 centavos, 1882, encapsulated NGC MS-
61. KM-27. Very lustrous, with hint of yellow toning at about 4
o’clock on the obverse. Estimate: $75-$110.
Bolivia (colonial)
Pillars
1213. Potosí, Bolivia, pillar 8 reales, Charles III, 1770JR.
KM-50, CT-972. 26.6 grams. Deeply and richly toned XF, rather
nice. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $325-$475.
1214. Potosí, Bolivia, pillar 4 reales, Charles III, 1768JR.
KM-49, CT-1168. 13.0 grams. AVF with some weakness, slightly off-
center strike, minimal toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $200-$300.
210
1215. Potosí, Bolivia, pillar 4 reales, Charles III, 1769JR, fancy 9, hooked 6. KM-49, CT-1170. 13.0 grams. Beautifully toned
AVF with faint scuffing on pillars and waves. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1216. Potosí, Bolivia, pillar 2 reales, Charles III, 1769JR, round 9. KM-48, CT-1379. 6.6 grams. VF+ with minor rim-bump, faint
toning. Estimate: $100-$150.
1217. Potosí, Bolivia, pillar 1 real, Charles III, 1769JR, fancy 9. KM-47, CT-1593. 3.1 grams. Nicely toned Fine, weak above
shield. Estimate: $70-$100.
1218. Potosí, Bolivia, pillar 1/2 real, Charles III, 1767JR. KM-46, CT-1794. 1.6 grams. AVF with subtle, attractive toning, full rim
on pillars side only. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
Busts
1219. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles III, 1774JR.
KM-55, CT-974. 26.8 grams. Evenly toned VF+, slightly irregular
edge (as made). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-
$120.
1220. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles III, 1776PR,
encapsulated NGC MS-62, accompanied by an original
Spanish colonial document from Bolivia dated 1776. CT-
883, KM-55, CT-977. Rare grade of a very desirable date, in fact
the best specimen we have ever offered of this highly popular
date, very lustrous and perfectly detailed, slightly off-center
strike, an eye-catching coin to be sure, packaged with an original
document of 29 pages, with seals, dated at the end July 8, 1776.
This lengthy legal document (begun in October 9, 1771)
concerns a trial over properties and sale of land and products,
with the later part 5 years later showing the official succession
of these things to the owner’s widow and others, with “un
quartillo” and 4 official seals (like modern “doc stamps”) at the
top and top left of 2 sheets dated 1758-9, 1762-4 (with city
name “POTOSY”) and 1771-2 and bearing the names and arms
of Ferdinand VI and Charles III, plus a blank sheet at the end
with “un real” above only a 1780-1 seal with arms of Charles
III arms, but significantly hand-dated July 8, 1776 (four days
after the U.S. Declaration of Independence!), just above the
signatures at the end, the script very legible and tighter than in
earlier years, the pages themselves in great condition, with some
of the original binding string still attached. Estimate: $1,500-
$2,250.
211
1221. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles III, 1777PR.
KM-55, CT-978. 26.8 grams. Deeply toned AVF with weak part
below center on reverse, natural flaw in edge. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1222. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles III, 1779PR.
KM-55, CT-980. 26.8 grams. Lustrous AXF, incipient colorful toning.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1223. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles III, 1780/9PR.
KM-55, CT-981. 27.0 grams. Lustrous XF+, starting to tone around
details. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1224. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles III, 1781PR.
KM-55, CT-984. 27.0 grams. Bold VF with light, even toning. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1225. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles III, 1787PR.
KM-55, CT-995. 26.6 grams. Slightly crude Fine with very light
toning, off-center obverse. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1226. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles IV transitional
(bust of Charles III, ordinal IV), 1790PR. KM-64, CT-711.
26.7 grams. Fine+ with crude rims (as made), deeply toned
legends. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1227. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 8 reales, Charles IV, 1806PJ.
KM-73, CT-730. 27.0 grams. VF with weak center on obverse, very
rich toning all over, especially nice contrast on reverse.
Estimate: $40-$60.
R.I.P.
Mark Bir
1961-2009
212
1228. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 4 reales, Charles III, 1773JR,
wide date. KM-54, CT-1173. 13.5 grams. Richly toned VF with full
rims, rather nice. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$110-$175.
1229. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 4 reales, Charles III, 1774JR.
KM-54, CT-1175. 13.5 grams. Attractively rainbow-toned VF+ with
full rims. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-
$225.
1230. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 4 reales, Charles III, 1775JR.
KM-54, CT-1176. 13.3 grams. Richly but slightly unevenly toned
XF. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1231. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 4 reales, Charles III, 1776JR,
desirable date. KM-54, CT-1177. 12.8 grams. Pleasing Fine with
attractively even toning around rims, nice strike with honest
wear. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
1232. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 4 reales, Charles III, 1777PR.
KM-54, CT-1179. 13.1 grams. VF, very slightly off-center, with nice
toning that darkens significantly around the letters (good
contrast). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1233. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 1 real, Charles III, 1776PR,
desirable date. KM-52, CT-1601. 3.3 grams. Lustrous XF with
slightly weak bust, starting to tone. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1234. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 1/2 real, Charles IV, 1808PI (not
J), encapsulated NGC MS-63. KM-unlisted, CT-unlisted. Lustrous
and problem-free, no toning, rare grade and desirable pedigree,
also an unlisted assayer (the second letter clearly an I and not a
J). Pedigreed to the Whittier collection (printed inside the slab). Estimate:
$250-$375.
1235. Potosí, Bolivia, bust 1/2 real,
Ferdinand VII, 1821PJ, encapsulated
NGC MS-64. KM-90, CT-1374. Highly
lustrous and choice, rare grade and
desirable pedigree. Pedigreed to the Whittier collection (printed inside
the slab). Estimate: $225-$350.
1236. Potosí, Bolivia, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1797. KM-82, CT-
1412. 0.9 gram. Toned VF, no problems. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
213
Bolivia (Republic)
1237. Potosí, Bolivia, 8 soles, 1861FJ. KM-138.6. 20.0 grams.
Bold, lustrous XF, no toning. Estimate: $70-$100.
1238. Potosí, Bolivia, 8 soles, 1863FP, encapsulated NGC
AU-58. KM-138.6. Lustrous and starting to tone nicely.
Estimate: $125-$200.
1239. Potosí, Bolivia, 50 centavos, 1899MM, encapsulated
NGC MS-63. KM-161.5. Lustrous and slightly frosty, with very
subtle incipient toning. Estimate: $60-$90.
Brazil
1240. Rio, Brazil, 960 reis, 1819-R, struck over a Lima,
Peru, bust 8 reales, 1815(JP). KM-326.1. 26.1 grams. Fascinating
and desirable specimen with the under-coin’s full date 1815
visible above and slightly left of the new crown, plus IND
REX and Lima mintmark at about 1-2 o’clock on the other
side, lustrous AU with subtle toning. Estimate: $400-$600.
1241. Brazil, 2000 reis, 1863, encapsulated NGC MS-62.
KM-466. Nice specimen with muted luster and light, even toning.
Estimate: $150-$225.
British Virgin Islands
1242. British Virgin Islands, $20, 1985, with picture of a
Lima 8R cob on reverse. KM-66. 19.0 grams. Modern proof
coin of 0.925 fine silver, desirable to cob collectors because
the reverse shows the cross side of a Lima cob 8 reales (Queen
Elizabeth II on obverse). Estimate: $25-$40.
214
Chile (colonial)
1243. Santiago, Chile, bust 4 reales, Ferdinand VII, 1813FJ.
KM-67, CT-807. 12.8 grams. Fine with deeply contrasting toning all
over, good rims but off-center reverse. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1244. Santiago, Chile, bust 2 reales, Charles III, 1788DA.
KM-30, CT-1431. 6.5 grams. Evenly toned VF with weak bust, off-
center reverse, attractive. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $50-$75.
1245. Santiago, Chile, bust 1 real, Ferdinand VII
transitional (bust of Charles IV, FERDIN/CAROLVS),
1809/8FJ, rare. KM-65, CT-unlisted. 3.0 grams. Curious transitional
issue (rare), with faint and slightly uneven toning, About Fine
for wear. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-
$225.
1246. Santiago, Chile, bust 1/4 real, Charles IV (bust of
Charles III, ordinal IIII), 1791. KM-46, CT-1448. 0.9 gram.
Lustrous AXF, starting to tone around rims, natural planchet
irregularity where date is. Estimate: $100-$150.
1247. Santiago, Chile, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1803. KM-63, CT-
1458. 0.7 gram. Fine with subtle, even toning. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $35-$50.
1248. Santiago, Chile, 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1817. KM-
73, CT-1502. 0.8 gram. Bold XF with attractive contrast, incomplete
rims (as made). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-
$100.
1249. Santiago, Chile, 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1818/8/6.
KM-73, CT-1503. 1.1 grams. Lustrous and subtly rainbow-toned XF
with incomplete rims (as made). Estimate: $80-$120.
1250. Lot of 3 Santiago, Chile, 1/4 reales, Charles IV: 1790,
1791, and 1807. 2.2 grams total. Crude VG, nice Fine and About
Fine, all more or less toned. Estimate: $60-$90.
215
Chile (Republic)
1251. Valparaiso, Chile, mountains over VALP countermark (1833) on an
Argentina (Potosí) 4 reales, 1815F, extremely rare. KM-A112. 13.1 grams. For
the serious Latin American collector, this fascinating countermarked issue is so
rare that only 2 are known, and this is considered the finer, with clear but doubled
(rotated) countermark with volcano and another mountain over the letters VALP
for Valparaiso on a lightly toned and slightly lustrous VF host. This coin was
originally struck at the Potosí mint after it was taken over (for a second time, the
first time in 1813) by the independent government of the Provinces of Rio de la
Plata (later Argentina) in 1815. In 1824 the design of this coin was used again at
the La Rioja mint in Argentina, but the La Rioja coins were found to be of lower
fineness, and Chile banned them in 1832. The 1813 and 1815 Potosí issues were
still legal, however, and needed to be countermarked to show their status. Six treasury offices in Chile (Chiloe, Concepción, La
Serena, Santiago, Valdivia and Valparaiso) were given authority and punches to countermark the coins, and all of these marks are
rare today, but particularly the Valparaiso mark. Only 2 specimens are known in this size, the present coin and an 1815 4 soles
(not 4 reales), which makes our coin effectively unique as a type. Estimate: $6,500-$8,500.
1255. Santiago, Chile, 8 reales, 1848JM. KM-96.2. 26.9 grams.
Lustrous XF+ with very minor rim bumps, uneven but colorful
toning. Estimate: $400-$600.
1256. Santiago, Chile, peso, 1878. KM-142.1. 25.0 grams.
Problem-free XF with subtle luster and rainbow toning.
Estimate: $50-$75.
1252. Santiago, Chile, “volcano” peso, 1817FJ. KM-82.2. 27.0
grams. Lustrous XF with light, even toning, no problems.
Estimate: $400-$600.
1253. Santiago, Chile, “volcano” peso, 1820FD. KM-82.2.
27.0 grams. Beautifully rainbow-toned AU, lustrous, with faint
hairlines on fields from cleaning. Estimate: $500-$750.
1254. Santiago, Chile, “volcano” 1 real, 1834IJ. KM-91. 3.5 grams. Evenly gray-
toned AXF with hairlines on fields from old cleaning. Estimate: $100-$150.
216
1257. Santiago, Chile, peso, 1884. KM-142.1. 25.0 grams.
Lustrous UNC with ribbon of subtle pink toning across centers.
Estimate: $80-$120.
1258. Santiago, Chile, décimo, 1870/60, encapsulated
NGC MS-63. KM-136.2. Lustrous, with faint incipient toning
around rims. Estimate: $90-$135.
1259. Santiago, Chile, décimo, 1894/3, encapsulated NGC
MS-65. KM-136.3. Prooflike and highly lustrous, rare grade.
Estimate: $90-$135.
1260. Santiago, Chile, pattern 1 peso in nickel, 1933, rare.
KM-PnA59. 10.0 grams. Mint State and highly lustrous, unpriced in
KM. Estimate: $200-$300.
Chile (revolutionary)
1261. Copiapó, Chile, peso, (1859), inverted star. KM-2.3.
22.3 grams. A very spartan, uniface issue by revolutionary Pedro
León Gallo with (inverted) star in shield in center and “I.P”
(for one peso) in oval near rim, gray-toned VF or so, popular
and underpriced in KM. Estimate: $125-$200.
Colombia (colonial)
1262. Bogotá, Colombia, 2 reales, Charles III, 1772VJ (mintmark N•R, assayer V•J). KM-47, R-42.2, CT-1410. 6.4 grams.
Nicely toned AVG, desirable first year of issue. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1263. Popayán, Colombia, bust 2 reales, Ferdinand VII (bust of Charles IV), 1811JF. KM-70.2, R-114.3, CT-unlisted (cf. 975). 6.7
grams. Attractively toned VF on a slightly oval-shaped flan (with crude rims to match). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$75-$110.
1264. Bogotá, Colombia, bust 2 reales, Ferdinand VII (bust of Charles IV), 1816FJ. KM-70.1, R-113.3, CT-1009. 6.5 grams.
Evenly toned About Fine with crude rims (as made). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
217
1265. Bogotá, Colombia, 2 reales, Ferdinand VII (bust of Charles IV), 1819FJ (wide date). KM-70.1, R-113.9a, CT-1012. 6.4
grams. Fine+ with lovely toning, no problems. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $35-$50.
1266. Popayán, Colombia, bust 1 real, Charles III, 1772JS, rare. KM-46.2, R-40.4, CT-1575. 3.2 grams. Yellow-toned About Fine
with 2 old, crude holes at top (one big, one small), rare one-year type and first date of issue. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $30-$45.
1267. Bogotá, Colombia, bust 1 real, Charles IV, 1796JJ. KM-58, R-78.16, CT-1188. 2.7 grams. Nicely toned Fine, part of edge
crude, possible 6/5 overdate (unlisted). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1268. Bogotá, Colombia, bust 1 real, Charles IV, 1798JJ. KM-58, R-78.24, CT-1190. 3.1 grams. AVG with scratches, dark brown
and black toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1269. Bogotá, Colombia, bust 1 real, Charles IV, 1802JJ. KM-58, R-78.38, CT-1193. 2.9 grams. Nicely toned but off-center Fine,
scarce date. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1270. Popayán, Colombia, bust 1 real, Ferdinand VII, 1810JF. KM-68.2, R-112.1, CT-1190. 3.3 grams. Typically broad Fine with
full rims, minimal toning, no problems. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1271. Bogotá, Colombia, bust 1 real, Ferdinand VII, 1816FJ. KM-68.1, R-111.9, CT-1211. 2.8 grams. Nicely toned VG with weak
pillars and bust, scarce date. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $30-$45.
1272. Bogotá, Colombia, bust 1 real, Ferdinand VII, 1819FJ, inverted J. KM-68.1, R-111.18, CT-1215. 3.1 grams. About Fine with
deep toning in a range of dark colors, off-center strike. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $35-$50.
1273. Popayán, Colombia, bust 1/2 real, Charles III, 1774JS, rare. KM-45.2, R-34.2, CT-1783. 1.5 grams. Bold VG with hole at
top, no toning, one-year type. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1274. Popayán, Colombia, bust 1/2 real, Ferdinand VII, 1810JF. KM-69.2, R-107.1, CT-1367. 1.6 grams. Nicely toned About Fine
with hole at top and punchmark at bottom. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $20-$30.
1275. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/4 real, Charles III or IV, no date or mintmark or assayer (1770-95), pillar 8R castle, bust 8R
lion. KM-unlisted, R-2.1a, CT-unlisted. 1.0 gram. Lustrous UNC, off-center strike but good rims. Estimate: $125-$200.
1276. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/4 real, Charles III or IV, no date or mintmark or assayer (1770-95), bust 8R castle and lion.
KM-unlisted, R-2.2, CT-unlisted. 0.8 gram. Nicely toned and perfectly centered AU with full rims. Estimate: $125-$200.
218
1277. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1799/8. KM-63, R-75.7, CT-1432. 1.0 gram. Highly lustrous XF+ on a broad flan.
Estimate: $100-$150.
1278. Bogotá, Colombia, bust 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1812. KM-67.1, R-100.7, CT-1483. 0.8 gram. AVF with subtle toning,
somewhat oval flan with crude rims to match. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1279. Popayán, Colombia, bust 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1816. KM-67.1, R-100.15, CT-1487. 1.0 gram. AU with beautiful deep
toning, off-center strike. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
Colombia (provisional/royalist)
1280. Santa Marta, Colombia, Ferdinand VII, copper 1/4 real, 1813. KM-C2, R-103.1, CT-1666. 2.3 grams. Bold VF+, dark and
even brown color. Estimate: $100-$150.
1281. Santa Marta, Colombia, Ferdinand VII, copper 1/4 real, 1820, encapsulated NGC AU-55BN. KM-B4, R-104.1, CT-
1668. Uneven strike but good details, dark brown in color. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1282. Santa Marta, Colombia, Ferdinand VII, copper 1/4 real, 1820. KM-B4, R-104.1, CT-1668. 1.8 grams. Nice AXF, a bit off-
center, chocolate brown with contrasting dark toning. Estimate: $100-$150.
Colombia (provisional/pre-Republic)
1283. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 real, 1813JF, “Libertad Americana” issue. KM-F1, R-133.1. 2.0 grams. Popular first republican issue,
VG with typically weak head but bold legends, subtly toned. Estimate: $150-$225.
1284. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/2 real, 1814JF, “Libertad Americana” issue, rare. KM-D3, R-132.1. 1.0 gram. Popular first republican
issue (and rare one-year type in this denomination), VG with weak top of reverse, also holed at top. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1285. Cartagena, Colombia, copper 2 reales, 1814, rare. KM-D1, R-136.3a. 3.6 grams. First republican issue, typically crude VF
(for the type) with some original copper-orange color in crevices (otherwise an even brown), rare but barely visible date. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1286. Cartagena, Colombia, copper 1/2 real, 1812. KM-D2, R-131.2. 3.4 grams. First republican
issue, typically crude AVF with odd pink sediment on even brown surfaces. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
219
Colombia (Republic/Cundinamarca)
1287. Bogotá, Colombia, 8 reales, 1820JF. KM-C6, R-157.1.
23.6 grams. Very attractive strike and even toning all over, VF for
issue, minor rim-nick. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection.
Estimate: $100-$150.
1288. Bogotá, Colombia, 8 reales, 1820JF. KM-C6, R-157.1.
24.2 grams. Fine for issue with nice dark toning in legends, small
rim-flaw, slightly weak centers. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1289. Bogotá, Colombia, 8 reales, 1821JF, no Ba, scarce.
KM-C6, R-157.3. 22.6 grams. Non-toned About Fine for issue,
typically weak around the centers, full rims. Pedigreed to the Herman
Blanton collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1290. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/2 real, 1821BAJF. KM-F8, R-149.1.
1.3 grams. Bold VF for issue with contrasting toning around
letters but crudely holed behind head. Pedigreed to the Herman
Blanton collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1291. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/4 real, 1821BA. KM-79.2, R-145.3.
0.7 gram. Somewhat blue-toned XF, very nice for the issue, which
is scarce, with BA to left and 1/4 to right. Pedigreed to the Herman
Blanton collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1292. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/4 real, 1821. KM-79.1, R-145.2. 0.8
gram. VF, nice strike on a large flan, scarce issue, the
denomination split (flanking cap). Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
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220
Colombia (Republic of Colombia)
1293. Bogotá, Colombia, 8 reales, 1835, with Philippines
countermark Y•II (Isabel II, 1834-37). Host: KM-89, R-158.5;
c/m: KM-109. 26.9 grams. Nice XF (both host and countermark)
with very subtle toning, full rims. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1294. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 real, 1827R(R). KM-87.1, R-153.2.
2.5 grams. Nicely toned AVF with natural planchet flaw and
weakness in centers. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection.
Estimate: $40-$60.
1295. Popayán, Colombia, 1 real, 1828MP, unlisted assayer.
KM-unlisted (cf. 87.2), R-unlisted (cf. 154). 2.7 grams. Richly toned VF
with a few old scratches, very bold assayer that should be MF
(P is unlisted and presumably very rare). Pedigreed to the Herman
Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$100.
1296. Popayán, Colombia, 1 real, 1828RU. KM-87.2, R-154.4. 2.8 grams. Off-center AXF with lovely, mostly yellowish toning.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1297. Popayán, Colombia, 1 real, 1829RU, with countermark R in retrograde (Ecuador?). KM-87.2, R-154.10. 2.7 grams. Off-
center AVF, starting to tone, with very bold countermark that we have seen attributed to Ecuador. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1298. Popayán, Colombia, 1 real, 1831RU. KM-87.2, R-154.14. 3.0 grams. Subtly toned AVF with minor planchet irregularities.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1299. Popayán, Colombia, 1/4 real, 1826RU. KM-85.3, R-147.1. 0.7 gram. Richly toned VF, very nice, scarce issue. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $150-$275.
Colombia (Republic of New Granada)
1301. Bogotá, Colombia, 8 reales, 1839RS. KM-98, R-194.1.
23.2 grams. Lustrous XF+, unusually nice for this issue. Pedigreed
to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1300. Bogotá, Colombia, 10 reales, 1848. KM-107, R-196.3.
24.2 grams. Nicely toned VF with very weak center on reverse,
as is typical. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate:
$70-$100.
221
1302. Bogotá, Colombia, 8 reales, 1843RS. KM-98, R-194.9.
22.7 grams. Lightly toned VF+ with minor planchet laminations.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1303. Bogotá, Colombia, 8 reales, 1846RS. KM-98, R-194.15.
23.4 grams. Nice VF+ with faint yellow toning, part of rims weak.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1304. Bogotá, Colombia, 8 reales, 1847, small diameter.
KM-106, R-195.1. 19.7 grams. Faintly blue-toned VF with no rims,
actually an “in-between” size of planchet (34 mm). Pedigreed to
the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1305. Bogotá, Colombia, pattern 8 reales, 1847. KM-Pn4, R-
p.188. 16.1 grams. VF with several small rim-bumps and nicks,
even light-brown color. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1306. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1855/1. KM-118, R-198.1. 24.7
grams. Choice VF with elegant contrasting toning. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1307. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1855. KM-118, R-198.2. 24.9
grams. AVF with subtle toning, several small rim-flaws. Pedigreed
to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1308. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1856/5. KM-118, R-198.3. 24.8
grams. Deeply toned VF, attractive, clear overdate. Pedigreed to
the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1309. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1857. KM-118, R-198.6. 25.2
grams. Richly toned AXF with part of rim crude. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
222
1310. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1858. KM-118, R-198.9. 24.6
grams. Attractively toned AVF. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1311. Bogotá, Colombia, 2 reales, 1849. KM-105, R-190.5. 5.0
grams. Lustrous AU, no toning, with some elements in shield
weak (practically UNC otherwise). Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1312. Popayán, Colombia, 1/2 real, 1846/5UE. KM-96.2, R-
178.22. 1.3 grams. Nicely toned AVF with weak centers, slightly
off-center strike, scarce issue. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1313. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/4 real, 1837, dot after Bogotá.
KM-90.1, R-172.1a. 0.8 gram. Nice VF, scarce issue. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1314. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/4 real, 1838. KM-90.1, R-172.3. 0.7
gram. Choice XF+ with rainbow toning, very nice, scarce issue.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1315. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/4 real, 1845, unlisted variety
with no top crossbar on T. KM-unlisted (cf. 90.1), R-unlisted (cf.
172.17). 0.6 gram. Lightly toned UNC, quite attractive, scarce issue.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1316. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/4 real, 1846. KM-90.1, R-172.19. 0.6
gram. Rainbow-toned XF, slightly off-center strike, very pretty,
scarce issue. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate:
$200-$300.
1317. Bogotá, Colombia, 1/4 real, 1847, 6-point star, large
letters. KM-90.1, R-172.21a. 0.6 gram. AVF with subtle toning, scarce
issue. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-
$75.
1318. Popayán, Colombia, 1/4 real, 1849. KM-108.2, R-175.1.
1.0 gram. Nice AXF, no problems, scarce issue. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1319. Popayán, Colombia, 1/4 real, 1850. KM-108.2, R-175.3.
0.8 gram. XF, nice, no problems, scarce issue. Pedigreed to the Herman
Blanton collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
223
Colombia (Granadine Confederation)
1320. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1859. KM-226, R-226.2. 24.5
grams. Slightly crude VF (as made) with subtle toning. Pedigreed
to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1321. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1859. KM-126, R-226.2. 24.6
grams. Nice VF with partially weak rims. Pedigreed to the Herman
Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1322. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1860. KM-126, R-226.4. 24.8
grams. Non-toned AVF with weak center of arms. Pedigreed to
the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1323. Popayán, Colombia, 2 reales, 1862, 6/sideways 6 in
date. KM-134, R-225.3. 4.8 grams. Lustrous AXF, starting to tone
nicely, 1-year type, curious overdate that Restrepo calls 6/5.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
Colombia (United States of New Granada)
1324. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 décimo, 1861. KM-unlisted, R-242.1.
2.4 grams. Nicely toned AXF, rare 1-year type (unlisted in KM).
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
Colombia (United States of Colombia)
1325. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1862. KM-139.1, R-315.1. 24.7
grams. Lightly toned AVF with minor rim-flaw. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1326. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1863. KM-139.1, R-315.2. 24.9
grams. Richly toned AXF, nice. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
224
1327. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1864. KM-139.1, R-315.3. 24.7
grams. VF+ with attractive light toning, slightly crude rim (as
made). Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-
$75.
1328. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1866. KM-139.1, R-315.5. 24.7
grams. Nice VF-XF, somewhat lustrous, faint golden toning.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1329. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1867. KM-139.1, R-315.6. 24.7
grams. Attractively toned XF with subtle mint luster. Pedigreed to
the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1330. Medellín, Colombia, 1 peso, 1869, re-punched date,
dollar-punches. KM-154.2, R-318.1. 24.9 grams. Lustrous and
silvery XF with weak condor and parts of rims, a very eye-
catching and desirable specimen. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
1331. Medellín, Colombia, 1 peso, 1870. KM-154.2, R-318.3.
24.7 grams. Bold VF+ with nice toning all over, scarcer variety
with no overdate. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1332. Bogotá, Colombia, 1 peso, 1871. KM-154.1, R-317.2. 25.0
grams. Competent VF with subtle yellow toning. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1333. Medellín, Colombia, 1 peso, 1871. KM-154.2, R-318.5.
24.8 grams. VF with very faint golden toning around rims, elegant
cursive L scratched into field in front of neck. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1334. Bogotá, Colombia, 5 décimos, 1868. KM-153.1, R-293.1.
12.3 grams. Nicely toned Fine, first year of issue for this popular
denomination. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate:
$50-$75.
225
1335. Popayán, Colombia, 5 décimos, 1870, rare. KM-153.6, R-295.2. 12.0 grams. Non-toned VG, desirable mint. Pedigreed to the
Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
1336. Medellín, Colombia, 5 décimos, 1872. KM-153.3, R-296.1. 12.4 grams. Nicely toned VF+. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1337. Medellín, Colombia, 5 décimos, 1873, dot in D of ESTADOS. KM-153.3, R-296.2p. 12.5 grams. VF with lovely rainbow
toning, slightly weak centers. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1338. Medellín, Colombia, 5 décimos, 1875, B in O of ESTADOS. KM-153.5, R-297.5. 12.3 grams. Bold VF, nice strike accentuated
by contrasting toning. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1339. Bogotá, Colombia, 50 centavos, 1875, with Costa Rica counterstamp (Type VII, 1889). Host: KM-172.2, R-308.2; c/s:
KM-134. 12.2 grams. Host Fine, counterstamp XF, faint toning around rims only. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate:
$60-$90.
1340. Medellín, Colombia, 5 décimos, 1884, with Costa Rica counterstamp (Type VII, 1889). Host: KM-153.2, R-298.12; c/s:
KM-135.1. 12.3 grams. Host VF with crude rims from edge lettering, old scratch across neck, counterstamp AU, starting to tone.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1341. Medellín, Colombia, 2 décimos, 1870. KM-155.2, R-282.1. 4.8 grams. AVF with slightly weak centers, dark and contrasting
toning around rims. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1342. Medellín, Colombia, 2 décimos, 1871. KM-155.2, R-282.2. 4.7 grams. Fine+ with nice toning, key date with high catalog
value. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1343. Bogotá, Colombia, 2 décimos, 1872. KM-155.1, R-281.1. 5.0 grams. Fine+ with weak centers, toned around rims. Pedigreed to
the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1344. Medellín, Colombia, 20 centavos, 1874. KM-176.1, R-286.1. 4.9 grams. Attractively toned
VF with minor planchet lamination at top of reverse, 1-year type. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton
collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
226
1345. Popayán, Colombia, 2 reales, 1880, fineness 0.835/0.900, Plate Coin in KM. KM-162, R-277.1. 4.7 grams. Decent VF
with subtle toning, no problems. Plate Coin in Krause’s Standard Catalog of World Coins and pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection.
Estimate: $250-$375.
1346. Popayán, Colombia, 2 reales, 1880, fineness 0.835/0.900. KM-162, R-277.1. 4.6 grams. Nice VF with some minor rim-
flaws, toned around letters. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
1347. Medellín, Colombia, 1/4 décimo, 1874, N/N in Medellín, 4/4 in denomination. KM-143.3, R-247.1. 0.6 gram. Lightly
toned XF with partially crude rims, scarce 1-year issue with unlisted over-punches. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection.
Estimate: $50-$75.
1348. Colombia (struck in Birmingham), copper-nickel pattern 21/2 centavos, 1881. KM-Pn64,
R-p.227. 2.8 grams. Choice BU, highly lustrous and prooflike, with attractive toning around rims. Pedigreed
to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
Colombia (second Republic of Colombia)
1349. Bogotá, Colombia, 50 centavos, 1887, “Cocobola,” 2/2 in 12,500. KM-185, R-405.1a. 12.2 grams. Lightly toned VF+, no
problems, popular 2-year type. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1350. Bogotá, Colombia, 50 centavos, 1888. KM-186.1, R-406.1. 12.6 grams. Nicely toned AVF with heavy scratches on condor’s
right wing. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1351. Medellín, Colombia, 5 décimos, 1888, rare. KM-165, R-400.2. 12.6 grams. Fine with uneven toning, tough type to find.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $150-$275.
1352. Medellín, Colombia, 5 décimos, 1888, 0/0 in fineness. KM-166, R-403.1. 12.6 grams. Nice VF, popular type with “mulata”
head. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1353. Medellín, Colombia, 5 décimos, 1888. KM-166, R-403.1. 11.8 grams. Non-toned Fine, no problems, popular “mulata” head.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1354. Bogotá, Colombia, 50 centavos, 1889, ball-tip 9. KM-186.1a, R-407.1a. 12.7 grams. Lustrous XF+ with elegant toning, quite
pretty. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
227
1355. Colombia (struck in London), 50 centavos, 1892,
“Columbus,” large diameter (30.5 mm). KM-187.1, R-408.2.
12.5 grams. Lustrous Mint State, very rare grade for this variety.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $150-$275.
1356. Colombia (struck in Belgium), pattern 10 centavos,
1900. R-p.277. 4.5 grams. Lustrous and prooflike Mint State.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
Colombia (Civil War necessity coinage/Santander)
1357. Bucamaranga, Colombia (Santander), copper uniface 20 centavos, 1902. KM-A2, R-
387.1. 1.2 grams. Bold VF with small chip in rim, chocolate brown color, scarce denomination.
Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1358. Bucamaranga, Colombia (Santander), copper uniface 10 centavos, 1902. KM-A1, R-
375.1. 0.5 gram. Choice VF, brassy color, scarce denomination. Pedigreed to the Herman Blanton collection.
Estimate: $100-$150.
Cuba
1361. Cuba, “star” peso, 1934. KM-15.2. 26.7 grams. Lustrous
and flashy AU, no toning. Estimate: $50-$75.
1362. Cuba, “ABC” peso, 1936, encapsulated NGC MS-
62. KM-22. Very brilliant, no toning. Estimate: $250-$375.
1359. Cuba, “souvenir” peso, 1897. KM-XM2. 22.6 grams.
Lustrous AU, no toning, very flashy, popular issue. Estimate:
$200-$300.
1360. Cuba, “souvenir” peso, 1897. KM-XM2. 22.3 grams. AXF
with attractive toning all over, popular issue. Estimate: $150-
$225.
228
1363. Cuba, “ABC” peso, 1937, rare. KM-22. 26.6 grams. Lightly
cleaned VF, starting to tone, key date in series. Estimate: $300-
$450.
1364. Cuba, “ABC” peso, 1939, encapsulated NGC MS-
62. KM-22. Frosty and highly lustrous, no toning. Estimate:
$200-$300.
1365. Cuba, “star” 20 centavos, 1915, encapsulated NGC
AU-55 HIGH RELIEF. KM-13.1. Mint State (slab grade too
conservative) with subtle toning and luster. Estimate: $100-
$150.
1366. Cuba, “star” 10 centavos, 1915. KM-A12. 2.4 grams.
Lustrous Mint State with subtle golden toning. Estimate: $40-
$60.
1367. Mixed lot of 4 Cuba
“star” minors: 20
centavos (3) dated 1920,
1932 and 1948; and 10
centavos dated 1920. 17.4
grams total. Grades from VF
(1932) to UNC (1948), all
but one with subtle toning,
no problems. Estimate:
$60-$90.
1368. Cuba, copper-nickel 5 centavos, 1916. KM-11.1. 5.0 grams.
AU+ with colorful streaks of toning. Estimate: $40-$60.
1369. Cuba, copper-nickel 5 centavos, 1920, encapsulated
NGC MS-62. KM-11.1. Colorful streaks of toning. Estimate:
$175-$250.
1370. Cuba, brass 5 centavos, 1943. KM-11.3a. 4.6 grams.
Lustrous and prooflike Mint State with attractive toning, one-
year issue in washed brass. Estimate: $50-$70.
1371. Cuba, copper-nickel 2 centavos, 1915, encapsulated
NGC MS-62. KM-A10. Lustrous, with streaks of colorful toning.
Estimate: $80-$120.
1372. Cuba, copper-nickel 2 centavos, 1916, encapsulated
NGC MS-63. KM-A10. Muted luster and toning, slightly
prooflike, choice grade. Estimate: $100-$150.
1373. Cuba, copper-nickel 1 centavo, 1915, encapsulated
NGC MS-62. KM-9.1. Rich golden-orange toning with muted
luster. Estimate: $30-$45.
229
1374. Cuba, copper-nickel 1 centavo, 1916, encapsulated NGC MS-62. KM-9.1. Subtle rainbow toning and luster. Estimate:
$60-$90.
1375. Lot of 2 Cuba copper-nickel 1 centavos, 1915 and 1938. KM-9.1. 5.1 grams each. Lustrous prooflike Mint State (1915) and
AU (1938), each with very subtle toning. Estimate: $50-$75.
1376. Cuba, brass 1 centavo, 1953 (Martí centennial), encapsulated NGC MS-63. KM-26. Highly lustrous, golden-orange
color. Estimate: $50-$75.
Curaçao
1377. Curaçao (British occupation), 3 reaals, 1/5 cut of a Spanish colonial bust 8 reales with 5-petal roseace countermark
(1815). KM-13. 5.3 grams. VG host with VF countermark, the host-coin date partially visible, appears to be 1791, nice toning.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1378. Curaçao (British occupation), 3 reaals, 1/5 cut of a Spanish colonial bust 8 reales with 5-petal roseace countermark
(1815). KM-13. 4.6 grams. Fine host with bold VF countermark,-US of CAROLUS visible on host coin, choice toning all over.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1379. Curaçao (British occupation), 3 reaals, 1/5 cut of a Spanish colonial bust 8 reales with 5-petal roseace countermark
(1815). KM-13. 4.1 grams. Fine host with choice XF countermark, CAROL(US) visible on host coin, lightly toned, with old hole
near point (actually quite scarce with a hole). Estimate: $200-$300.
Dominican Republic
1380. Dominican Republic, half peso, 1937, encapsulated NGC MS-64. KM-21. Very deeply rainbow-toned (lots of color),
choice grade. Estimate: $175-$250.
1381. Dominican Republic, 25 centavos, 1937, encapsulated NGC MS-63. KM-20. Very deeply rainbow-toned (lots of
color), choice grade. Estimate: $75-$110.
1382. Dominican Republic, 10 centavos, 1937, encapsulated NGC MS-67. KM-19. Colorfully toned and lustrous, exceptional
grade. Estimate: $75-$110.
230
Dutch East India Co.
1383. Lot of 9 Dutch East India Co. copper duits, various mints and
dates (1735-90), all in decent condition. 26.6 grams total. A great little “starter
collection” of VOC duits, a highly collectible series with plenty of dates
and mints, this group mostly dark brown but one (1735) light copper color,
a few with minor corrosion and odd toning. Estimate: $60-$90.
Ecuador
1384. Ecuador (struck in Mexico City, Mexico), 5 sucres,
1944. KM-79. 25.0 grams. Non-toned AU, very well defined and
frosty, just a few minor rubs. Estimate: $25-$35.
Great Britain
1385. London, England, half crown, Anne, with VIGO
below bust, 1703. Sp-3580, KM-518.2. 15.0 grams. Lustrous AXF
with slightly weak bust, no flaws (scarce for this type), popular
issue made from silver captured from the Spanish in Vigo Bay
in 1702. Estimate: $200-$300.
1386. London, England, shilling, Anne, with VIGO below
bust, 1703. Sp-3586, KM-517.1. 6.0 grams. Lustrous AVF with subtle
toning, weak bust, no flaws (scarce for this type), popular issue
made from silver captured from the Spanish in Vigo Bay in
1702. Estimate: $100-$150.
1387. London, England, half crown, George II, with LIMA
below bust, 1746. Sp-3695, KM-584.3. 15.0 grams. Richly toned VF,
no problems, popular issue made from silver captured from
the Spanish off the coast of Peru in the early 1740s. Estimate:
$150-$225.
1388. London, England, shilling, George II, with LIMA
below bust, 1745. Sp-3703, KM-583.2. 6.0 grams. Richly toned VF+,
no problems, popular issue made from silver captured from
the Spanish off the coast of Peru in the early 1740s. Estimate:
$80-$120.
231
Guatemala (colonial)
Pillars
1389. Guatemala City, Guatemala, pillar 8 reales,
Ferdinand VI, 1758J. KM-18, CT-293. 26.3 grams. Beautifully
deeply toned VF for issue but with crude old hole at top.
Estimate: $250-$375.
1390. Guatemala City, Guatemala, pillar 4 reales, Charles
III, 1762P. KM-26, CT-1045. 12.9 grams. Fine with weak strike just
above and to right of center on shield side, and at top right on
pillars side, toned around letters. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1391. Guatemala City, Guatemala, pillar 4 reales, Charles
III, 1768P. KM-26, CT-1051. 13.0 grams. Very richly toned Fine+,
no problems. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-
$300.
1392. Guatemala City, Guatemala, pillar 4 reales, Charles
III, 1769P. KM-26, CT-1052. 13.2 grams. Lustrous VF+, off-center
strike, choice toning. Estimate: $300-$450.
1393. Guatemala City, Guatemala, pillar 4 reales, Charles
III, 1771P. KM-26, CT-1054. 13.2 grams. Off-center but attractive
VF+ with choice toning, old scratch to right of crown.
Estimate: $300-$450.
1394. Guatemala City, Guatemala, pillar 1 real, Ferdinand
VI, 1758J. KM-16, CT-537. 3.1 grams. Nicely toned AVF for issue
with crude old hole at top. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $50-$75.
Busts
1395. Guatemala City, Guatemala, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand
VII, 1818M. KM-69, CT-467. 26.9 grams. Non-toned XF with partial
mint luster, tiny nick in rim. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $50-$75.
232
1396. Guatemala City, Guatemala, bust 4 reales, Ferdinand VII, 1819M. KM-68, CT-732. 13.3 grams. AVF with super toning all
over, slightly off-center reverse. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1397. Guatemala City, Guatemala, bust 1 real, Charles III, 1772P. KM-33.1, CT-1464. 3.2 grams. Near AVF with weak centers,
good toning, broad rims. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1398. Guatemala City, Guatemala, bust 1 real, Charles III, 1776P, desirable date. KM-33.1, CT-1466. 2.6 grams. Nicely toned
Fine with minor planchet flaw above and weak area below pillars. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1399. Guatemala City, Guatemala, bust 1 real, Ferdinand VII, 1821M. KM-66, CT-1124. 3.4 grams. Bold and lustrous XF with
toning around letters, off-center strike. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1400. Guatemala City, Guatemala, bust 1/2 real, Ferdinand VII, 1810M. KM-60, CT-1281. 1.6 grams. Richly toned VF, no
problems. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1401. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1796. KM-59, CT-1360. 0.8 gram. Bold VF+ with lovely toning. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1402. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1798. KM-59, CT-1362. 0.8 gram. Very deeply toned AXF, quite attractive
for grade. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1403. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1801. KM-59, CT-1365. 0.8 gram. Choice XF with lovely toning, crude
natural flaw on edge. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1404. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1810. KM-72, CT-1432. 0.8 gram. Crude VF with some old marks,
no toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $35-$50.
233
Guatemala (Central American Republic)
1405. Guatemala, Central American Republic, 8 reales,
1825M. KM-4. 26.9 grams. Better date, lustrous AU. Estimate:
$400-$600.
1406. Guatemala, Central American Republic, 8 reales,
1836BA, encapsulated NGC AU-55. KM-4. Lustrous and with
choice toning all over. Estimate: $500-$750.
1407. Guatemala, Central America Republic, 1/4 real, 1826-G. KM-1. 0.9 gram. Choice BU, highly lustrous, with incipient
toning. Estimate: $90-$125.
1408. Guatemala, Central American Republic, 1/4 real, 1837-G, encapsulated NGC MS-65. KM-1. Lustrous and prooflike,
choice grade. Estimate: $200-$300.
1409. Guatemala, Central America Republic, 1/4 real, 1837-G. KM-1. 0.8 gram. Choice BU, highly lustrous. Estimate: $90-
$125.
1410. Guatemala, Central America Republic, 1/4 real, 184/30-G. KM-1. 0.8 gram. Lustrous Mint State, somewhat prooflike,
with attractive subtle toning. Estimate: $90-$125.
1411. Guatemala, Central American Republic, 1/4 real, 184/30-G. KM-1. 0.8 gram. Lustrous UNC with subtle toning all over.
Estimate: $90-$135.
1412. Guatemala, Central American Republic, 1/4 real, 1843-G. KM-1. 0.8 gram. Lustrous and prooflike UNC but with grainy
appearance as struck from rusty dies. Estimate: $50-$75.
1413. Guatemala, Central America Republic,
1/4 real, 1844-G. KM-1. 0.8 gram. Gem BU, very
flashy. Estimate: $90-$120.
1414. Guatemala, Central America Republic,
1/4 real, 1845-G, rare. KM-1. 0.7 gram. Key date
in series, problem-free AVF. Estimate: $200-
$300.
234
Guatemala (Republic)
1415. Guatemala City, Guatemala, peso, 1894,
encapsulated NGC MS-62. KM-210. Highly lustrous, no
toning. Estimate: $125-$200.
1416. Guatemala City, Guatemala, uniface 2 reales (1894-1899) with obverse brockage error, unique. KM-167. 6.2 grams. A
curious error showing an incuse, mirror image of the obverse on the reverse instead of the usual reverse design (caused by the
previous coin sticking to the reverse die), the proper obverse also showing weakness in the legends as a result, lightly toned XF
with a few old scratches, very interesting. Estimate: $100-$500.
1417. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1860. KM-130. 0.7 gram. Beautifully rainbow-toned Mint State, very lustrous,
popular “lion” type. Estimate: $70-$100.
1418. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1861. KM-130. 0.7 gram. Lustrous Mint State, popular “lion” type. Estimate: $70-
$100.
1419. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1862. KM-130. 0.7 gram. Lustrous Mint State with beautiful red toning, popular
“lion” type. Estimate: $90-$125.
1420. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1863. KM-130. 0.8 gram. Choice AU, lovely toning all over, popular “lion” type.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1421. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real,
1866. KM-130. 0.7 gram. BU, starting to tone,
popular “lion” type. Estimate: $90-$125.
1422. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real,
1869. KM-130. 0.8 gram. Choice BU, highly lustrous,
no toning, popular “lion” type. Estimate: $90-
$125.
235
1423. Lot of 2 Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 reales, 1867 and 1874P. 1.5 grams total. Deeply toned XF+ (1867, popular
“lion” type) and AXF (1874). Estimate: $40-$60.
1424. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1876P. KM-146. 0.7 gram. Gem BU, highly lustrous, with lovely toning around rims.
Estimate: $80-$120.
1425. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1878, small G. KM-146a.3. 0.7 gram. BU, no problems, no toning. Estimate: $50-
$75.
1426. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1889/89, G below mountains. KM-157. 0.8 gram. Lustrous AU+ with nice toning.
Estimate: $30-$45.
1427. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1889, stars below wreath. KM-158. 0.7 gram. Lustrous Mint State with subtle
toning. Estimate: $30-$45.
1428. Lot of 4 Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 reales, 1878, 1881, 1882 and 1888, some with doubled dates. 2.9 grams.
Grades from VF to AU, with various stages of toning. Estimate: $35-$50.
1429. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1894-H. KM-162. 0.8 gram. Lustrous UNC with subtle golden toning. Estimate:
$25-$35.
1430. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1895. KM-162. 0.8 gram. Lustrous UNC with subtle golden toning. Estimate: $25-
$35.
1431. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real, 1896. KM-162. 0.7 gram. Lustrous UNC, starting to tone. Estimate: $25-$35.
1432. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real,
1897, small 7. KM-162. 0.7 gram. Beautifully
rainbow-toned Mint State. Estimate: $50-$75.
1433. Guatemala City, Guatemala, 1/4 real,
1898. KM-162. 0.8 gram. Non-toned BU, very flashy.
Estimate: $50-$75.
236
Guyana (British Guiana)
1434. Essequibo and Demerary (colonial coinage), copper
half stiver token, George III, 1813. KM-9. 9.5 grams. Mint State
with some original copper surfaces but mostly brown.
Estimate: $100-$150.
Haiti
1435. Haiti, 25 centimes(?) countermark (1814-16?) on a
Brazilian 960 reis, 1812-B. KM-unlisted (host KM-307.1). 26.8 grams.
Unlisted countermark (design of 25 centimes obverse), possibly
very rare, the host coin VF+ with attractive toning. Estimate:
$400-$600.
Honduras (provisional)
1436. Tegucigalpa, Honduras, “imitation cob” 2 reales, (1823)P-Y. KM-15.1. 5.4 grams. Square planchet with cut corners,
toned VF with weak bottom of cross and pillars, scarce and desirable type. Estimate: $275-$375.
1437. Tegucigalpa, Honduras, “imitation cob” 1 real, 1823(P)-Y, rare. KM-8.1. 3.2 grams. Choice AXF with contrasting
toning, bold date, off-center cross, variety with 3 crosses above pillars, desirable type. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$300-$450.
1438. Tegucigalpa, Honduras, “imitation cob” 1/2 real, (1823), rare. KM-7.1. 1.4 grams. Bold AU with subtle toning, very
well centered and choice, excellent full cross and monogram, desirable type. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-
$300.
Honduras (Republic)
1439. Honduras, peso, 18/890. KM-52. 24.7 grams. Very lustrous
AU with subtle and attractive toning. Estimate: $150-$225.
237
1440. Lot of 2 Honduras copper-nickel 1/4 reales, 1869A and 1870A. KM-31. 6.3 grams total. Lustrous XF (1869) and toned
AXF (1870), the latter with desirable pedigree. The 1870 is pedigreed to the John Jay Pittman collection, with David Akers auction lot tag.
Estimate: $50-$75.
1441. Honduras, aluminum essai 1/4 real, 1872-A, plain edge. KM-E1. 1.0 gram. Lustrous Mint State with scratches above the
E of MONNAIE. Estimate: $60-$90.
India
1442. Lot of three East India Co. coppers: Dutch East
India Co. duit 1746; Dutch East India Co. duit 1794; and
British East India Co. 2 pice 1816. 2.6, 2.9 and 21.2 grams. VF-
XF, generally dark brown, a nice representative lot showing the
difference between the coinages of the two different East India
Companies. Estimate: $50-$75.
Italy
1443. Naples, Italy (under Spain), carlino, Philip II, rare.
2.2 grams. Nice VF+ with steely toning and some dark spots,
well-detailed crowned bust of Philip II on obverse. Estimate:
$50-$75.
Martinique
1444. Martinique, 2 bits, heart-shaped center-cut hole (1761) in a Madrid, Spain,
milled 2 reales “pistareen,” 1721, host coin holed, encapsulated NCS “G details”
(misattributed to Dominica in slab). KM-3. Bold date and king’s name despite ample
wear, nicely toned, holed at top, valuable and popular with Caribbean collectors. Estimate:
$1,000-$1,500.
Mexico (colonial)
Pillars
1445. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V,
1740MF. KM-103, CT-790. 27.0 grams. Choice and lustrous AU with
lovely toning all over, scarce as non-salvage, quite beautiful.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
238
1446. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Philip V,
1744MF. KM-103, CT-797. 26.9 grams. Choice XF+ with beautiful
rainbow toning, crude rims (as made), scarce as non-salvage.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $300-$450.
1447. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1747MF. KM-104.1, CT-321. 26.5 grams. Non-toned XF+, slightly
off-center pillars side, no problems. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
1448. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1756/5MM. KM-104.2, CT-339. 26.8 grams. Nice VF with attractive
reddish toning, scarce overdate. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1449. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1758MM, with chopmarks. KM-104.2, CT-343. 27.0 grams. Highly
lustrous AU+ littered with deep, bold chopmarks as from
circulation in the Orient, rare grade for such an item. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
1450. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1760MM. KM-104.2, CT-346. 27.0 grams. Lustrous AU with toning
around rims, very lovely. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $350-$500.
1451. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Charles III,
1760MM. KM-105, CT-884. 26.9 grams. Beautifully toned XF+, no
problems, just about as nice as you can get without the expense
of ultra-high grades. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$300-$450.
1452. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Charles III,
1761MM. KM-105, CT-888. 27.1 grams. Richly rainbow-toned XF+,
very lovely. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-
$375.
239
1453. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Charles III,
1765MF. KM-105, CT-901. 26.9 grams. Non-toned XF with much
luster. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1454. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 8 reales, Charles III,
1766MF. KM-105, CT-904. 26.9 grams. VF+ with subtle but
contrasting toning around details. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1455. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 4 reales, Ferdinand VI,
1758MM. KM-95, CT-430. 13.2 grams. Richly toned AVF, no
problems, very attractive. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1456. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 4 reales, Charles III,
1762MM. KM-96, CT-1121. 13.4 grams. AXF with muted luster and
toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $200-$300.
1457. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 4 reales, Charles III, 1771MF. KM-96, CT-1131. 13.4 grams. Lightly struck XF with deep, rich,
colorful toning all over. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $225-$350.
1458. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Philip V, 1734/3MF. KM-84, CT-1277. 6.4 grams. Nice Fine with contrasting toning,
scarce overdate. Estimate: $100-$150.
1459. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Philip V, 1734MF. KM-84, CT-1278. 6.4 grams. Beautifully toned Fine+, nice strike.
Pedigreed to Ponterio auction #102, lot #917, and pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
1460. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Philip V,
1739MF. KM-84, CT-1287. 6.6 grams. Overly lustrous AXF, starting
to tone. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
1461. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Philip V, 1742M,
encapsulated NGC MS-62. KM-85, CT-1292. Richly toned all
over with muted luster, rare grade. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $400-$600.
240
1462. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Philip V, 1744/3M. KM-85, CT-1295. 6.5 grams. Bold AXF with light toning all over,
nice, scarce overdate. Estimate: $125-$200.
1463. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Ferdinand VI, 1748M, unlisted variant with FRD/PHS, rare. KM-unlisted (cf.
86.1), CT-unlisted (cf. 488). 6.6 grams. Deeply, darkly toned XF with bold over-punch, one of the few variants not listed in Gilboy (but
note the error is listed as R4, 4-10 known, for the date 1749). Estimate: $100-$150.
1464. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Ferdinand VI, 1749M. KM-86.1, CT-489. 6.6 grams. VF+ with beautiful even toning
all over. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1465. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Ferdinand VI, 175/41M. KM-86.1, CT-unlisted (cf. 491). 6.8 grams. Lustrous XF+ with
spots of toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1466. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Ferdinand VI, 1752M. KM-86.1, CT-492. 6.6 grams. Lightly cleaned XF, no toning,
slightly off-center pillars side. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1467. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Ferdinand VI, 1759M. KM-86.2, CT-500. 6.7 grams. AXF with nice, subtle toning all
over, minor rim-flaw past A of VTRA. Estimate: $80-$120.
1468. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 2 reales, Charles III, 1766M. KM-87, CT-1331. 6.8 grams. Choice VF+ with golden toning on
fields contrasting with lighter details. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1469. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Philip V, 1733MF, mintmark MX, rare. KM-75.1, CT-1591. 3.2 grams. Choice VF+ with
boldly contrasting toning around details, popular second date of issue and unique, one-year mintmark. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
1470. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Philip V, 1734/2(?)MF, unlisted overdate. KM-unlisted (cf. 75.1), CT-unlisted (cf. 1596).
3.2 grams. Lightly toned VF, odd overdate that looks like 4/3 on the upper part and 3/2 on the lower part (possibly both), but
clearly not an original 1732 die. Estimate: $100-$150.
1471. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Philip V, 1734/3MF. KM-75.1, CT-unlisted (cf. 1596). 3.2
grams. Richly rainbow-toned VF+, scarce overdate. Estimate: $100-$150.
1472. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Philip V, 1734MF. KM-75.1, CT-1596. 3.3 grams. Nice VF
with weak spots in centers, richly toned and attractive. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$50-$75.
241
1473. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Philip V, 174/30MF, unlisted overdate. KM-unlisted (cf. 75.1), CT-unlisted (cf. 1602). 3.3
grams. Choice XF+ with much luster and generous toning, the overdate so rare as to be missing in Gilboy and all other references.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1474. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Philip V, 1743/2M, rare overdate. KM-75.2, CT-unlisted (cf. 1605). 3.1 grams. AXF, toned
all over, trace of overdate (R3 in Gilboy). Estimate: $90-$135.
1475. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Philip V, 1746M. KM-75.2, CT-1608. 3.4 grams. Frosty, lustrous Mint State with a few
stray marks. Estimate: $125-$200.
1476. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Ferdinand VI, 1747M, re-punched 4. KM-76.1, CT-572. 3.3 grams. AXF with choice
rainbow toning, unlisted variety. Estimate: $80-$120.
1477. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Ferdinand VI, 1748/7M. KM-76.1, CT-unlisted (cf. 573). 3.4 grams. Very bold overdate
(scarce), deeply toned XF, attractive. Estimate: $100-$150.
1478. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Ferdinand VI, 1748M. KM-76.1, CT-573. 3.4 grams. Lustrous AU-, no toning, choice
grade. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1479. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Ferdinand VI, 1750/49M, rare overdate. KM-unlisted (cf. 76.1), CT-unlisted (cf. 575). 3.3
grams. Nicely toned AXF with clear overdate (R3 in Gilboy). Estimate: $100-$150.
1480. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Ferdinand VI, 1758/7M, dissimilar crowns, unlisted. KM-unlisted (cf. 76.1), CT-
unlisted (cf. 583). 3.3 grams. Nice VF with light, even toning, clear overdate (decidedly not 8/5) that is oddly missing in Gilboy and
others. Estimate: $100-$150.
1481. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Charles III, 1762M, rare variant with cinquefoil ornaments. KM-77, CT-1542. 3.4
grams. Full-rimmed XF+ with very dark fields that contrast sharply with the details. Estimate: $125-$200.
1482. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Charles III, 176/54M/?, unlisted. KM-unlisted (cf. 77), CT-unlisted (cf. 1544). 3.4 grams.
Nicely toned XF with clear overdate (unlisted in Gilboy and others) and inexplicable over-assayer, probably quite rare if not
unique. Estimate: $80-$120.
1483. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Charles III, 1765/3M, unlisted. KM-unlisted (cf. 77), CT-unlisted (cf. 1545). 3.2 grams. AVF
with variable toning, unique overdate that does not appear in Gilboy or any other references. Estimate: $80-$120.
1484. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1 real, Charles III, 1766M. KM-77, CT-1546. 3.2 grams. Very deeply toned XF+ with some
patina. Estimate: $80-$120.
242
1485. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Philip V, 1734MF,
cinquefoil below assayers’ initials, rare. KM-65, CT-1856. 1.4 grams.
Listed as R4 in Gilboy, this specimen Fine with weak centers,
nicely toned. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-
$100.
1486. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Philip V, 1736MF.
KM-65, CT-1859. 1.6 grams. Lustrous and frosty AU- with incipient
toning around rims. Estimate: $80-$120.
1487. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Philip V, 1736MF.
KM-65, CT-1859. 1.6 grams. Bold AXF, a bit lustrous. Estimate: $60-
$90.
1488. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Philip V, 1737MF.
KM-65, CT-1861. 1.7 grams. Lustrous XF, off-center shield side.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1489. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Philip V, 1738/
7MF. KM-65, CT-unlisted (cf. 1862). 1.6 grams. Nicely toned VF, scarce
overdate. Estimate: $100-$150.
1490. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Philip V, 1739MF.
KM-65, CT-1863. 1.5 grams. Off-center XF with uneven toning.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1491. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Philip V, 1741MF,
re-punched 4. KM-65, CT-1866. 1.7 grams. Lustrous AU with subtle,
even toning all over, very pretty. Estimate: $100-$150.
1492. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Philip V, 1742M.
KM-66, CT-1867. 1.6 grams. Non-toned XF, part of edge slightly bent.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1493. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Philip V, 1747M.
KM-66, CT-1872. 1.6 grams. Lustrous AXF with subtle yellow toning.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1494. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI,
1749M. KM-67.1, CT-662. 1.7 grams. Beautifully toned AXF, slightly
off-center strike. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-
$75.
1495. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI,
1751M. KM-67.1, CT-664. 1.6 grams. AXF with rich toning all over,
very nice. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1496. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI,
1752M, re-punched 5. KM-67.1, CT-665. 1.7 grams. Lustrous,
prooflike UNC, starting to tone, unlisted variety. Estimate: $100-
$150.
243
1497. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI, 1752M. KM-67.1, CT-665. 1.5 grams. Deeply toned XF+, no problems.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1498. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI, 1754M. KM-67.1, CT-667. 1.7 grams. Lustrous AU+ (virtually Mint
State), no toning. Estimate: $100-$150.
1499. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI, 1754M. KM-67.1, CT-667. 1.6 grams. Nice XF with subtle toning.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1500. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI, 1757M, dissimilar crowns. KM-67.1, CT-671. 1.6 grams. XF with
muted luster and toning. Estimate: $60-$90.
1501. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI, 1758M, dissimilar crowns. KM-67.2, CT-673. 1.7 grams. XF with
light toning all over, good rims. Estimate: $60-$90.
1502. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI, 1759M. KM-67.2, CT-674. 1.5 grams. Attractive AXF with contrasting
toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
1503. Mexico City, Mexico, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI, 1760M, scarce. KM-67.2, CT-675. 1.6 grams. Beautifully toned AXF,
no problems, scarcer king for the date. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $50-$75.
Busts
1504. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1773FM, initials facing rim. KM-106.1, CT-917. 26.9 grams. Nice
VF with beautiful light toning, well centered on a broad
planchet. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
1505. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles III,
1776FM, desirable date. KM-106.2, CT-921. 26.7 grams. Non-toned
VF with faint incipient toning around letters. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
244
1506. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV
transitional (bust of Charles III, ordinal IV), 1789FM. KM-
107, CT-681. 26.8 grams. Nicely gray-toned XF with small parts of
rim weak. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1507. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV
transitional (bust of Charles III, ordinal IV), 1790FM. KM-
107, CT-682. 26.7 grams. Lustrous AU with a few stray marks, subtle
toning, off-center obverse. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $80-$120.
1508. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Charles IV,
1793FM, encapsulated NGC MS-62. KM-109, CT-686. Highly
lustrous and frosty (mirror, almost prooflike), a few minor weak
spots around rim but otherwise one of the choicest specimens
we have seen (looks better than MS-62), with very faint yellow
tones here and there and black spots in center. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
1509. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII,
1820JJ. KM-111, CT-564. 25.0 grams. Bold VG with scratches, very
deeply toned. Estimate: $30-$45.
1510. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 2 reales, Charles III,
1776FM, desirable date. KM-88.2, CT-1343. 6.7 grams. Bold VF
with choice details accentuated by contrasting toning around
letters, rainbow toning at top. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1511. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 2 reales, Charles III,
1782FF. KM-88.2, CT-1349. 6.9 grams. Highly lustrous (mirror) Mint
State with weak centers, broad flan (slightly off-center),
beginning to tone. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate:
$90-$135.
1512. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1 real, Charles III, 1781FF.
KM-78.2, CT-1563. 3.3 grams. Very deeply rainbow-toned AU, nice
strike, quite pretty and colorful. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $100-$150.
1513. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1/2 real, Charles III,
1773FM. KM-69.2, CT-1765. 1.7 grams. Evenly toned AU+ with
faint mint luster, choice specimen. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
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245
1514. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1/2 real, Charles III,
1782FF, encapsulated NGC MS-62. KM-69.2, CT-1774.
Lustrous and rainbow-toned, rare grade. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $225-$350.
1515. Mexico City, Mexico, bust 1/2 real, Charles IV
transitional (bust of Charles III, ordinal IIII), 1790FM,
encapsulated PCGS MS-62. KM-71, CT-1285. Lustrous and
choice, with super rainbow toning (lots of blue color), rare
grade. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $225-$350.
1516. Mexico City, Mexico, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1797. KM-
62, CT-1395. 0.9 gram. Nicely toned AXF (net grade, the castle a
little less worn than the lion). Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $50-$75.
1517. Mexico City, Mexico, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1799/8.
KM-62, CT-1398. 0.9 gram. Lustrous Mint State or close to it, very
light toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-
$150.
1518. Mexico City, Mexico, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1807. KM-
62, CT-1409. 0.9 gram. XF+, nicely toned, with hint of luster,
slightly off-center obverse. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1519. Mexico City, Mexico, 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1811.
KM-62, CT-1468. 0.9 gram. Richly toned XF+, slightly off-center
strike. Estimate: $70-$100.
Mexico (War for Independence)
1521. Guadalajara, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII,
1814MR. KM-111.3, CT-438. 26.6 grams. Bold VF+ with attractive
even toning, nice for the issue, slightly crude edge (as made)
and with attempted hole at top on reverse. Pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1520. Insurgent coinage, Chilpanzingo counterstamp
(Type A) on Lima, Peru, pillar 2 reales, 1754JD, unique
combination. 6.3 grams. Host coin lightly toned VF with XF
countermark in center of pillars side identical to KM-257.1
and KM-257.2 but with laurel-leaf border and on a unique host,
unlisted and probably quite rare. Estimate: $200-$1,000.
246
1522. Guadalajara, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII,
1818FS. KM-111.3, CT-440. 26.7 grams. Choice XF with beautiful
light toning all over, bold but slightly crude rims (as made).
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $125-$200.
1523. Zacatecas, Mexico, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII,
1819AG. KM-11.5, CT-690. 26.8 grams. AXF for issue (typically
crude), hint of toning and luster, crude edge ( as made). Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $70-$100.
1524. Zacatecas, Mexico, bust 1 real, Ferdinand VII, 1816AG. KM-82.1, CT-1248. 2.8 grams.
Near AVF, typically crude, contrasting toning in places (especially around the date). Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $30-$45.
1525. Zacatecas, Mexico, bust 1/2 real, Ferdinand VII, 1819AG. KM-74.3, CT-1423. 1.2 grams.
Bold AU with luster, off-center and slightly crude as usual, very choice for the type. Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
Mexico (Republic)
1526. Lot of 3 Mexico 1/4 reales: 1842MoLR, 1843MoLR and 1844SLPi. KM-368.6 and 368.7. 2.5 grams total. AXF to AU with
varying degrees of attractive toning and rim quality, mostly lustrous. Estimate: $30-$45.
1527. Mexico City, Mexico, 1/4 real, 1860MoLR, doubled 6. KM-368.6. 0.9 gram. Choice XF+ with rainbow toning and luster.
Estimate: $40-$60.
1528. Guanajuato, Mexico, 1/4 real, 1862LR. KM-368.5. 0.9 gram. BU, starting to tone around rims. Estimate: $100-$150.
1529. Lot of 2 Zamora, Mexico, countermarked copper
hacienda tokens (octavos) dated 1858. 6.9 and 5.6 grams. One
a dark-brown AVF with AXF countermark, the other a tan-
orange VG with XF countermark, both unevenly struck.
Estimate: $30-$45.
1530. Guanajuato, Mexico, 25 centavos, 1890R,
encapsulated NGC MS-65. KM-406.5. Lustrous and lightly
rainbow-toned (mostly golden yellow), super high grade.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
247
Nicaragua
1531. Nicaragua, 50 centavos, 1929, encapsulated NGC
AU-58. KM-15. Faint golden-yellow toning all over, nice grade.
Estimate: $125-$200.
Panama (Republic)
1533. Panama City, Panama, quarter Balboa, 1930,
encapsulated NGC MS-63. KM-11.1. Lustrous, choice grade,
incipient golden toning (very faint). Estimate: $75-$110.
1534. Panama City, Panama, copper 1 centésimo, 1937,
encapsulated NGC MS-64 Red Brown. KM-14. Very
iridescent (almost violet), with original mint luster, choice grade.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1532. Panama City, Panama, 50 centésimos de Balboa,
1905. KM-5. 25.0 grams. VF+ with a few trivial rim-nicks, lightly
toned fields, scarce date of a 2-year type. Estimate: $50-$75.
Peru (colonial)
Pillars
1535. Lima, Peru, pillar 8 reales, Charles III, 1762JM, dot
over left mintmark only. KM-A64.2, CT-837. 26.6 grams. Lustrous
and beautifully rainbow-toned XF+ with a few scratches at
top of pillars side (which is slightly off-center). Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $250-$375.
1536. Lima, Peru, pillar 4 reales, Charles III, 1772JM. KM-
63, CT-1081. 13.1 grams. Rainbow-toned and problem-free AVF,
popular as the last year of issue. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $150-$225.
1537. Lima, Peru, pillar 2 reales, Ferdinand VI, 1752/1J,
very rare. KM-53, CT-unlisted (cf. 472). 6.5 grams. Clear overdate
(R5 in Gilboy, 1-3 pieces known!), and a choice specimen too,
in very high grade (lustrous AU), with nice dark toning all over.
Estimate: $500-$750.
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248
1538. Lima, Peru, pillar 2 reales, Ferdinand VI, 1753/2J, rare variant with king’s name as FED. KM-53, CT-unlisted (cf. 473).
6.5 grams. Lustrous, non-toned VF with scarce and curious error (R2 in Gilboy). Estimate: $100-$150.
1539. Lima, Peru, pillar 2 reales, Ferdinand VI, 1757/6/5JM, unlisted multiple overdate. KM-unlisted (cf. 53), CT-unlisted (cf.
478). 6.7 grams. Faintly toned VF+ with edge-nick, some patina, clear multiple overdate (the 7/6 alone is R2 in Gilboy). Estimate:
$100-$150.
1540. Lima, Peru, pillar 2 reales, Ferdinand VI, 1757/6JM. KM-53, CT-unlisted (cf. 478). 6.7 grams. Bold AXF, once lightly
cleaned but starting to tone nicely, with clear overdate (R2 in Gilboy). Estimate: $100-$150.
1541. Lima, Peru, pillar 2 reales, Charles III, 1766/5JM, rare overdate. KM-62, CT-unlisted. 6.2 grams. Nicely toned AVF,
certain overdate that is unlisted in Gilboy and therefore presumably rare. Estimate: $100-$150.
1542. Lot of two Lima, Peru, pillar minors of Charles III: 2 reales 1768JR and 1 real 1762JM. 6.4 and 3.1 grams. The 2R is
a nicely toned VF with plugged hole at top, and the 1R is VF with contrasting toning, holed at top and with recut rims, both
much better-looking than they sound. Estimate: $50-$75.
1543. Lima, Peru, pillar 1 real, Ferdinand VI, 1754JD. KM-52, CT-548. 3.4 grams. Very lustrous AU with light rainbow toning
(golden near rims, bluish in centers), quite choice. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
1544. Lima, Peru, pillar 1 real, Ferdinand VI, 1756JM. KM-52, CT-551. 3.3 grams. Nicely toned XF with scratches to right of left
pillar, slightly off-center strike. Estimate: $80-$120.
1545. Lima, Peru, pillar 1 real, Charles III, 1771JM. KM-61, CT-1487. 3.3 grams. Deeply toned VF, slightly off-center, with weird
scratch flanking left pillar that does not transit the pillar (hence probably a scratch in the original planchet before striking).
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $40-$60.
1546. Lima, Peru, pillar 1/2 real, Ferdinand VI, 1752/1J, very rare. KM-51, CT-unlisted (cf. 637). 1.6 grams. AVF with deeply
toned shield side, contrasting toning on pillars side, clear overdate that rates R5 (1-3 known) in Gilboy. Estimate: $350-$500.
249
Busts
1547. Lima, Peru, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII, 1815JP.
KM-117.1, CT-483. 27.2 grams. Lustrous AU with minor natural
planchet flaw (stress fracture) across ear. Estimate: $125-$200.
1548. Lima, Peru, bust 8 reales, Ferdinand VII, 1819JP.
KM-117.1, CT-487. 27.2 grams. Highly lustrous AU, no toning, off-
center reverse, very flashy. Estimate: $100-$150.
1549. Lima, Peru, bust 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1795JI, rare. KM-102.1, CT-unlisted (cf. 1375). 0.7 gram. AVF with deep, contrasting
toning, small (old) chip and bruise in edge, rare and popular type with high catalog value. Estimate: $200-$300.
1550. Lima, Peru, bust 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1795JI, rare. KM-102.1, CT-unlisted (cf. 1375). 0.9 gram. Off-center Fine+ with light
toning, rare and popular type with high catalog value. Estimate: $200-$300.
1551. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1798. KM-102.2, CT-1382. 0.8 gram. Toned Fine, off-center strike. Estimate: $50-$75.
1552. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1801. KM-102.2, CT-1385. 0.7 gram. Salvaged XF, nicely toned. Estimate: $100-$150.
1553. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1802. KM-102.2, CT-1386. 1.0 gram. Toned VF with crude rims (as made). Pedigreed to the
Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $60-$90.
1554. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, Charles IV, 1804. KM-102.2, CT-1388. 0.8 gram. Nice VF with
light, contrasting toning, slightly out-of-round shape. Estimate: $80-$120.
1555. Lot of 2 Lima, Peru, 1/4 reales, Ferdinand VII, 1818. KM-108, CT-1459. Each 0.9
gram. Both nice Fine on broad planchets, one nicely toned. Estimate: $80-$120.
1556. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1819. KM-108, CT-1460. 0.7 gram. Off-
center XF+, no toning. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $90-$135.
250
1557. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1820. KM-108, CT-1461. 0.8 gram. Lustrous AU with beautiful, subtle rainbow toning,
off-center reverse. Estimate: $150-$225.
Peru (provisional/pre-Republic)
1562. Lima, Peru, copper 1/4 real, 1822. KM-135. 1.6 grams. AXF with weak centers, medium
brown with some original mint luster. Estimate: $40-$60.
Peru (Republic)
1558. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1821. KM-108, CT-1462. 0.9 gram. Broad-
flan XF with choice toning, off-center strike. Estimate: $100-$150.
1559. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1821. KM-108, CT-1462. 0.8 gram. Choice
XF on a broad flan, nicely toned all over. Estimate: $100-$150.
1560. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, Ferdinand VII, 1823. KM-108, CT-1463. 0.9 gram. Nice
XF, super broad flan that extends well beyond the design, attractively toned, final
year of issue. Estimate: $150-$225.
1561. Lot of 2 Lima, Peru, 1/4 reales, Ferdinand VII, 1823. KM-108, CT-1463.
Each 0.9 gram. Both toned XF+ with holes in same place (below the castle and lion),
final year of issue. Estimate: $40-$60.
1563. Cuzco, Peru, 4 reales, 1838B, unlisted date. KM-unlisted (cf. 151.1). 12.5 grams. Nicely toned VF, clear date that is unlisted
in KM and called “extremely rare” in Almanzar and Seppa’s The Coins of Peru (1972), and we have no evidence to the contrary, so
it is probably under-estimated here. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$500.
251
1564. Lot of 3 Lima, Peru, 1 reales: 1833MB, 1838MB and
1855MB. KM-145.1 and 145.4. 8.1 grams total. First two toned Fine,
last one lustrous AU with faint rose toning. Estimate: $50-
$70.
1565. Lot of 5 Lima, Peru, 1/2 reales, 1826JM, 1838MM,
1850MB and 1856MB (2). KM-144.1 and 144.7. 6.5 grams total.
Three (1838 and both 1856) are crude Fine or worse, but one
(1826) is lustrous AU and the last one (1850) is choice Mint
State with faint toning. The 1838 is apparently unlisted and
might be rare. Estimate: $70-$100.
1566. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, 1834. KM-143.1. 0.7 gram. Nicely
toned XF with interesting brockage error (full LIMA in mirror
image under llama). Estimate: $40-$60.
1567. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, 1842. KM-143.1. 0.6 gram. Lustrous
AU with beautiful rainbow toning all over. Estimate: $100-
$150.
1568. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, 1846/36. KM-143.1. 0.7 gram.
Lustrous and lightly toned Mint State. Estimate: $90-$125.
1569. Lima, Peru, 1/4 real, 1849. KM-143.1. 0.8 gram. Nicely
toned AXF with desirable pedigree. Pedigreed to the Sellschopp
collection. Estimate: $80-$120.
1570. Lot of 3 Lima, Peru, 1/4
reales: 1841/0, 1843 and 1855. KM-
143.1. 2.3 grams total. The 1841/0 is VF
with contrasting toning, the 1843 is
richly toned XF+, and the 1855 is AXF
with punchmark and two large X’s
scratched into field. Estimate: $50-
$75.
1571. Lima, Peru, sol, 1885TD, encapsulated NGC MS-
62. KM-196.22. Bright and lustrous, no toning. Estimate: $80-
$120.
1572. Lima, Peru, sol, 1888TF, encapsulated NGC MS-
63. KM-196.24. Frosty and highly lustrous, super grade. Estimate:
$90-$135.
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at info@sedwickcoins.com
or call (407) 975-3325
252
1573. Lima, Peru, 1/5 sol, 1899JF, encapsulated NGC MS-64. KM-205.2. Highly lustrous
and starting to tone nicely, choice grade. Estimate: $50-$75.
1574. Lima, Peru, 1/2 dinero, 1916/5FG, “FERUANA”
error, encapsulated NGC MS-65. KM-206.2. Bright mirror
fields, exceptional grade. Estimate: $60-$90.
Philippines (under Spain)
1575. Philippines (under Spain), peso, Isabel II
countermark Y•II• on Lima, Peru (Republic), 8 reales,
1835MT. KM-138.4 (with countermark, 142.3 for host only), CT-451.
26.9 grams. Nicely toned VF (both host and countermark), slightly
off-center strike, interesting issue. Estimate: $125-$200.
1576. Manila, Philippines, copper quarto, Isabel II, 1834MA-F. KM-10, CT-unlisted (cf. 715). 4.9
grams. AVF, nice chocolate brown color with lighter high points, slightly weak at rims. Estimate:
$60-$80.
Portugal
1577. Portugal, 1/2 tostão, João IV, 1641, rare. KM-36. 2.9 grams. Beautifully rainbow-toned
AXF with bold cross and arms, much legend. Estimate: $125-$200.
Puerto Rico (under Spain)
1578. Puerto Rico (under Spain), peso, Alfonso XIII, 1895.
KM-24, CT-82. 25.0 grams. AU with beautiful rainbow toning all
over, no problems, quite lovely, popular issue. Estimate:
$1,000-$1,500.
1579. Puerto Rico (under Spain), peso, Alfonso XIII, 1895.
KM-24, CT-82. 25.0 grams. Lustrous AU with spotty toning against
golden fields, popular issue. Estimate: $800-$1,000.
1580. Puerto Rico (under Spain), 40 centavos, Alfonso
XIII, 1896. KM-23, CT-83. 9.9 grams. AU with lovely rainbow
toning (mostly red) near rims. Estimate: $500-$750.
253
Spain
1581. Barcelona, Spain, milled 2 reales “pistareen,” Charles III Pretender, 1707. KM-PT5, CT-23. 6.3 grams. Lustrous Mint
State with incipient toning, minor edge-flaw, choicest specimen we have ever seen of a popular issue that was struck under the
supervision of Sir Isaac Newton. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
1582. Segovia, Spain, milled 2 reales “pistareen,” Philip V, 1727F, encapsulated NGC MS-63. KM-297, CT-1407. Lustrous
and very faintly toned, typically slightly warped (struck on a roller press) and with broad flan that extends beyond the details, rare
grade. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $150-$225.
1583. Segovia, Spain, copper 2 maravedís, Charles IV, 1808,
encapsulated PCGS MS-63BN. KM-426, CT-1539. Rare grade, even
chocolate-brown color, all details perfect. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $100-$150.
1584. Madrid, Spain, 5 pesetas, Alfonso XIII, 1897SG-V. KM-707, CT-
26. 24.7 grams. Lustrous AU with a few nicks, faint rainbow toning, same
design as the Puerto Rico peso and Philippines peso. Estimate: $100-
$150.
Suriname (Dutch Guyana)
1585. Suriname (Dutch Guyana), copper 4 duit, 1679, uniface, 4 leaves, extremely rare. KM-7.1. 2.1 grams. Despite the KM
listing, this is an extremely rare issue (only about 4 known) that sold for almost 20 times its KM-based estimate at auction 4 years
ago, with parrot in tree with 4 leaves above date, typically crude, VF for the issue, nice light brown color all over. Pedigreed to the
June 2005 Heritage Auction. Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
1586. Suriname (Dutch Guyana), copper duit, 1764. KM-8.1. 1.6 grams. Choice XF, nicely even brown color, slightly crude near
rim, die-crack on reverse. Estimate: $100-$150.
254
United States of America
1587. USA, Carson City trade dollar, 1874-CC, NGC MS-
60. KM-108. Highly lustrous but noticeably bagmarked, with
very faint golden toning, very popular. Estimate: $600-$900.
1588. USA, cut “2 bits” half of a seated Liberty half dollar
dated 1854. 5.7 grams. Heavily worn coin (Fair at best) with top
half of eagle clear, date very faint, nicely toned, obviously
circulated extensively after cutting, which is rare to see. Pedigreed
to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
Venezuela (provisional/Royalist)
1589. Caracas, Venezuela, 4 reales, 1820BS, rare. KM-7.2, CT-707. 9.3 grams. Richly
brown-toned VF with crude hole at edge, rare and popular issue, undervalued in
KM. Pedigreed to the Coin Galleries auction of December, 2006, with lot-tag #1360. Estimate:
$1,000-$1,500.
Venezuela (provisional/”imitation cobs”)
1590. Caracas, Venezuela, “imitation cob” 2 reales, “184”
date, M-L, rare. KM-13.1. 5.2 grams. VF for type with light toning
all over plus some black spots, broad flan with nearly all details
visible (pillars and cross), popular issue, undervalued in KM.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $500-$750.
1591. Caracas, Venezuela, “imitation cob” 2 reales, “182”
date, L-M. KM-13.1. 5.0 grams. Attractively toned VF with small
hole at edge, area of weak strike, popular issue, undervalued in
KM. Pedigreed to the Ponterio auction of January 2007, with lot-tag
#1281. Estimate: $250-$375.
1592. Barinas, Venezuela, “imitation cob” 1 real, “144”
date, unlisted. KM-unlisted. 1.6 grams. Typical “chipi-chipi” shape
but with completely unlisted “date” of 144 (not even mentioned
in Stohr), lightly toned AVF, popular issue, undervalued in KM.
Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $350-$500.
255
Venezuela (provisional/pre-Republic)
1593. Caracas, Venezuela, copper 1/4 real, 1804, useful counterfeit of key date. 1.6 grams. Crude details that are obviously
not correct but are made to show the design and fill a hole (since the 1804 is quite rare), AXF with bright pinkish color around
details, looks circulated. Estimate: $60-$90.
1594. Caracas, Venezuela, copper 1/4 real, 1813, very rare. KM-2. 3.3 grams. Unevenly struck and patinated AVF for the type,
nice chocolate-brown color, undervalued in KM. Estimate: $600-$900.
1595. Caracas, Venezuela, copper 1/4 real, 1817, large date. KM-2. 3.5 grams. Slightly grainy VF with dark fields against brown
details, undervalued in KM. Estimate: $100-$150.
1596. Caracas, Venezuela, copper 1/4 real, 1817, small date. KM-2. 3.1 grams. AXF for type, some minor weak areas but
obviously not very worn, dark brown all over, undervalued in KM. Estimate: $50-$75.
1597. Lot of 2 Caracas, Venezuela, copper 1/4 reales, 1818, two different sets of dies. KM-2. 2.6 and 2.5 grams. Both AVF, one
darker than the other, nice strike on both, undervalued in KM. Estimate: $100-$150.
1598. Caracas, Venezuela, copper 1/4 real, 1821, rare variety. KM-2. 2.4 grams. Slightly corroded VF+ for type, rare type of
crown, undervalued in KM. Estimate: $80-$120.
1599. Caracas, Venezuela, copper 1/4 real, 1821, common
variety. KM-2. 2.0 grams. Off-center VF+ for type, slightly
warped, light brown color, undervalued in KM. Estimate:
$60-$90.
1600. Caracas, Venezuela, copper 1/8 real, 1805,
extremely rare date. KM-1. 1.6 grams. AXF for type with some
dark encrustation against coppery fields, minor rim-flaws (as
made), undervalued in KM. Estimate: $1,300-$2,000.
1601. Caracas, Venezuela, copper 1/8 real, 1818, rare. KM-
1. 1.7 grams. Lustrous but encrusted XF+ for type with small
clip in rim, varying color, undervalued in KM. Estimate:
$400-$600.
256
Venezuela (under Gran Colombia)
1602. Caracas, Venezuela (under Gran Colombia), 1/4
real, 1821, very rare. KM-31. 0.6 gram. About Fine with light
toning, off-center obverse, undervalued in KM. Estimate:
$500-$750.
Venezuela (Guayana/provisional/Royalist)
1603. Guayana, Venezuela, copper 1/2 real, 1813, large flan. KM-41.1, CT-1295. 3.4 grams. Unevenly struck Fine with flat areas,
dark on obverse, lighter on reverse. Estimate: $100-$150.
1604. Guayana, Venezuela, copper 1/2 real, (1813-4), reverse struck over obverse design, rare. KM-41.1. 2.0 grams. Interesting
specimen that appears to be re-struck with the reverse over the old obverse design, the lettering of which (and part of the castle)
appear clearly, but unfortunately cover the date (probably 1814), crude Fine with chip in rim, varying color. Estimate: $60-$90.
1605. Guayana, Venezuela, copper 1/2 real, 1815. KM-41.2, CT-1297. 2.5 grams. Bold AVF with weak centers, nice chocolate-
brown color all over, slightly off-center strike, undervalued in KM. Estimate: $60-$90.
1606. Guayana, Venezuela, copper 1/2 real, 1815. KM-41.2, CT-1297. 2.3 grams. Off-center Fine with weak spots, chip in rim,
nice even color (brown), undervalued in KM. Estimate: $40-$60.
1607. Lot of 2 Guayana, Venezuela, copper 1/2 reales, 1816 and 1817. KM-41.2. 2.5 and 2.1 grams. The 1816 a light-brown
About Fine with weak spots, the 1817 an iridescent and bold Fine+ with chip in rim, undervalued in KM. Estimate: $60-$90.
Venezuela (modern)
1608. Venezuela, 500 bolivares, 1992, low mintage. KM-69.
31.2 grams. Perfect Proof, no problems, mintage of only 10,000
coins. Estimate: $30-$45.
257
MEDALS
1609. Bolivia (Potosí), silver Bolívar medal with mountain
of Potosí, 1825. 36.4 grams. Large, coin-like medal, nicely toned
XF+, with portrait of Bolívar on obverse and sun over
mountain of Potosí on reverse with date, legends reading
SIMON BOLIVAR LIBERTADOR DE COLOMBIA Y DEL
PERU on obverse and Potosí MANIFIESTA SU GRATITUD
AL GENIO D. LA LIBERTAD, all very well detailed and
beautiful, and popular with Latin collectors (listed as #9466 in
the Fonrobert reference and #3B in Burnett). Estimate: $900-
$1,350.
1610. Chile (Republic), silver independence proclamation
medal, 1818. 17.9 grams. Sun/clouds above palm tree and
INDEPENDENCIA on obverse, LIBERTAD in ribbon above
pillars and lateral smoke clouds on reverse, full legends,
beautifully toned AXF, lovely design. Estimate: $250-$375.
1611. Mexico, gold medal of the Virgen de la Guadalupe,
1794. 28.7 grams. Sturdy medal with the Virgen de la Guadalupe
and legend N.S.DE GUADALUPE DE. MEXICO.A.1794 on
obverse and cross above NONFECIT / TALITER /
OMNINATIONI on reverse, XF with die-crack near bottom
of reverse and loop for wearing attached to top, appears to be
high-grade gold and is probably rare. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000.
1613. Mexico (Sociedad Numismática de Mexico), silver
medal, 1971, with pictures of Mexican cobs on both sides.
24.5 grams. Lovely Proof with slight handling marks and spots
of toning, the frosty center design an 8 escudos of 1679 assayer
G, a fantasy coin but curious in light of our commentary in the
article on page 146. Estimate: $25-$40.
1612. Mexico (Mexico City), 2R-sized proclamation
medal, Ferdinand VII, 1808. 6.8 grams. Size and weight of a 2
reales (listed in Grove as F-15), with crowned arms and legend
FERNANDO. VII. REY. DE. ESPANA. Y. DE. LAS.
YNDIAS on obverse, PROCLAMA / DO.EM.MEXI / CO.
A. 13. DE. / AGOSTO. DEL / ANO. DE. / 1808 in wreath
on reverse, attractively toned XF with crude field to left of
shield. Estimate: $150-$225.
258
1614. Limited-edition 1-ounce silver medal made
from Atocha silver by the Mexico City mint in custom
Lucite holder and clamshell case. 27.27 grams. This is
basically a Mexican 8-reales Royal restrike, as the design
is completely accurate for a 1621 specimen, yet it is clearly
not intended to deceive and comes housed in a special
Lucite holder that is embossed with GENUINE LOST
SILVER TREASURE OF THE ATOCHA (showing the
coin inside a fanciful treasure chest) inside a clamshell
case accompanied by a small certificate of authenticity
explaining that the silver used to make the coin came
from the Atocha (presumably from one of the huge silver
bars) and that the coin was officially “restruck” at the
Casa de Moneda in Mexico City, complete with a mint
official’s signature at the bottom (unfortunately undated
but probably late 1980s or early 1990s), the mintage
limited to 10,000 pieces. Pedigreed to the Mark Bir collection.
Estimate: $70-$100.
1615. Puerto Rico, brass medal with antique silver finish,
2009, limited edition (private issue) #97/100
commemorating Puerto Rico and Columbus. 45 grams.
Large, modern medal made privately in Puerto Rico in a very
limited quantity using a design created by the famous engraver
Samuel Barber, with bust of Columbus above 1899 date and
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA on obverse and ISLA DE
PUERTO RICO above and I PESO = 60 CENTS below
montage of George Washington and Federal shield and eagle
on reverse, Uncirculated. Estimate: $40-$60.
259
SESSION III: Friday, October 16, 2009, noon
SHIPWRECK INGOTS AND BULLIONGold
1616. Lot of gold flakes from the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca.
1528), 1.8 grams. These are all thin, hammered strips of gold,
presumably the parts of Aztec gold that were not melted down
into ingots, and as
such they are
fabulously rare and
important artifacts,
numbering here in
the dozens (all that
were found), ranging
in size from tiny
specks to 0.3-gram
balls (rolled up),
many with heavy green patina due to copper in the alloy. From
the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528). Estimate: $150-$500.
1618. Gold “finger” bar ingot #11 from the “Golden Fleece
wreck” (ca. 1550), 204 grams, 20-1/2K, in special
presentation wooden box. About 5" x 3/4" x 1/4". Approximately
3/5 of a long, flat ingot (much smaller than usual) with one
rounded end and other neatly chiseled all the way through, with
one patch of gray coral at the cut end on the smooth top and
three fineness markings on the bottom, each with 2 straight x’s
in a box and 2 dots in their own box, spaced so that the bar
could be further cut to make smaller change. What’s nice about
this ingot, apart from its very compact and therefore more
affordable size, is the wonderful cherry-wood presentation box
with locking lid and special color certificate that one of the
former owners put with it, the bar housed in a special, velvet-
lined well sized to match inside the box, hands down the most
impressive display we have seen. From the “Golden Fleece wreck”
(ca. 1550). Estimate: $7,500-$10,000.
1617. Gold cut “finger” bar
#23 from the “Golden Fleece
wreck” (ca. 1550), 537 grams,
marked three times with
fineness XX• (201/4K). About
6" x 1" x 1/2". This is the majority
portion of a long, straight ingot,
with one end a blunt point (the
end of the metal flow) and the
other end chiseled (smooth)
about 1/5 of the way and then
broken from there (very rough,
with white coral bits in the
crevices), the top of the bar
more or less smooth with two
significant patches of snow-
white coral and the bottom with
three instances of fineness
markings (strategically placed so
that such bars could be cut
down to make “small change”)
each showing 2 curved x’s in a
box next to a single dot in a
separate box. Note that the
curved x’s are an exact match
with the two gold ingots found
on the 1554 Fleet off Padre
Island, Texas. From the “Golden
Fleece wreck” (ca. 1550), with
Sedwick photo-certificate.
Estimate: $20,000-$30,000.
1619. Gold nugget #853 from the
Espadarte (1558), 43 grams. 1" in diameter and
1/4" thick. Round, flat disk of what appears to
be high-grade gold, mostly smooth but
encrusted with white and purplish coral and
oxidation, very coin-like and hefty. From the
Espadarte (1558), with Arqueonautas certificate.
Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
260
1620. Gold nugget #1039 from the Espadarte (1558), 32 grams. Roughly 1-1/4" x 1" and 3/16" thick. Broad, flat disk whose metal
did not flow all the way to the edge (creating a very irregular shape) with smooth, clean surfaces of what appear to be high-grade
gold, small piece of edge pointing upward (where the metal was poured?), somewhat coin-like in size and weight. From the
Espadarte (1558), with Arqueonautas certificate. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
1621. Gold nugget #1004 from the Espadarte (1558), 19 grams. 3/4" in diameter and 1/4" thick. A flattened
sphere of high-grade gold, very coin-like, with void near edge but otherwise fully round and thick, the
flattened surfaces smooth and clean. From the Espadarte (1558), with Arqueonautas certificate. Estimate: $1,000-
$1,500.
1622. Lot of 6 low-grade gold pieces from the Espadarte (1558). 2.4-12.0 grams each (total 48.2 grams), 1/4"
to 1" in diameter. These bits, of which 2 are coin-like disks and 2 are wedges cut from disks, the other 2 being
more like drops or nuggets, are all dark and dull in color (still obviously gold), both from
a lower-grade of gold and from heavy encrustation, a fascinating lot of pieces that could
be cleaned up to reveal brighter and more eye-catching items. From the Espadarte (1558),
with Arqueonautas certificates #IDM-006/02/0940, 0976, 0988, 1010, 1113 and 1273. Estimate:
$1,000-$1,500.
1623. Gold “finger” bar ingot #30 from the Atocha (1622), 885 grams, 20-3/4K.
About 9" x 1" x 1/2". Long and nearly full bar with one end neatly sliced twice, at different
angles, the other end rounded but with cylindrical “assayer’s bite” now filled with white
coral, the bar itself slightly curved, with 4 clear fineness markings, each with 2 X’s in a box
and 3 dots in a separate box, plus at least 7 partial circular tax seals with dotted border and
some letters visible, plus (and most importantly) full and mostly readable foundry mark
“SARGOSA / PECARTA,” at least the top half of which refers to the mine (and city) of
Zaragoza in Colombia (the PECARTA part probably an assayer name), all with bits of
encrustation, the other side smooth, certainly one of the better-marked and more significant
gold bars from the Atocha. From the Atocha (1622), with original Fisher photo-certificate #GB030.
Estimate: $35,000-$50,000.
1624. Gold “finger” bar #33 from the Atocha (1622), 621 grams, 20-1/4K. About 7" x
1" x 1/4". Another “SARGOSA / PECARTA” bar from Zaragoza, Colombia, this bar
neatly cut (once) at each end but still long and with 3 fineness markings of 2 X’s in a box
and one dot, no less than 7 partial (circular) tax seals with dotted borders and some letters,
the foundry mark nearly full and clearly attributable, not much encrustation except for
inside a small pit on the marked side. From the Atocha (1622), with original Fisher photo-
certificate #GB033. Estimate: $25,000-$35,000.
261
1625. Gold “finger” bar ingot from the Maravillas (1656), 336.3 grams, 19-1/4K. About 7" x 1" x 1/4".
A very wide and flat ingot with one end chisel-cut twice (a bit crudely) and the other end rounded but with
two small, cylindrical assayer’s bites, the marked surface with 3 fineness markings of XIX in a box with
single dot outside, 3 clear tax seals (plus part of another) with dotted borders and letters HISPA and DG
visible, but best of all is the bold and nearly full foundry mark RIBERA / ZARAGOZA, which clearly
refers to the Zaragoza mine and city in Colombia but also possibly to an assayer named Ribera (unless the
RIBERA simply refers to the fact that the Zaragoza in Colombia, as opposed to the Zaragoza in Spain, is
situated on the banks of a river), a significant artifact from a wreck that is not necessarily known for
yielding many gold bars. From the Maravillas (1656), with color photo-certificate. Estimate: $18,500-$27,000.
1626. Gold “half potato” ingot
from the 1715 Fleet, marked
“4o3”, 59.32 troy oz, estimated
fineness 20K. About 5-3/4" x 2-1/
2" x 3/4". A virtual twin of one that
sold in the US Customs sale in
Tampa, Florida, in 2003,
obviously made in the same bun-
shaped mold and nearly exactly
the same weight, and clearly
marked with the same “4o3” (and
nothing else) that refers to the
weight in hundredth-libras, the
libra being 460 grams, hence 59.6
oz (very close to actual in this case,
the remaining 3/10 oz possibly
lost due to oxidation of copper
impurities in the sea?), a spartan
but attractively tidy ingot with
significant intrinsic value. From the
1715 Fleet, with cer tificate.
Estimate: $45,000-$65,000.
1627. Justh & Hunter gold ingot #4280 from
the S.S. Central America (1857), 20.93 oz,
90.7% fine, with special presentation copy of
Bowers book. About 2-3/8" x 1-3/4" x 1/2". A
desirably compact and perfectly rectangular ingot
with markings on top NO.4280 / JUSTH &
HUNTER / 20.93 OZS. / 907 FINE. / $392.42,
bias-cut assayer’s “bites” in upper-left corner on
top and bottom-right corner on bottom, the
bottom smooth but with marking 80 near one
corner, a very rare and highly sought example of
California gold from the Gold Rush days, the
specimens from Justh & Hunter (a famous
assaying office in San Francisco, Justh himself
once an assayer at the mint) being typically much
larger and therefore difficult to collect in this
small size. Note also that the accompanying book
(part of a special presentation package when
these gold bars were marketed after the find) is worth at least $1000 by itself. From the S.S. Central America (1857), with huge,
special-issue, limited-edition (400 copies made) boxed book (which contains a pinch of gold dust from the ship in the inside cover) entitled A
California Gold Rush History, by Q. David Bowers (2002). Estimate: $50,000-$75,000.
262
1628. Lot of gold flakes and dust from the S.S. Central America (1857), approx. 31 grams, in
original Sotheby’s packaging. A generous “pinch” of gold dust and flakes (plus a few tiny nuggets)
from the California Gold Rush and the most famous shipwreck source of same, one of the few
original lots from the Sotheby’s sale that did not (yet) go to promoters for packaging into 1.5-gram
retail items. From the S.S. Central America (1857), with Sotheby’s sticker #283/19925 and blue pouch.
Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
1629. Lot of gold dust from the S.S. Central America (1857), approx.
20 grams. A goodly “pinch” of gold dust (no flakes or nuggets) from the California Gold Rush
and the most famous shipwreck source of same, one of the few original lots from the Sotheby’s sale
that did not (yet) go to promoters for packaging into 1.5-gram retail items. From the S.S. Central
America (1857), with Sotheby’s sticker #342/20831 and blue pouch. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
Silver
1630. Large silver
“tumbaga” bar #M-66 (“key
bar”) from the “Tumbaga
wreck” (ca. 1528), 21.66 lb.About 13-1/2" x 4-1/2" x 1-1/2".
When the “tumbaga” bars were
conserved in 1993, Armstrong
specifically set this one aside as
being the “key bar” for the fact
that it shows many small disks
and other pieces sticking out of
its top surface, as the
component artifacts were not
fully melted and show at least
some idea of what they
originally looked like, thereby
making this one bar, above all
the others, far more important,
also with clear markings on the
bottom (YB13 iUBC XV =
67.3% pure, and IN / DCBCA
assayer and 2 partial tax
stamps), crude (and seemingly
too small) assayer’s “bite” in
one corner, and worth noting
as well that this is one of the
heaviest and largest bars, to the
point that its top appears to
have spilled over the mold
(maybe why the artifacts were
not totally melted). From the
“Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528), with
Sedwick photo-certificate.
Estimate: $20,000-$30,000.
263
1631. Silver “tumbaga” bar #M-92 from the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528), 8.07 lb. About 14" x 3-1/4" x 3/4". Long, flat ingot
with rippled texture on top with single tax stamp, bumpy texture on bottom with 2 sets of finenesses, one with IV II X L (with
small s’s above and below) for 1240 (51.7% pure) and the other with iVCCC L X for 1360 (56.7% pure), also serial number R C
and assayer B~Vo and partial tax stamp, diagonal “bite” (half sliced, half broken) in corner, gray to silvery in color. From the
“Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528). Estimate: $5,750-$7,500.
1632. Silver “tumbaga” bar #M-115 from the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528), 7.08 lb. About 10" x 3-1/2" x 3/4". Thick, rectangular
ingot with “sunburst” texture on top around 2 bold finenesses, IV IIII with small s’s above and below for 1400 (58.3% pure) and
YB13 next to S and iUB for 1500 (62.5% pure), also bold partial tax stamp, the other side of the bar very granulated and bumpy,
with very neatly sliced diagonal assayer’s “bite” in corner, even silver color with some toning. From the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528).
Estimate: $5,500-$7,500.
264
1633. Silver “tumbaga” bar #M-106 from the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528), 6.51 lb. About 12-1/2" x 4" x 3/8". Broadly
rectangular in shape but not very thick, with very bold serial number R C, assayer B~Vo and fineness iVCC L X X X (1280/2400
= 53.3% pure) and one partial tax stamp on top whose texture ranges from smooth to striated to almost crystalline, the other
side evenly rough (oxidized?), crudely broken assayer’s “bite” in one corner, nice even color. From the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528).
Estimate: $5,000-$7,000.
1634. Silver “tumbaga” bar #M-51 from the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528), 5.23 lb. About 7" x 3" x 1". Neat “half-brick” with
clear markings of assayer B~Vo, serial RC and fineness iVC L X (1160/2400 = 48.3% pure) on top, large portion of circular tax
stamp on bottom, diagonal assayer’s “bite” in corner, some pitting but mostly well preserved and desirable shape and markings.
From the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528). Estimate: $4,500-$6,500.
265
1635. Silver “tumbaga” bar #M-63 from the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528), 4.59 lb. About 9-1/4" x 4" x 3/8". Very neatly
rectangular but somewhat thin, with bold fineness IV IIII L X X X (with small s’s above and below) for 1480 (61.7% pure) and
partial tax stamp on smooth top, the bottom rougher and unmarked and with curious “string” impressions, diagonally sliced
assayer’s “bite” in one corner, even silver color. From the “Tumbaga wreck” (ca. 1528). Estimate: $4,250-$6,000.
1636. Cut silver “tumbaga style” ingot #6 from the “Golden
Fleece wreck” (ca. 1550), 2495 grams, with illegible fineness
markings and tax stamp. About 5-1/2" x 2-3/4" x 1-1/2". An odd
item for this wreck, whose silver yield was almost entirely round
“splash” ingots, this piece instead being the middle portion of a
big, rectangular “tumbaga” ingot from a few decades prior, the
two cuts (about 1/3 chiseled and 2/3 broken) clear on the wide
ends, the fineness marked on both sides (one with circular tax stamp
as well) but illegible due to corrosion, very heavy and bricklike.
From the “Golden Fleece wreck” (ca. 1550). Estimate: $3,500-$5,000.
1637. Well-marked silver “splash” ingot #AG from the
“Golden Fleece wreck” (ca. 1550), fineness 23.6/24, 1004
grams. About 5-1/2" in diameter and up to 5/8" thick. Typical round
“splash” but with unusually clear and bold markings on top,
including fineness IIU CCC L X (2360/2400 = 98.3% pure) twice
and crowned-C tax circular tax stamp twice too, the bottom of
the bar rough and unmarked, the edges a bit crude but with clearly
chiseled cut in one place, nice silver color all over. From the “Golden
Fleece wreck” (ca. 1550), with photo-certificate. Estimate: $1,500-
$2,250.
266
1638. Cut piece of a silver “splash” ingot from an unidentified ca.-1554 wreck off Santo
Domingo, 5.73 troy oz. Roughly 3-1/2" x 2-1/2" x 1/2". Very irregular, somewhat triangular-cut
piece (chisel-cut once and crudely broken twice) of a very thin “splash” with lots of bubble
inclusions, no visible markings, very crude, with rough texture from oxidation, but somewhat
coin-like in nature (basically “plata corriente”) and rare. From an unidentified ca.-1554 wreck off Santo
Domingo, with certificate. Estimate: $250-$375.
1639. Cut piece of a silver “splash” ingot from
an unidentified ca.-1554 wreck off Santo Domingo, 4.08 troy oz. Roughly 2-
1/2" x 1-1/2" x 1/2". A very crude, thick, interior piece broken off of a much larger
“splash”, with significant stress cracks from the breakage, no visible markings,
clean and tidy on one side but thickly encrusted with whitish coral on the other
side, somewhat coin-like in nature (basically “plata corriente”) and rare. From an
unidentified ca.-1554 wreck off Santo Domingo, with certificate. Estimate: $250-$375.
A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ATOCHA SILVER-BAR MARKINGS
Like 17th-century bumper stickers, the markings on the
tops of the hundreds of massive silver ingots recovered from
the Atocha (sunk in 1622 west of Key West, Florida, and found
and salvaged by Mel Fisher and his divers in 1985) tell the story
of where each bar came from, when and how it was made,
who made it and owned it and shipped it, and even what was
supposed to happen to it when it arrived in Spain, a journey
the ingots obviously did not complete. Interpreting these
markings is not as hard as it seems, as this brief guide will
show.
For practical purposes the visibility of markings is
succinctly represented on the Mel Fisher certificate that
accompanies each bar in the form of a number called the Class
Factor. This number ranges from 0.6 for corroded and poorly
marked bars to 1.0 for ones with full markings (particularly the
date). Most bars are Class Factor 0.8 or 0.9. The following will
tell you what each of the markings means.
The first and simplest marking to decipher is the
manifest number, which appears in large and deeply stamped
Roman numerals. It is important to keep in mind that in the
Spanish colonial system the thousands are indicated by one or
more I’s followed by a U, hence IIU is two thousand. The first
bar listed in our auction here, for example, shows a manifest
number of IIIIUCXXXVII for 4137. In the ship’s manifest,
which was copied and sent ahead of the ship (which is why we
know what was on the Atocha’s manifest), the manifest number
is a line-item entry, next to which each bar is listed with its
weight and owner/shipper details. Interestingly enough,
matching bars to this manifest was how the Atocha find was
confirmed in the first place.
The next marking to consider is the fineness, also in
Roman numerals but these smaller and incuse inside standard
punch-type boxes, representing parts per 2400. With few
exceptions on these bars, the fineness is nearly always IIU C C
C L X X X (each separate box indicated by a space between the
letters) or 2380, which is 99.17% pure silver, using the same
karat system as for gold (24K or 2400 in silver being 100%
pure).
Usually lightly stamped to the right of the fineness
(when visible at all) is the cartouche of the assayer, the person
who was responsible for making sure the stamped fineness was
accurate. The assayer tested the silver by means of a “bite,”
which was the removal of a small piece of the bar for testing
and retention as his fee, usually a peanut-shaped “double-scoop”
on the top of the bar but also as a cylindrical notch in the side
of the bar instead. The former was the style for Potosí whereas
the latter was for Oruro, two different cities and foundries in
Bolivia (part of Peru at the time).
The foundry and date appear in their own cartouche
elsewhere on the bar, usually weakly visible if at all. The usual
mark for Potosí is a P with a small o above it to the left of a
1621 (or 1622) date in large, Arabic numerals. For Oruro it is
ORUR above O1621 (always that date).
Another usually faint—but eminently important—
mark was the tax stamp or “quinto,” representing the king’s
“fifth” or 20% tax. This appears multiple times on a given bar
267
in the form of a coin-like circular seal with the Spanish arms
(lions and castles in a simple shield) inside a legend for the
king. Quite often this seal is impressed weakly or only partially,
presumably because the official punches were hard to come by
and would last longer if used gently. The same principal applied
to the assayer and foundry/date marks mentioned above. It is
generally understood that the king’s tax was paid prior to the
casting of the bar, and in fact some bars with different markings
may be the actual tax money earmarked for the crown.
One other punched mark on these bars, typically near
the edge, is the silvermaster’s mark, which for both Potosí and
Oruro was nearly always a V for Jacob de Vreder. Some bars
(particularly those that are believed to be the king’s tax money)
instead show a similarly punched letter A, the name unknown
but probably de Vreder’s assistant. Note that de Vreder himself
was aboard the Atocha and perished in the disaster; his assistant
was on the Santa Margarita of the same ill-fated fleet of 1622.
For whatever reason, the bars owned by J. Delgado show other
punched letters (like B, C, D, etc.) that appear to have nothing
to do with the silvermaster but are similar in form.
Visually the most impressive marks are the deeply
hand-inscribed (not punched) monograms of the owners and
shippers. Usually these were the same person, but not always;
the manifest generally gives you the “owned by” and “shipped
for” names. These marks are usually large and sometimes take
up the entire width of the bar, with things like diamonds and
asterisks gracing the letters of usually, but not always, logical
monograms, like MB for Muñibe. Multiple monograms are not
uncommon and may indicate settlements of accounts down
the line. In lieu of such markings there is often a simple diagonal
line, believed to be a divider to show where to cut the bar to
remove a proper portion for another tax, the “averia” or
shipping tax, used to pay for the defensive privilege of
transporting the silver safely on the king’s ships.
Some hand-inscribed marks, it is believed, were
acquired by the bars during their long journey from the
mountains of Bolivia to the coast of Peru or Chile, to the
southern shores of Panama and across the isthmus to the
Caribbean, and finally to the transshipment points of Cartagena,
Colombia, and Havana, Cuba. Presumably, however, these
marks aided in proper taxation and payments when the bars
reached Spain and found their intended recipients, at which
point the bars were all melted down. It is only because of the
1622-Fleet disaster that we can see these marks and ingots at
all and appreciate their beauty and significance.
1640. Large silver bar from the Atocha (1622),100 lb 2.3 oz troy, Class Factor 1.0. About 14" x 5-1/2" x 4-1/2". This is the
heaviest bar we have ever offered (certainly one of the biggest from the ship) and also one of the best-marked, with bold
manifest number IIIIUCXXXVII, fineness IIU C C C L X X X (2380 = 99.2% pure) with foundry mark to right, at least 7 clear
tax stamps, and (best of all) date 1621 with Potosí initial to left, plus a D (for owner/shipper Delgado) and a V (for silvermaster
de Vreder) at one end and a diagonal slash at the other (to show where to cut to take out the “avería” or shipping tax),
interestingly lopsided in height and with the top part somewhat “overlapping” the top sides of the mold, typical (for Potosí bars
anyway) “double-scoop” assayer’s “bite” in center of top, a very impressive and intrinsically valuable ingot. From the Atocha
(1622), with Fisher photo-certificate #85A-S300. Estimate: $21,000-$26,000.
268
1641. Large silver bar from the Atocha (1622), 91 lb 4.96 oz troy, Class Factor 1.0. About 14" x 5" x 3-1/2". This choice bar has
the most exquisite markings we have ever seen, with deeply engraved and elegant GSS monogram to left (for owner/shipper
Gasca and Sanchez), FD monogram above A and I to right, manifest number IIIYDCLII, fineness IIU C C C L X X X (2380 =
99.2% pure) to left of very explicit IoV.Ess. / MEXIA assayer cartouche, also 3 nearly complete tax stamps and 1621 date with
P initial for Potosí, very deep “double-scoop” assayer’s “bite” in middle, also very evenly cast and uncorroded, desirable pedigree.
From the Atocha (1622), with Fisher photo-certificate #85A-S559. Also pedigreed to the Treasures of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha
auction (San Diego, 9/19/87), lot #3375. Estimate: $20,000-$25,000.
1642. Large silver bar from the Atocha (1622), 83 lb 9.44 oz troy, Class Factor 1.0. About 16" x 5-1/4" x 3-1/4". A curious
example of crossed-out markings, as the monogrammed TSR to right is defaced and replaced on the left side (below a crossed-
out V) with a bold MB monogram (shipper/owner Munibe), also with bold manifest number I11CVIII (note the 1’s instead of
I’s) and fineness IIU C C C L X X X (2380 = 99.2% pure), also partial tax stamp and date or assayer cartouche, very prominent
cylindrical assayer’s “bite” at one end (hence cast in Oruro, which is scarcer than Potosí), minor surface corrosion, desirable
pedigree. From the Atocha (1622), with Fisher photo-certificate #85A-S811. Also pedigreed to the Treasures of the Nuestra Señora de
Atocha auction (San Diego, 9/19/87), lot #3374. Estimate: $20,000-$25,000.
269
1643. Large silver bar from the Atocha (1622), 87 lb 6.88 oz troy, Class Factor 0.9. About 16" x 5" x 3-1/2". Very well marked
for its grade, with particularly bold NR monogram at one end and Lx at the other end, 2 V’s, manifest number CCCLXXXII, 4
nearly full tax stamps, fineness IIU C C C L X X X (2380 = 99.2% pure), but the assayer/date box after the fineness is
unreadable (hence the grade), curious cylindrical assayer’s “bite” taken from center of side (hence not visible from the top),
bright silver color all over with pits (from bubbles) as made. From the Atocha (1622), with original Fisher photo-certificate #S762.
Estimate: $19,000-$24,000.
1644. Silver contraband ingot from the Maravillas (1656),
550 grams. About 5" x 1" x 3/4". A neatly molded ingot of typical
shape and fineness (presumed to be around 23.8K) but without
any markings and rather small, therefore undoubtedly
contraband in nature, with minor corrosion on gray-colored
surfaces. From the Maravillas (1656), with original Marex certificate
#124. Estimate: $500-$750.
1645. Small silver plug (contraband ingot?), from an
original Spanish salvage camp of the 1715 Fleet, 34.8
grams. About 1-1/4" in diameter and 7/8" tall. This looks just like
someone poured molten silver into a nesting
cup-weight, presumably so a smuggler would
have a small, almost coin-like piece of
contraband silver, no markings of course, dark
in color and nicely encrusted all over, really
looks like it should weigh more. From the 1715
Fleet, with photo-certificate #0514. Estimate:
$100-$150.
1646. Neatly formed silver bar from
the Rooswijk (1739), 1967 grams (63.25
oz. troy), marked with A (Amsterdam)
and VOC (Dutch East India Co.) and
billy goat (assayer/foundry mark).
About 6-1/4" x 1-1/2" x 1-1/4". Very tidy and
clean ingot with very bold markings, one
end typically cut (to fine-
tune the weight) and with
deep depression inside
which some orange
encrustation now resides,
the perfect preservation
of the ingot due to the
fact that it was neatly cast
and tightly packed into a
chest that remained intact.
From the Rooswijk (1739),
with certificate and tag
# R K 0 5 A S 0 3 3 5 .
Estimate: $2,500-
$3,750.
1647. Neatly formed silver bar from the Rooswijk (1739), 1957 grams (62.93 oz. troy), marked with A
(Amsterdam) and VOC (Dutch East India Co.) and billy goat (assayer/foundry mark). About 6-1/2" x
1-1/2" x 1-1/4". Very tidy and clean ingot with very bold markings, one end typically cut (to fine-tune the
weight) and with deep but narrow depression now containing a modicum of orange encrustation, the perfect
preservation of the ingot due to the fact that it was neatly cast and tightly packed into a chest that remained
intact. From the Rooswijk (1739), with certificate and tag #RK04A0547. Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
270
Copper
1648. Cut copper ingot from the Atocha (1622), 12 lb av.
About 7" x 7" x 3". A very crude lump of copper that was broken
apart in at least one place, no markings (as usual), mostly dark
brown in color but with some bright copper exposed and lots
of green spots tinged with white coral bits in the pits. From the
Atocha (1622), with Fisher certificate #625. Estimate: $400-$600.
1649. Broken copper ingot(?) (or possibly just scrap
copper) from the Consolación (1681), 604 grams. About 4-
1/2" x 2-1/2" x 2". Very crude
cluster of scrap copper,
possibly broken from a larger
ingot, no markings of
course, but with lovely
orange and green
encrustation against dark
brown surfaces. From the
Consolación (1681), with ROBCAR photo-certificate #B090004.
Estimate: $50-$100.
1650. Well-molded copper ingot from the Benamain
(1890), 14 lb av. Roughly 12" x 2-1/2" x 2-1/2". Custom-molded
ingot with rectangular top with pointed ends, cylindrical cross-
holes in bottom, which is marked with incuse V&S for Vivian
& Son above A (unknown), brick-red color all over with spots
of green. From the Benamain (1890), with original Aquascan
certificate. Estimate: $200-$300.
SHIPWRECK ARTIFACTS
Phoenician wreck of the late 5th/early 4th century
BC off Israel
1651. Hollow terra cotta statue of Tanit. 187 grams, 6-3/8" tall
and about 1-1/2" in diameter. A crude, worn statue almost completely
cocooned in white encrustation, the face and one arm (barely
recognizable) peeking out (grayish tan color), one of 250 statues
found on the wreck in similar condition, the goddess being the
main deity of Carthaginian religion and culture. With copy of
article about the wreck and salvage. Estimate: $150-$225.
1200s wreck off Southeast Asia
1652. Pair of Chinese celadon plates, Song or Yuan
Dynasty (960-1279 AD). 210.6 grams, 5" x 1"; 207 grams, 5" x 1-1/4".
Two shallow saucers with leafy design in center under greenish-
gray glaze all over except for white ring inside and unglazed
base, the smaller one with crusty residue inside and tiny chips
in rim but the larger one 100% intact. Estimate: $50-$75.
271
1300s wreck off Thailand
1653. Pair of earthenware jar lids (one repaired). 155 and
131 grams, each 4" in diameter and 1-1/2" to 1-3/4" in diameter. Both lids
a bit worn and crude, one white with bits of brown glaze and
the other grayish with design in dark brown and orangish
encrustation, the latter broken into 6 pieces and re-glued but
the other one intact with shelly encrustation inside, both with
cute little knob at top. With original 1974 letter from the diver.
Estimate: $50-$75.
“Hoi An hoard,” sunk in the late 1400s off Vietnam
1654. Annamese blue-on-white porcelain monkey
statuette (dropper). 66 grams, 2-1/4" tall. Very cute little statuette
in the form of a mother monkey with baby in lap and hole for
mouth to be used as a dropper, blue dots and stripes, plain
base with sticker, perfectly intact with bits of wormy white
coral. With VISAL sticker #28632 and pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $175-$250.
1655. Annamese blue-on-white porcelain bowl with bird
motif. 697 grams, 9-1/4" in diameter and 2" tall. Choice and 100%
intact museum-quality piece showing a bird with outstretched
wings in the center, floral pattern around edge, 9-petalled design
on exterior, turned chocolate color without glaze on base, once
encrusted but very carefully cleaned and undamaged (unlike
most), just the footprint of one crustacean still adhering.
Estimate: $600-$900.
1656. Uncleaned, Annamese blue-on-white porcelain bowl
with bird motif. 743 grams, 9" in diameter and 2" tall. Intact and
vividly colored piece showing a bird with outstretched wings
in center surrounded by floral pattern and 9 panels on exterior,
light brown base (unglazed), interestingly encrusted all over
with oyster shells, barnacles and wormy coral (as found), plus
some dark stains, great for a shipwreck display but also likely
museum quality if judiciously cleaned. Estimate: $600-$900.
1658. Annamese blue-on-white
lidded porcelain powder-box
(medium). 94 grams, 1-1/2" tall and 2-
1/4" in diameter. Well-preserved
round box with curved sides,
flowery diamond design on top
surrounded with berries(?),
scalloped pattern bottom part that
is close but not an exact match with
the top (very typical for this wreck), one small chip but otherwise
intact. With VISAL certificate #51697 and pedigreed to the Mark
Bir collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
1659. Annamese blue-on-white
lidded porcelain powder-box
(medium). 82 grams, 1-1/2" tall and 2-1/
4" in diameter. Round box with curved
sides, deep dark design on top (flower
in center surrounded by 6 panels),
simple flower-petal design on bottom
half, a marginal match for the top but
intact at least and with fairly good
glaze remaining. With VISAL certificate #30128 and pedigreed to
the Mark Bir collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
1657. Large, Annamese
blue-on-white lidded
porcelain powder-box.121 grams, 1-3/4" tall and 2-3/
4" in diameter. Flower on top
with 4-panel pattern on
sides, much degraded from
the sea but fundamentally
intact, with minute bits of
encrustation, the top and
bottom nicely matched.
With VISAL certificate #63933 and pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $100-$150.
272
1660. Small, Annamese blue-on-white lidded porcelain
powder-box. 54 grams, 1-1/4" tall and 1-3/4" in diameter. Round and
straight-sided, with sunlike central design on top and berries(?)
on bottom, a reasonable match with the top, decent glaze and
intact. With VISAL sticker #64823 and pedigreed to the Mark Bir
collection. Estimate: $75-$110.
“Tumbaga wreck,” sunk ca. 1528 off Grand Bahama
Island
1661. Bronze apothecary’s pestle. 367 grams, 7" long. In
amazingly intact condition (one end possibly truncated), the
bronze a lovely dark color with light encrustation, desirable as
a recognizable artifact from a very early ship. Estimate: $75-
$110.
Unidentified slave ship sunk in 1553 off Portete,
Ecuador
1662. Brass spike, rare provenance. 94 grams, 6" long. Clean,
straight, intact spike with square shank and head, light brass
color, first artifact (with next) that we have ever seen from this
potentially important wreck. With photo-certificate. Estimate: $40-
$60.
1663. Iron spike, rare provenance. 129 grams, 6-1/2" long.
Straight, intact, square-shanked spike with bulbous head, rusty
red in color with patches of green and gray, first artifact (with
next) that we have ever seen from this potentially important
wreck. With photo-certificate. Estimate: $40-$60.
“Cidade Velha shipwrecks,” sunk in the late 1500s off
the Cape Verde Islands, west of Africa
1664. Bronze crucifix. 4.3 grams, 2-1/4" x 1-3/8". One-piece cross
and Christ figure, a bit eroded but fundamentally intact (just
the top part missing), brassy color. With Arqueonautas certificate
#AGO-050/98/993. Estimate: $100-$150.
1665. Bronze crucifix. 5.1 grams, 1-5/8" x 1-3/8". One-piece cross
and Christ figure, the legs particularly prominent, worn but
intact except for the top loop, brassy color. With Arqueonautas
certificate #AGO-050/98/993. Estimate: $100-$150.
1666. Lot of 6 small, brass buckles. 11.0 grams total, 1"-1-1/4"
long. Thin but fairly ornate and easily recognizable artifacts, used
for shoes and straps (not waist belts), all more or less intact.
With Arqueonautas certificates #AGO-050/98/938.03, 931.04,
922.04, 929, 944.03 and 890.05. Estimate: $70-$100.
273
“Binh Thuan wreck,” sunk ca. 1608 off Vietnam
“Wild Horse River wreck,” sunk ca. 1620 in the Río de la Plata off Colonia, Uruguay
1668. Gold ring with amethyst. 5.8 grams, 7/8" inside diameter. Nearly identical to the specimen in our Treasure Auction #4 but
with slightly lighter-colored stone (table cut), the setting ornate and high-grade gold (est. 22K), in perfect condition with black
encrustation in crevices, made for nobility in the 1600s but wearable today (size 7-1/2) by the high bidder! Estimate: $5,000-
$7,500.
1669. Gold ring with aquamarine(?). 3.0 grams, 3/4" inside diameter. Practically identical to the specimen in our Treasure Auction
#4, the stone of the same quality and cut (a 12-faceted, pointed octagon, very similar to the Old European “rose cut” popular
in the 1500s), the ring itself ornate, high grade (est. 22K) and perfectly preserved, slightly oval but basically size 5-1/2. Estimate:
$4,000-$6,000.
1667. Blue-on-white Chinese porcelain jarlet, Zhangzhou (Swatow), late Ming Dynasty. 68.7 grams,
2" tall and 1-3/4" in diameter. Small, round vase with 3/4" hole in rim at top (with natural flaw under the
glaze), vivid deer design in two panels, crude base due to dripping of glaze, intact and much nicer than it
sounds. The “Binh Thuan wreck,” sunk off the southern coast of modern-day Vietnam and salvaged in
2001, was a Chinese junk, possibly linked to the merchant I Sin Ho, who lost a ship there in 1608 laden
with silk and other goods on the way from China to Johor (Malaysia). Estimate: $80-$120.
274
1670. Ornate silver plate with bird-hunting theme. 181 grams,
6-3/4" in diameter. Perfectly preserved (no corrosion) and
fabulously well detailed, this small, shallow plate shows a game-
bird with wings outstretched in the center surrounded by the
heads of horses and full side-views of a deer and a dog and
two stork-like birds amongst vegetation, presumably a hunting
scene, the execution of which is clearly South American but
beautifully done, all in a lightly toned hammered silver with
protrusion in center on bottom where some sort of stand once
attached. We shudder to think of the market value of this piece
if it had come from the Atocha (1622)! Estimate: $1,000-$5,000.
1671. Lot of 20 large, Grade-1 quality natural emeralds,
23.0 carats total. Nice green color and good opacity, most
about 5 mm in size, the very same items that would sell for up
to $1000 each from the Atocha (1622). Estimate: $700-$1,000.
1672. Lot of dozens of medium-sized, Grade-1 quality
natural emeralds, 28.5 carats total. Nice green color and
good opacity, most about 3 mm in size, the very same items
that would sell for up to $1000 each from the Atocha (1622).
Estimate: $850-$1,275.
1673. Lot of over 100 small, Grade-1 quality natural
emeralds, 27.5 carats total. Nice green color and good opacity,
most about 2 mm in size, the very same items that would sell
for up to $1000 each from the Atocha (1622). Estimate: $825-
$1,250.
1674. Lot of 17 medium to large, Grade-2 quality natural
emeralds, 19.0 carats total. Darker (blacker, not deeper green)
and more opaque, most about 5 mm in diameter, the very same
items that would sell for up to $1000 each from the Atocha
(1622). Estimate: $380-$570.
275
1675. Lot of 28 medium-sized, Grade-2 quality natural
emeralds, 25.0 carats total. Darker (blacker, not deeper green)
and more opaque, most about 3 mm in diameter, the very same
items that would sell for up to $1000 each from the Atocha
(1622). Estimate: $500-$750.
1676. Lot of dozens of small, Grade-2 quality natural
emeralds, 10.0 carats total. Darker (blacker, not deeper green)
and more opaque, most about 2 mm in diameter, the very same
items that would sell for up to $1000 each from the Atocha
(1622). Estimate: $200-$300.
1677. Lot of dozens of large,Grade-3 quality natural
emeralds, 66.5 carats total. Very dark and opaque nuggets
tinged with green, most about 5 mm in diameter, the very same
items that would sell for up to $1000 each from the Atocha
(1622). Estimate: $675-$1,000.
1678. Lot of dozens of medium to large, Grade-3 quality
natural emeralds, 40.5 carats total. Very dark and opaque
nuggets tinged with green, most about 3 mm in diameter, the
very same items that would sell for up to $1000 each from the
Atocha (1622). Estimate: $400-$600.
1679. Lot of over 100 small,Grade-3 quality natural
emeralds, 54.5 carats total. Very dark and opaque nuggets
tinged with green, most about 2 mm in diameter, the very same
items that would sell for up to $1000 each from the Atocha
(1622). Estimate: $550-$825.
Atocha, sunk in 1622 west of Key West, Florida
1680. Gold clasp made into a pendant. 3.2 grams,
1" long. An original artifact, sort of a starburst figure-
eight with smooth, triangular back, 2.42 grams, that
had holes at top into which a small pin and loop
were attached (removable) so that it can be worn
as a pendant, with desirable original certificate. With
original Fisher photo-certificate #3926-A-82 from 1984.
Estimate: $1,750-$2,500.
1681. Small gold bead. 0.3 gram, 1/4" in diameter. A
plain, more or less
spherical bead with tiny holes at
each end, slightly caved in but
with nice white coral appended.
With original plastic tag and Fisher
photo-certificate #86A-P049.
Estimate: $250-$375.
276
1682. High-quality natural emerald,
2.98 carats. About 10 x 6 x 5 mm. A sizable
and somewhat translucent gem with nice
green color, one of the better specimens
from the Atocha, always popular. With
original plastic tag and Fisher photo-certificate #E270. Estimate:
$1,500-$2,250.
1683. Natural emerald, 1.95 carats. About 9 x 6 x 5
mm. Nice green color and surface luster, somewhat
opaque but much better than most from the Atocha,
always popular. With original plastic tag and Fisher photo-
certificate #LE1324. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
1684. Natural emerald chip, 0.53 carat. About
7 x 5 x 3 mm. White crystal with tinge of green,
popular source. With original plastic tag and Fisher
photo-certificate #97A-59390. Estimate: $200-
$300.
1685. Iron cooper’s stake anvil, very rare, professionally
conserved. 34 lb, 53" long. Also known as a spike anvil, this large
item with point at one end and flat, rectangular work area with
two holes on the other end was used by the ship’s cooper (barrel-
maker) to form hoops, which required a special, narrow anvil
that could be poked into a hole in the wood of the ship and
steadied while he hammered the hoop on the top, this example
effectively intact and heavy, fully preserved and black (no rust),
amazing condition for shipwreck iron and an important,
substantial and very rare shipboard implement. With original
Fisher certificate # 05A-72023 and letter about when it was found,
showing a picture of its original coral-encrusted condition. Estimate:
$3,500-$5,000.
1686. Iron cannonball. 6 lb, 3-1/2" in diameter.
Solid and substantial ball with much surface
erosion but stabilized, dark but slightly rusty
color. With non-Fisher photo-certificate. Estimate:
$100-$150.
1687. Iron padlock,
p r o f e s s i o n a l l y
conserved. 43.1 grams, 2"
x 3/4". In the shape of an
upside-down triangle,
nicely preserved and with
keyhole intact but side and entire upper bar missing, shiny black
in color. With Fisher photo-certificate #96A-60580. Estimate:
$250-$375.
1688. Iron cotter pins, professionally conserved. 86.5 grams,
5" long. Effectively two
spikes, each bent double
and clasped together,
used to connect two free-
moving wooden parts,
amazingly solid and well-
preserved for shipwreck
iron (mostly black, just a
few rust spots). With
original plastic tag and Fisher photo-certificate #5038. Estimate: $100-
$150.
1689. Large copper cooking pot with display sign. 6 lb 10
oz, 8-1/2" tall and 8-1/2" in diameter. Very impressive artifact, the
spherical body all intact (brown in color) but thin and cracked,
held together by a thick, white crust of shells and sand on the
interior, visible through a 6"-wide opening at top, 3 small posts
on sides (one missing) where handles used to be, accompanied
by a small, printed foam-board sign from when the pot was on
display in a museum or traveling exhibit. With original Fisher
photo-certificate #A-601 from 1986. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
277
Santa Margarita, sunk in 1622 west of Key West, Florida
1690. Lot of 5 large, natural pearls. 0.44 to 0.66 carat each.
Sizable pearls (about 5 mm each) with varying colors and sheens,
from a find of 16,000 pearls, the largest of which have fetched
up to $1380 in our previous auctions but were originally
distributed to investors and divers at prices around $2500 each!
With Fisher photo-certificates #83782-1114, 2273, 8116, 8139, 8240.
Estimate: $750-$1,100.
1691. Lot of 5 large, natural pearls. 0.49 to 0.92 carat each. Sizable
pearls (about 5 mm each) with varying colors and sheens, from
a find of 16,000 pearls, the largest of which have fetched up to
$1380 in our previous auctions but were originally distributed
to investors and divers at prices around $2500 each! With Fisher
photo-certificates #83782-2689, 2698, 8161, 8266, 8299. Estimate:
$750-$1,100.
1692. Lot of 10 medium-sized natural pearls. 0.24 to 0.37
carat each. Very useful size (and amount) for jewelry (each pearl
about 0.4 mm), with varying colors and sheens, from a find of
16,000 pearls that were distributed to investors and divers at
prices around $2500 per carat! With Fisher photo-certificates
#83782-1131, 1501, 1506, 1603, 1930, 2660, 2863, 3352, 8245,
8448. Estimate: $750-$1,100.
1693. Lot of 10 medium-sized natural pearls. 0.21 to 0.37
carat each. Very useful size (and amount) for jewelry (each pearl
about 0.4 mm), with varying colors and sheens, from a find of
16,000 pearls that were distributed to investors and divers at
prices around $2500 per carat! With Fisher photo-certificates
#83782-1355, 1514, 1612, 1737, 2168, 3422, 3488, 8131, 8253,
8457. Estimate: $750-$1,100.
1694. Lot of 15 small, natural pearls. 0.08 to 0.15 carat each.
Decent-sized pearls (2-3 mm each) in varying colors and sheens,
from a find of 16,000 pearls that were distributed to investors
and divers at prices around $2500 per carat! With Fisher photo-
certificates #83782-1372, 2196, 2199, 4094, 4175, 5799, 5889,
6002, 6396, 6427, 6456, 6634, 6983, 7091, 7450. Estimate:
$750-$1,100.
1695. Lot of 15 small, natural pearls. 0.08 to 0.16 carat each.
Decent-sized pearls (2-3 mm each) in varying colors and sheens,
from a find of 16,000 pearls that were distributed to investors
and divers at prices around $2500 per carat! With Fisher photo-
certificates #83782-1861, 3441, 3469, 3616, 3739, 3837, 3850,
4133, 5585, 5619, 6547, 6630, 6809, 7609, 7748. Estimate:
$750-$1,100.
278
1696. Lot of 15 small, natural pearls. 0.08 to 0.22 carat each.
Decent-sized pearls (2-3 mm each) in varying colors and sheens,
from a find of 16,000 pearls that were distributed to investors
and divers at prices around $2500 per carat! With Fisher photo-
certificates #83782-1236, 1248, 1716, 2938, 3434, 3537, 3733,
3854, 3941, 4865, 5413, 5414, 5566, 7024, 7152. Estimate:
$750-$1,100.
1697. Lot of 15 small, natural pearls. 0.08 to 0.19 carat each.
Decent-sized pearls (2-3 mm each) in varying colors and sheens,
from a find of 16,000 pearls that were distributed to investors
and divers at prices around $2500 per carat! With Fisher photo-
certificates #83782-1662, 1909, 2040, 2170, 2870, 3121, 3125,
3300, 3416, 3610, 4642, 4968, 5708, 7113, 7797. Estimate:
$750-$1,100.
1698. Lot of 30 very small, natural pearls. 0.03 to 0.15 carat
each. Tiny pearls (1-2 mm each) in varying colors and sheens,
from a find of 16,000 pearls that were distributed to investors
and divers at prices around $2500 per carat (consider the labor
involved in measuring, grading and certifying a 0.03-carat pearl)!
With Fisher photo-certificates #83782-2917, 3021, 3027, 3053, 3080,
3915, 4144, 4195, 4434, 4460, 4481, 4488, 4710, 4889, 4913,
5000, 5044, 5085, 5111, 5203, 5286, 5342, 5355, 5638, 6111,
6170, 6749, 7172, 7833, 8312. Estimate: $750-$1,100.
1699. Lot of 30 very small, natural pearls. 0.01 to 0.17 carat
each. Tiny pearls (1-2 mm each) in varying colors and sheens,
from a find of 16,000 pearls that were distributed to investors
and divers at prices around $2500 per carat (consider the labor
involved in measuring, grading and certifying a 0.03-carat pearl)!
With Fisher photo-certificates #83782-1205, 3067, 3894, 3975, 3989,
4012, 4238, 4785, 4807, 4820, 4895, 4925, 5215, 5225, 5279,
5301, 5318, 5375, 5124, 5165, 5181, 5188, 5616, 5678, 6469,
6992, 7469, 7538, 7699, 7962. Estimate: $750-$1,100.
Please place absentee bids at
www.iCollector.com/sedwick
(use the bid sheet at the end of this
catalog for fax or mail bids)
Want to see your collection here? Consign
to our Treasure Auction #7 (spring, 2010),
deadline January 31
1700. Iron spike, professionally conserved. 237 grams, 8-5/8"
long. Long, straight, square-shank spike with large square head,
a bit eroded but solid and black from conservation. Estimate:
$40-$60.
1701. Half of a lead split-shot, about 3/4" in diameter. 19
grams, 7/8" in diameter. Originally crafted as two hemispheres
connected by wire but the wire and other half now missing,
much less common than the normal musketballs. With original
plastic tag and Fisher photo-certificate #83723. Estimate: $15-$25.
1700
279
Concepción, sunk in 1641 off the northeast coast of
Hispaniola
1702. Section of wood from the ship in shadow box. 4-1/2
lb, 16-1/2" x 16-1/2" x 1-3/4". We have sold tens of thousands of
coins from this wreck but very few artifacts, let alone a piece
of the ship itself ! An otherwise unassuming piece of dark,
splintered wood, about 8" and 1-1/2" wide, this small section
of the ship is elegantly displayed on mats inside a wooden frame
with glass front, inside which is also a custom certificate signed
by Burt Webber, Jr., the modern salvager of the wreck, stating
that the wood is a type of Caribbean mahogany saturated with
gunpowder (presumably why it survived), recovered in 1979.
Estimate: $50-$75.
Capitana (Jesús María de la Limpia Concepción),
sunk in 1654 off Chanduy, Ecuador
1703. Bronze cannonball, rare. 23 lb, 5-1/5" in diameter. A
perfectly round but
oddly cracked ball
(probably due to casting
the bronze around an
iron core), one of just a
few found only on this
ship, their reason for
being believed to be
related to the fact that
normal iron cannonballs
tended to rust away on
the usually quiet Pacific
coast. With Bob Marx
p h o t o - c e r t i f i c a t e .
Estimate: $700-$1,000.
Santo Christo de Castello, sunk in 1667 off the Lizard,
Cornwall, England
1704. Copper pot handle. 179 grams, about 4" to a side. A
horseshoe-shaped torque of 1/2"-cylindrical cross-section, the
flattened ends for fastening to the pot stripped and broken but
the rest of it intact, rare provenance (only the second artifact
we have ever offered from it) that happened to be among the
wrecks offered in the last Lane shipwreck sale of June 1, 1983
(see lot 2051 in the Auction Catalogs section). With certificate.
Estimate: $35-$50.
Sacramento, sunk in 1668 off Bay of All Saints, Bahia,
Brazil
1705. Handled earthenware pot.
1025 grams, 5" tall and 7" in diameter. Super
artifact with short, fat body with one
handle intact and the other worn
away, nice orange color all over, flat
base, the 4" opening at top revealing
a wealth of thick and shelly coral
inside. Estimate: $200-$300.
1706. Bulbous stoneware bottle.643 grams, 8" tall and 4-1/2" in diameter.
Nice teardrop shape with diagonally
broken neck (worn on breaks, so an
old break), flat base, nice tan color
with white oyster “footprints,” wavy
design etched in shoulder, would
make a great flower vase. Estimate:
$200-$300.
280
1707. Small, handled earthenware bowl. 383 grams, 2-1/2" tall
and 6" in diameter. Rustic and simple bowl with vestiges of 2
handles on rolled rim at top, flat base, mottled tan/brown color
all over, intact except for 3 pieces broken and re-glued.
Estimate: $100-$150.
Consolación (“Isla de Muerto shipwreck”), sunk in
1681 off Santa Clara Island, Ecuador
1708. Large brass religious medallion. 3.1 grams, 1-1/4" tall.
One of 4 designs of religious medallions found on this wreck,
according to Bill Seliger in his book Isla El Muerto and the Treasures
of the Consolación (2008), on page 129 of which you can see a
picture of one just like this piece, with Latin legends that read
(translated) “Conception
without sin” on the obverse
around the Virgin Mary and
“Be praised the holiest
sacrament” on the reverse
around 2 angels and a
representation of the holy
sacrament, this example in
super condition with all
details clear and practically uncorroded, minor dark encrustation
here and there, the loop at top missing. With ROBCAR certificate
#B090001. Estimate: $200-$300.
1709. Small brass religious medallion. 2.5 grams, 1" tall.
Another one of the 4 designs found on this wreck and pictured
in the Seliger book showing the
Virgin Mary on obverse and holy
sacrament on reverse but no legends,
a little corroded but intact and
readable, the loop at top missing,
reddish toning and encrustation.
With ROBCAR
certificate #B090003. Estimate: $150-$225.
1710. Iron mule shoe. 176 grams, about 5" x
3-1/2". Perfectly intact specimen,
professionally conserved (black) but thin
and slightly rusty from oxidation, with a
series of 9 square sockets where nails were
to be hammered in. With ROBCAR photo-
certificate #I00006. Estimate: $60-$90.
1681 Fleet off Porto Bello, Panama
1711. Lot of 12 steel rapier blades, some conserved. 8 lb
total, 46" long. While we have had several individual specimens
of these interesting items in previous sales, this is the first time
we have been able to offer a wholesale lot, each sword typically
thin and a dark rusty color but intact and sharp, several with
markings in the blood-groove (including one with INRI for
Jesus of Nazareth King of the Jews), a few stabilized with
lacquer but most in need of long-term conservation. Estimate:
$900-$1,200.
Unidentified 1600s-1700s wreck off Pensacola, Florida
1712. Iron rapier handle and part of blade. 397 grams, 12"
long. The handle-end of
a rapier with hilt and
knuckle-guard intact but
simple in design, only
about 6" of the blade
remaining above the
ricasso and tang, the grip
and pommel missing (if
they existed at all), rusty all over but stable and solid. Estimate:
$50-$100.
Unidentified 1600s-1700s wreck off Coron, northern
Palawan, Philippines
1713. Very large blue-on-white Chinese porcelain bowl
with heron motif, late Ming Dynasty. 4-3/4 lb, 15" in diameter
and 3" tall. Wonderfully big, rimless bowl with tall heron in center
standing among plants surrounded by design of fruit trees
alternating with flowers in 16 panels, minimal design on exterior
and plain (partially glazed) base, fully intact and impressive,
aggressively cleaned (the color just a bit faded). Estimate:
$1,000-$1,500.
281
Henrietta Marie, sunk in 1700 off Marquesas Key, southwest of Key West, Florida
1714. Ornate pewter spoon with original display sign, rare and important provenance. 43 grams. A very elegant spoon
(pied-de-biche type, trifid handle), with crowned head of William III at end, circular maker’s mark with S-B and asterisk for
Stephen Bridges of London on bottom near bowl, the underside of which is ornately designed, even gray color with spots of
white. While some 131 spoons were recovered from this wreck, this is the first we have ever seen for sale (in fact the first artifact
of any kind from it), and we are happy to see it because the Henrietta Marie was heavily touted by the Fisher organization as the
first and only slave ship found and salvaged and therefore of utmost archeological importance. See lot #2013 for a book and
National Geographic magazine about the wreck and its salvage. With plastic display sign and Treasure Salvors certificate #548-2. Estimate:
$500-$1,000.
Bennebroek, sunk in 1713 off South Africa
1715. Conglomerate of money cowries (seashells) and porcelain
shards, rare. 216 grams, about 4" x 2" x 2". This item, the first artifact we
have ever offered from this wreck, a homebound Dutch East Indiaman
sunk with a cargo of porcelain and pepper and salvaged in modern
times by the companies Sealit and Sachs, is basically a clump of clay-
like crud impregnated with 5 small shells known as cowries that were
used as money in Africa as well as at least 2 shards of Chinese blue-on-
white porcelain, all surrounding the void created by a completely
disintegrated square-shank iron spike. With original certificate from the
salvagers. Estimate: $250-$375.
282
1715 Fleet, east coast of Florida
1716. Gold cross studded with 6 high-grade emeralds, intricately engraved on the back. 5.2 grams, roughly 1-1/4" x 1". One
of the featured pieces in this auction, this small item is truly among the most impressive jewels we have ever seen from the 1715
Fleet, as it is basically 6
high-grade emeralds of
deep, dark color
surrounded by high-purity
gold (at least 22K) in a
simple and understated
design but beautifully and
very finely engraved on the
back, perfectly preserved
except for a slight twisting
and opening of the loop at
top (where it was
wrenched from its original
gold chain, presumably
something equally grand),
intentionally left the way it
was found but easily
reparable for wearing
again. This piece has never
left the hands of the
ecstatic finder until now,
although it is has been
featured in many
publications in the 25 years
since it was found. Found
on the beach in the same area as the famous “dragon whistle” (see next lot) between Sebastian and Wabasso in 1984 after the Thanksgiving Day
storm, and featured in several publications, including PLVS VLTRA newsletter (4th quarter, 1986), Florida Sportsman magazine (“Finders
Keepers,” by Bob Burgess, October, 1986), the Garrett Searcher newsletter (issue #15, May, 1989) and the 1988 short film “What Dreams are
Made of: Treasure of the 1715 Fleet” by Dan Wagner, which was reproduced under the new title “The Queen’s Jewels and the 1715 Fleet” and aired
on the History Channel in 1998. Estimate: $10,000-$15,000.
1717. Gold “olive blossom” chain. 21" long, 29.9 grams. When the famous “dragon whistle” (recently in the news for a change in
ownership) was found by Kip
Wagner’s nephew Rex Stocker on
the beach in 1962, it was
accompanied by an 11-foot
length of gold chain of a ornate
design consisting of countless
small, hand-crafted links, each of
which is basically a 2-sided, 6-
petalled flower (usually called
“olive blossom”), and this type of
chain was found many times over
in various lengths throughout all
the years of salvaging the 1715
Fleet, leading many to believe
they were a form of tax-free
alternative to coins (hence the
oft-used term “money chain”). Our specimen here is a perfect length for wearing, but note also that it is nearly equivalent to the
weight of an 8 escudos in its time. With hand-signed Jack Haskins certificate from 1986. Estimate: $4,000-$6,000.
283
1718. Low-grade gold ring of ornate
“hearts” design. 1.7 grams, 3/4" in diameter
(size 6). The Nieves site of the 1715 Fleet is
known as the “ring wreck” for pieces such
as this one, found by the dozens, nearly all
small and in low-grade gold and sometimes
quite ornate, as is the case here, its thrice-repeated pattern being
2 hearts point-to-point, lightly repaired but otherwise well
preserved, more copper in color than gold. With Sinclair photo-
certificate #0011. Estimate: $300-$450.
1719. Low-grade gold(?) Columbus statuette/adornment.
20 grams, 2" long. We have seen this type of object before on the
top of a religious monstrance, basically a standing figurine with
one arm raised (to hold a banner), with pieces of the arms and
legs missing or separate with this lot, encrusted all over but
with the gleam of gold peeking out here and there. With Sinclair
photo-certificate #0001. Estimate: $300-$450.
1720. Natural emerald, 2.55 carats. About 11 mm
long and 5 mm in diameter. A long crystal of classic shape
(more or less hexagonal cross section), good green
color but totally opaque, with lots of white and tan
encrustation all over. From an original Spanish salvage
camp, with photo-certificate #315. Estimate: $350-$500.
1721. Natural emerald, 1.15 carats. About 6 mm long and 4 mm
in diameter. Classic-shaped crystal (more or less
hexagonal cross section) with good green color
and somewhat translucent but with black
inclusions. From an original Spanish salvage camp,
with photo-certificate #317. Estimate: $300-$450.
1722. Lot of colored trade beads. 4 grams total, the cylinders 3/
4" long and the spheres about 1/8" in diameter.
Two light-blue cylinders (look like
macaroni noodles) and 7 dark-blue
spheres (more or less), all glass beads
used to trade with the natives and
somewhat scarce today. From an original Spanish salvage camp, with
photo-certificate #494. Estimate: $75-$110.
1723. Lot of colored trade beads. 6 grams total, the cylinders
about 1" long and the spheres about 1/8" in
diameter. Three light-blue cylinders (look
like macaroni noodles) and 6 dark-blue
spheres (more or less), all glass beads used
to trade with the natives and somewhat
scarce today. From an original Spanish salvage
camp, with photo-certificate #496. Estimate: $75-$110.
1724. Lot of colored trade beads. 3
grams total, the cylinders about 3/4" long and
the spheres about 1/8" in diameter. Two light-
blue cylinders (look like macaroni
noodles) and 6 dark-blue spheres (more
or less), all glass beads used to trade with
the natives and somewhat scarce today.
From an original Spanish salvage camp, with photo-certificate #497.
Estimate: $75-$110.
1725. Lot of colored trade beads. 4 grams
total, the cylinders 3/4" long and the spheres about
1/8" in diameter. Two light-blue cylinders (look
like macaroni noodles) and 5 dark-blue
spheres (more or less), all glass beads used
to trade with the natives and somewhat
scarce today. From an original Spanish salvage
camp, with photo-certificate #499. Estimate: $75-$110.
1726. Large (15") pewter platter. 4-1/2 lb, 15" in diameter and 1-
3/4" tall. Biggest plate we have ever seen, totally intact and
relatively devoid of misshapenness, with raised rim, gray with
white spots, but best aspect is the thick, shelly encrustation in
the center. Estimate: $500-$750.
284
1727. Large (14") pewter strainer. 1627 grams, 14-1/2" in diameter and as tall as 1-3/4". Huge plate but without rim and with over 20
small holes all over, a few small chips but otherwise intact, with white and gray surfaces, minor wrinkling, a bit fragile. Estimate:
$150-$225.
1728. Medium (9") pewter plate with rim. 613 grams, 9-1/2" in diameter and 1/2" tall. Wide-rimmed plate with lots of white and
orange encrustation against light gray surfaces, intact except for a small split on the inside of the rim Estimate: $150-$225.
1729. Iron cannon pin-ring. 720 grams, about 6-1/2" long and 4" in diameter. Cannons in carriages on
board ships were tied to the bulkhead by means of pin-rings like this one to prevent them from
rolling all over the deck, this specimen rusted and unconserved but still intact, the pin part encrusted
to the ring part with white coral. Estimate: $40-$60.
1730. Large iron barshot, professionally
conserved. 11-1/4 lb, 11" long, each end 3" in diameter and 2" thick. A typical barshot
with 2 cylindrical pucks attached with a bar (square in cross-section), pitted
from corrosion but very solid and thoroughly conserved and finished with
a thick, black coating, popular artifact. Estimate: $350-$500.
1731. Large iron cannonball. 13-1/2 lb, 5" in diameter. Heavy and intact ball with rusty but lacquered surfaces (stable), popular
artifact. Estimate: $100-$150.
1732. Medium iron cannonball. 8-1/2 lb, 4" in diameter. Very smooth and well-preserved specimen (even shows the casting seam
around the middle) with rusty but lacquered surfaces, minimal pitting, popular. Estimate: $75-$110.
1733. Small iron cannonball. 4-1/4 lb, 3" in diameter. Solid and sturdy, rusty and lightly pitted but lacquered for stability, always a
popular shipwreck item. Estimate: $60-$90.
1734. Lot of 3 small iron cannonballs, conserved. 236 to 281 grams each, 2" in diameter. Three small balls in nice condition, black
from professional conservation (two matte, one shiny), minor pits and cracks only. Estimate: $100-$150.
285
1735. Iron hand grenade with
wooden fuse-plug, professionally
conserved. 803 grams, 1-3/4" in diameter.
Small cannonball with hole on side for
inserting gunpowder and a wooden plug
with hole for fuse (just light it, throw it
to where you want and watch it explode),
the iron very solid and well preserved
(black from conservation, just a few
small pits). Estimate: $500-$750.
1736. Iron hand grenade with original wooden fuse-plug,
professionally conserved. 628 grams, 3"
in diameter. Solid cannonball with hollow
center for gunpowder, kept dry by
means of a wooden plug (intact) into
which a fuse was inserted to turn it into
an exploding bomb that could be lobbed
at the enemy by hand, this example well
preserved but with hairline crack that
appears to be stable. With Fisher certificate
#11554N. Estimate: $400-$600.
1737. Lot of 40 lead musketballs. 1400 grams total, each about 1/
2"-3/4" in diameter. Standard-issue balls in normal condition (dusty
gray), cheap but popular items with retail potential. Estimate:
$100-$200.
1738. Lot of 12 lead musketballs. 306 grams total, 1/2" in diameter.
Standard-issue balls in normal condition (dusty gray), cheap
but popular items with retail potential. Estimate: $40-$60.
1739. Lot of 2 lead “barbell” shot, rare. 62 and 30 grams, 1"
and 1-1/2" long. We had never seen this type of shot before now,
each piece consisting of two balls cast together with a
connecting bar, one of them intact but the other a bit eroded.
Estimate: $70-$100.
1740. Lot of 2 complete lead split-shot (both halves). 55
and 53 grams, 3/4" and 1" in diameter. Two heavily encrusted
specimens of bullets cast in 2 hemispheres joined by wires, the
wires now missing but the shot apparently unused and intact.
Estimate: $50-$75.
1741. Complete lead split shot with connecting wire,
heavily encrusted, rare. 106.5
grams total, almost 6" long. Wonderful
artifact, the 2 halves of the shot
encrusted (one in very thick
coral) but with the connecting
wires fully exposed and intact
(twisted per the norm), first time
we have ever seen one this big.
Estimate: $150-$225.
1 7 4 2 .Complete lead split shot with
connecting wire, encrusted, rare. 99
grams, 5-1/2" long. Impressive piece with
the 2 halves encrusted with orange and
white shells and pebbles and separated
by intact connecting wires (twisted as
usual). Estimate: $150-$225.
1743. Complete lead split shot
with connecting wire, encrusted,
rare. 73 grams, 3" long. Beautifully
encrusted pair of half-shots and wire,
only a small portion of which
(twisted) is exposed, the encrustation
gray in color and containing many
small shells and pebbles. Estimate:
$150-$225.
286
1744. Lot of 30 lead split-shot halves, some encrusted.
About 815 grams total. Very interesting lot of hemispherical bullets
that were originally cast in pairs with wires to connect them,
now separated and with sometimes heavy encrustation
appended. Estimate: $150-$300.
1745. Tip of a small bronze gun
barrel and two small gun flints.24 grams and 1-7/8" long (gun barrel), 4
grams total (flints). Interesting lot with
the blown-off end of an easily
recognizable gun barrel with lovely
light encrustation, the 2 gun flints
no more than chips but original
artifacts nonetheless. From an original
Spanish salvage camp, with photo-certificates #493 and #511.
Estimate: $100-$150.
1746. Large lead sounding weight. 14-1/4 lb, 10-1/4" tall and 3"
in diameter. Very tall, slender weight with 6 sides, big loop at top,
large hole (not just a depression) in the bottom where wax was
placed to take sand samples at the same time (the hole now
filled with a big oyster), wonderfully white and
encrusted all over, probably the biggest sounding
lead we have ever offered. Estimate: $125-$200.
1747. Small lead sounding weight. 940 grams,
5-1/2" tall and 1-1/2" in diameter. A slender cone in
shape, with small hole at top and one near crude
bottom (exiting in the bottom) whose purpose
in unknown, somewhat encrusted (big patch near
bottom). Estimate: $80-$120.
1748. Small lead sounding weight. 484 grams, about 2-3/8" tall
and 1-3/4" in diameter. A perfect cone shape (looks like a space
capsule) with hole at top for suspending on a string and checking
the depth, lightly encrusted. Estimate: $40-$60.
1749. Lot of 8 lead fishing (?) weights. 19-35 grams each, about
1/2"-1-1/8" long and 3/8"-5/8" in diameter. These are basically big,
lead beads, 7 cylindrical ones and one spherical, with holes
through their centers, light veneer of encrustation against dark-
gray surfaces. Estimate: $40-$60.
1750. Lot of 4 bronze buckles. 7-9 grams each, 1" to 1-5/8" to a
side. Four different types of medium-sized buckles, mostly
brown in color but a couple with orange encrustation and green
patina, all intact and somewhat detailed. Estimate: $100-$150.
1751. Sundry bronze lot consisting of a spoon (bowl
broken) with fist at end of handle, a second spoon (bowl
only) and a nesting cup-weight. Spoon 31 grams and 5" long;
spoon bowl 17 grams and 3-1/4" long; cup-weight 13 grams and 3/8" x 7/
8". Three recognizable items in patinated and lightly encrusted
bronze, the
fist motif at
the end of
the spoon
with thumb
between the
index and
m i d d l e
fingers, an obscene gesture today but considered good luck in
the 1600s and 1700s. Estimate: $70-$100.
1752. Lot of 2 whole bronze spikes and 1 broken piece of
a spike. Whole spikes: 217 and 79 grams, 7-1/2" and 5-1/4" long; broken
piece: 39 grams, 2-1/4" long.
Standard, straight spikes with
square shank (used to nail the
ship together), the larger
intact one with round head and the smaller one with square
head, all dark in color but with light-green patina. Estimate:
$25-$40.
287
1753. Lot of earthenware olive-jar neck and shards. 2-1/2
lb total. One intact neck with barnacles attached and two goodly
portions of the sides of large vessels used for holding liquids
and foodstuffs. Estimate: $35-$50.
1755. Earthenware olive jar, perfectly intact. 7 lb 15.8 oz, 12"
tall and 8" in diameter. Small, spherical and perfectly intact jar, with
mostly tan surfaces ranging from tan to white to pinkish to
greenish due to encrustation and staining, old scratches on
shoulder, nice display. Estimate: $350-$500.
1756. Earthenware olive jar, perfectly intact. 7 lb 2.8 oz, 11"
tall and 8" in diameter. Small, spherical and perfectly intact jar, very
white in surface color but with rusty stains and traces of original,
shiny, gray-green paint near top and inside the rim, great display.
Estimate: $350-$500.
“Ca Mau wreck,” sunk ca. 1723-35 off Vietnam
1757. Lot of 8 pieces (4 one-handled teacups and 4 small saucers) of
Chinese blue-on-white porcelain, Kangxi period. Cups 60-64 grams each, 2-
1/4" tall and 2-1/4" in diameter; saucers 67-74 grams each and 3-14/” tall and 4" in diameter.
This is a perfectly matched set in top quality from a wreck that has yielded
many such items since it was discovered and salvaged off Cape Ca Mau in
1998, all Kangxi porcelains that are identical to what was found on the Spanish
1715- and 1733-Fleet wrecks (intact specimens from those sites being
exceedingly rare and popular). All 8 items in this set show two women
watching a man climbing a tree above a house, the first specimens of this
design we have offered (but shown on page 143 of the book about this
wreck, a photocopy of which is provided for illustrative purposes), the blue color vivid under full glaze, no chips or cracks or
encrustation. Estimate: $500-$750.
Guadalupe-Tolosa, sunk in 1724 in Samaná Bay,
Dominican Republic
1754. Earthenware olive jar, perfectly intact. 6 lb 13.8 oz, 10"
tall and 8" in diameter. Small, spherical and perfectly intact jar,
whitish in color with just one small area of rusty encrustation,
blue-green hue near top and inside lip that might have been
original paint, great for display. Estimate: $350-$500.
288
1733 Fleet, Florida Keys
1758. Large pewter spoon. 354 grams, 16" long. Effectively a big
ladle with long, thin handle terminating in a flattish end, the
bowl typically oval-shaped, 100% intact but thickly encrusted
with white coral and spots of pink and some rust, some areas
of clean pewter peeking through. Estimate: $100-$150.
1759. Most of small pewter bowl and a porcelain shard.
Bowl 104 grams and 3-3/4" in diameter, shard 17 grams and 2" long. The
bowl almost complete but
missing about half of the
side, with ample white
encrustation against dull-
gray surfaces, the shard
with some blue and even
red with very light spots of
encrustation (particularly
on the breaks). From the
“Coffins Patch” site, with 2005 photo-certificate from the diver.
Estimate: $60-$90.
Vliegenthart, sunk in 1735 off Zeeland, the
Netherlands
1760. Intact, wire-wrapped cutlass handle/grip. 65 grams,
4" long. Perfectly intact and ornate (very well preserved), about
4" long and 1" in diameter, the wire made up of small braids
and tightly wrapped around a wooden core, very rare in this
condition. Estimate: $250-$375.
1761. Clay smoking pipe with maker’s mark. 14.5 grams, 5"
long, with 3/4"-diameter bowl. Perfectly preserved pipe with most
of stem intact, small patch of brownish encrustation, tiny
engrailing around rim and “WS” mark on base (made in Gouda
by Arent Willemsz Bremmert, 1709-1768), a fairly common
artifact but practically unheard-of in this condition from a
wreck. Estimate: $150-$275.
1762. Wooden knife handle. 15 grams, 3-3/4" long. Very light
(somewhat porous) and ornately engraved, with thin metal ring
at blade end, about 31/2" long and 1" in diameter overall, lightly
repaired. Estimate: $125-$200.
1763. Curved leather liner for a cartridge box. 6.4 grams, 8-5/
8" long and 1" wide. A thin strip of leather embossed on one side
with a small diamond pattern, perfectly intact for what it is
(rare to see leather survive). Estimate: $60-$90.
Unidentified 1700s wreck in the Caribbean
1764. Large bronze religious medallion depicting Santa
Teresa, 1600s-1700s. 28.1 grams, roughly 2" x 1-3/4". Much larger
than the usual medallion, boldly detailed despite minor
corrosion (nice brassy color), the design with mother and child
(Mary and Jesus) on the obverse and PROTECTO CARMELO
in the legend and Santa Teresa on the reverse with SM TERESA
in the legend and ROMA in exergue, significant as
commemorating the 16th-century Spanish saint, Carmelite nun
and Catholic reformer who founded many new convents
throughout Spain and became the Patroness of Spain.
Estimate: $200-$300.
Bid LIVE on the internet at
www.iCollector.com/sedwick
289
Princess Louisa, sunk in 1743 off the Cape Verde
Islands, west of Africa
Tilbury, sunk in 1757 off Nova Scotia, Canada
1768. Lot of 7 pieces of English brass musket furniture
(trigger guards and side plates). 258 grams total, each about 1" to
6" long. Various pieces of the brass trappings of a standard
musket, in fact the only parts to survive the immersion, with
holes where nails and screws once fastened them to the wood,
3 of the pieces cleaned and brassy but the other 5 green and
crusty (as found), rare provenance. Estimate: $200-$300.
Auguste, sunk in 1761 off Nova Scotia, Canada
1769. Small glass seal with two-headed eagle
design. 3.0 grams, 5/8" in diameter. A round, button-
like object with glass seal of the double-headed
eagle design usually attributed to the Habsburg
dynasty embedded in a metal bezel, used for
embossing wax on letters, the bezel itself broken
into several pieces but the glass part intact and
still usable. With certificate from the salvagers.
Estimate: $150-$225.
Royal George, sunk in 1782 off Spithead, England
1770. Bronze replica cannon made from gunmetal
recovered from the wreck ca. 1840. 3 lb 2.1 oz, 10" long. The
original bronze cannons from this famous wreck were brought
up in 1839-43 and melted down to make functional, scale-model
replicas like this one, with “Relic of the ROYAL GEORGE,
Sunk 1782, Raised 1840” engraved between the trunnions, dark
and shiny old bronze color, a scarce and valuable memorial.
Estimate: $1,200-$1,800.
1765. Large bronze mortar. 6-1/2 lb, 4-1/2" tall and 6" wide at top.
A substantial artifact from a well-known wreck with original
pedigree, this piece is nearly intact, with just two chips in the
rim (one small, one large) and lateral spots that appear to be
where the metal melted away (was the ship on fire?), the rest of
it an even coppery-bronze color with flat base and nice “ring”
(like a bell). Pedigreed to the Sotheby’s (London) auction of December
19, 2000, lot #542. Estimate: $350-$500.
Hollandia, sunk in 1743 off the Scilly Isles, southwest
of England
1766. Ornate wooden knife handle. 30.4 grams, 3-1/2" long.
Perfectly preserved (just one small crack) cylindrical handle with
hole and slot at small end where the knife blade went, the wood
intact and ornately engraved but the iron blade long since
oxidized away. With Hiron certificate. Estimate: $125-$200.
Bredenhof, sunk in 1753 off Mozambique
1767. Bottom (pontil) of a black-glass “onion” bottle and
3 loose clumps, at least one of which contains Dutch East
India Co. copper duits (coins) of 1752. 282 grams total. A
motley lot whose main components are the bottom of an onion
bottle and 2
copper coins, the
remains of a
larger clump of
coins around the
glass piece,
interesting in that
you get to see the
acidified interior of the glass, the pontil also encrusted with
white, wormy coral, a very curious artifact to be sure. With
original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate: $50-$75.
290
Hartwell, sunk in 1787 off the Cape Verde Islands, west of Africa
1771. Lead seal with English (United) East India Co. monogram. 12 grams, 1-1/2" tall. Large seal with
bold design consisting of the usual heart-shaped logo of the East India Co. with E to left, I to right, V at
top and C at bottom, encrusted with orange sediment all over. With original certificate from the salvagers. Estimate:
$75-$150.
Unidentified late-1700s wreck in the English Channel
1772. Lot of buttons, buckles and a clay pipe bowl. About 88 grams total. Inexpensive
mixed lot of small wreck items, the buttons and buckles with some design and nicely preserved
but dark, the pipe white and in perfect condition (just no stem), which is rare for such an
item from a wreck. Estimate: $35-$50.
Unidentified late-1700s/early-1800s wreck off Indonesia
1773. Small, brass-plated iron (?) signal cannon. 7 lb,
14" long. Long, low-caliber signaling cannon (more like a
pistol without a grip), corroded and very rusty and
patinated but with traces of bright brass peeking out.
Estimate: $300-$450.
Unidentified late-1700s/early-1800s wreck off Jolo, Sulu, southwest Mindanao (Zamboanga area, known as
the Paticul site), Philippines
1774. Huge, uncleaned, blue-on-white Chinese porcelain
bowl with dragon motif. 7-1/4 lb, 15" in diameter and 2-1/2" tall. An
absolutely immense and beautiful platter with 2"-deep bowl and
1" scalloped rim, the central design a large and fancy dragon
surrounded by leafy branches and grass
on rim, flowers and leaves on exterior,
light orange (unglazed) base, 100%
intact but still covered with wormy
coral and barnacles (as found),
probably museum quality if judiciously
cleaned. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
1775. Tall, uncleaned, blue-on-white Chinese porcelain jar and lid with floral motif. 972 grams,
11" tall and 4" in diameter. Basically a tall vase with hemispherical base and lid, the exterior of the vase
and base completely covered with vines and leaves and flowers in deep blue color, 6 flowers in panels
at top matching a similar 6-panel floral motif on the lid, which has a cute little blue-tipped knob on
the top, all in perfect condition but with a fine coating of gray sediment (especially inside) and a few
oyster “footprints,” eminently cleanable for museum quality but nice as it is for display. Estimate:
$700-$1,000.
291
1776. Partially cleaned, bulbous blue-on-white Chinese
porcelain vase with floral motif, rare form. 642 grams, 9" tall
and 5" in diameter. Really more Arabic than Chinese in shape,
this rare vase has a wide, round body tapering to a long neck
with cup-and-saucer shaped lip, 4 floral panels on body and
mostly leaves elsewhere, single leaf in center of base, lightly
cleaned so that just a small amount of tan worms and film
remains, very vivid and beautiful, 100% intact. Estimate:
$700-$1,000.
1777. Blue-on-white Chinese porcelain jar and lid with
human and floral motif and rare symbol on base. 590
grams, 8-1/2" tall and 3-1/2" in diameter. Very interesting specimen
with opposite-facing man and woman in back-to-back panels
on two sides with potted flowers in panels in between, 6 floral
panels above matching similar panels on lid, somewhat
football-shaped overall with deep base and top, cut blue knob
on lid, beaded necklace symbol on base (rare), traces of
encrustation only, very pretty and fit for the finest collections.
Estimate: $600-$900.
1778. Uncleaned blue-on-white Chinese porcelain dish with water-bird
motif. 1235 grams, 11" in diameter and 1-1/2" tall. A shallow (1" deep) bowl with
scalloped rim (3/4" wide), with goose-like bird in center walking in a marsh,
vines and flowers around that and grassy stuff on rim, matching vines and
flowers on exterior and also in the glazed, 2-part base (normally plain) that
features in the center 6 Chinese characters that backdate the piece to Ming
Dynasty (commonly done throughout the Qing period), perfectly intact and
beautiful but encrusted all over with worms and shells and dark residue,
certainly could be museum quality if properly cleaned. Estimate: $600-$900.
1780. Uncleaned blue-on-white Chinese porcelain dish with floral motif.
939 grams, 10" in diameter and 2" tall. Basically a bowl (1-1/2" deep) with scalloped
(1" wide) rim, the center showing peony flowers with leaves and branches,
similar design around that and diamond-shaped panels on the rim, a series of
13 squarish panels on the exterior under a curious rusty orange coating from
being near iron, plain (unglazed) base, encrusted all over with white worms
and just a couple barnacles and oysters, rather attractive as a display but surely
cleanable for museum quality. Estimate: $500-$750.
1779. Uncleaned blue-on-white Chinese porcelain dish with water-
bird motif. 1003 grams, 10" in diameter and 1-1/2" tall. Shallow bowl (1" deep)
with scalloped rim (3/4" wide), the vivid central design showing 2 ducks
floating in a pond with a water plant, vines and flowers around that and
scrollwork on rim, more vines and flowers on exterior, unglazed base, intact
except for 2 small chips in the rim, covered with oyster “footprints” and
wormy coral, eminently cleanable but neat as it is for a shipwreck display.
Estimate: $300-$450.
Leocadia, sunk in 1800 off Punta Santa Elena, Ecuador
1781. Lot of 3 lead musketballs. 79.9 grams total, each 5/8" in diameter. Three standard-issue balls,
very common but always popular and perfectly intact. Estimate: $25-$50.
292
Roberts, sunk in 1810 off Ft. Pierce, Florida
1782. Lot of 2 English black glass bottles, one not from the wreck. Encrusted one 555 grams, 10" tall and 1-3/4"
in diameter; other one 389 grams, 9-1/4" tall and 2-1/2" in diameter. Two different bottles, one tall and heavily encrusted
with thin coral and cast with gently sloping sides and deep, flat pontil, the other a standard cylinder bottle with
some pearly surfaces and typical pontil, both a dull medium green in color. The Roberts was one of many victims
of an 1810 hurricane off Ft. Pierce. Estimate: $50-$75.
“Coconut wreck,” sunk ca. 1810 in deep water off Bermuda
1783. Ebony octant with brass fixtures and maker’s name. 643 grams, about 13" x 11-1/4". One of the most
significant objects recovered from this wreck, its wooden frame amazingly intact (only a little bit of the
surface eroded), with the ivory measurement bar at the bottom dark but readable, and the ivory inlay in the
middle also dark but engraved with SPENCER BROWNING & RUST LONDON (a well-known manufacturer
of navigational instruments from 1784 to 1840), the brass index arm missing but with full sight at top (now
held on by Velcro) and other brass pieces on both sides, very rare and a key item in possibly identifying the
ship as an English trader. Featured prominently on the DVD about the salvage. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
1784. Green-glass bottle marked LONDON. 120.4 grams, 5-3/4" tall and 1-1/2" to a side. A significant artifact
for attributing the nationality of this wreck and remarkably intact, a straight-sided bottle of square cross-
section with rolled lip and 1" opening at top for stopper, one side boldly embossed LONDON, the glass a
very light green with minute encrustation inside, a lovely and unique specimen. Featured prominently on the DVD
about the salvage. Estimate: $400-$600.
293
1785. Wooden flintlock pistol grip. 132 grams, 13" long. There was much excitement (as seen on the DVD) when this pistol was
found, but by the time it was finished with conservation, all that was left was this wooden stock, a bit eroded but fundamentally
intact, with channels where the flintlock, trigger, barrel, buttplate and various inlays once fit, now not only a significant artifact
from an important wreck but also somewhat educational in showing how such guns were made. Featured prominently on the DVD
about the salvage. Estimate: $600-$900.
1786. Wooden pulley wheel. 221.9 grams, 4-1/2" in diameter and 3/4" thick. Simple wooden disk with hole in center, once the central
roller of a pulley, now eroded and spongy but still recognizable and one of very few artifacts recovered from this wreck.
Estimate: $125-$200.
1787. Wooden saw handle. 216.9 grams, roughly 7-1/4" x 4-1/2" x 3/4". Easily identifiable as the curvy handle of an iron saw, the
blade of course long gone but the wooden part almost completely intact (small part of grip slightly eroded), one of very few
artifacts recovered from this wreck. Estimate: $125-$200.
HMS Victory, retired in 1812 and now a museum in Portsmouth, England
1788. Silver and wood snuff/tobacco box dated 1805
(Battle of Trafalgar). 99 grams, 4" x 2-1/2" x 1". The silver
plaque on top of this box says it all: “The Oak of this Box
is part of a plank which was severed from the Starboard
Gunnel of the VICTORY by a 36th shot, in the Glorious
Battle off TRAFALGAR Octr 21st, 1805.” Somewhat
rectangular, with wood on top and bottom (mostly dark
but one part very light) framed in silver, velvet lining inside,
excellent condition and of fabulous historical importance
to Britons. Estimate: $500-$750.1788
294
1789. Nail and wood from the ship in a shadow box
accompanied by a miniature print of Nelson. 1027 grams
overall, the box 13-1/2" x 11-1/2" x 2" and the picture 3" in diameter.
Normally wood and nails are fairly insignificant items, but the
specimens in this lot are of high historical importance as being
from the original construction of Commodore Nelson’s
flagship (retired from service in 1812), the wood a 3-1/2" sawed-
off section mounted above the 5-1/2" square-shank nail on a
red-felt mat with plaque that says ORIGINAL OAK AND
DECK SPIKE / TAKEN FROM / NO.2 H.M.S. VICTORY
NO.2 inside a glass-and-wood frame with official certificate on
back. The accompanying miniature in round glass frame is from
a modern (but retired) series by Peter Bates showing a young
(early 20s) Nelson in “Post Captain” uniform. With official
certificate of authenticity hand-signed by David Harris, Lieutenant
Commander in the Royal Navy and Commanding Officer of the HMS
Victory. Estimate: $350-$500.
Diana, sunk in 1817 off Malaysia
1790. Large Chinese blue-on-white porcelain plate. 864
grams, 11" in diameter and 1-3/4" tall. Beautiful big plate, 100% intact,
with vivid geometric design in center and 4 rows of simple
vertical slashes around edge, 4 small scribbles for exterior design,
unglazed base. With Christie’s auction lot sticker #412/26.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1791. Large Chinese blue-on-white porcelain plate. 906
grams, 11" in diameter and 2" tall. Big plate that is loaded with design,
hard to describe but more or less a 7-berry cluster with sunburst
and coils, repeating 6 times around edge and 1 and 4 halves in
center, 4 simple flowers on the exterior, unglazed base that has
a few white sea-growths, 100% intact and beautiful. With
Christie’s auction lot sticker #412/26. Estimate: $200-$300.
1792. Large Chinese blue-on-white porcelain plate. 831
grams, 11" in diameter and 2" tall. Vivid geometric design in center
and 4 rows of simple vertical slashes around edge, 4 small
scribbles for exterior design, unglazed base, big and beautiful
and 100% intact, the glaze just a bit faded. With Christie’s auction
lot sticker #412/26. Estimate: $200-$300.
1793. Small glass dish, oval shape, patterned edge. 154 grams,
3" x 2-1/4" x 1". A very shallow dish in very thick crystal glass
with translucent sides in a ribbed pattern, frosted bottom and
bowl, intact except for minor chips, scarce provenance. With
Christie’s auction lot sticker #446 and auction flyer. Estimate: $50-
$75.
295
1794. Small glass dish, oval shape, plain edge. 116 grams, 3-1/4" x 2-1/4" x 1-1/2". Tall,
straight-sided dish with thin and slightly scalloped sides, asterisk pattern on bottom, all the
glass somewhat opaque, intact except for minor chips, scarce provenance. With Christie’s
auction lot sticker #497 and auction flyer. Estimate: $50-$75.
Britannia, sunk in 1826 off South Africa
1795. English black glass wine bottle with original wine still inside. 1115 grams, 10" tall and 4" in diameter. A
straight-sided bottle with 1" pontil and 3" neck, very dark brown in color with light encrustation here and
there (much of it in the pontil), the cork sealed with wax to keep the liquid contents intact, rare thus. The
Britannia was outbound to India when she hit an uncharted reef and sank on October 22, 1826, in a part of St.
Helena Bay off South Africa. The site was found and salvaged in 1997-1998, its artifacts remarkably well
preserved by sand burial. Estimate: $100-$150.
Unidentified 1820s wreck in the western Atlantic
1796. Large iron carronade (British, 1780s-1820s). 700 lb (+/-), 48" end to end, 13" widest diameter, 18" wide at trunnions, 3-1/2" bore, 5"
cascabel with 2-1/2" handle. A short, fat, and extremely heavy iron cannon used for short-range combat, 100% intact (full cascabel
and trunnions) and with some original surfaces although of course quite rusty, bits of encrustation here and there, not
professionally conserved but very solid and stable, a great conversation piece for your front yard or office lobby! Estimate:
$1,500-$2,500.
1797. Large iron anchor with piece of chain. 200 lb (+/-),
92" end to end, flukes 50" end to end and 12" wide, shank 77" long and 2-
1/2" to 3" in diameter, chain piece 10" x 7". A very large ship’s anchor
(first we have ever offered), impressively intact (missing half
of the top ring only), with full crown and flukes at bottom,
that part curiously cocooned in grayish encrustation (loaded
with big shells), the shank mostly exposed iron (rusty but
stable), not professionally conserved but very solid and an
awesome display for your front yard! Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
296
Unidentified early-1800s wreck
1798. Lot of 3 bronze spikes. 881 grams and 12" long; 359 grams
and 8-1/2" long; 277 grams and 7" long. Three hefty, solid, round-
shank spikes, the larger 2 copper-brown in color with lots of
green patina and some white coral encrustation, the smallest
dark and only slightly patinated. Estimate: $30-$45.
Duoro, sunk in 1843 off the Scilly Isles, southwest of
England
1799. Lot of 2 bronze “manillas” (slave bracelets) with
promotional box. 78.1 and 73.4 grams. Two small and typically c-
shaped torques with flat ends, the surfaces attractively patinated
and encrusted with white and brown crud, common but popular
items that were being shipped to Africa to trade for slaves.
With generic certificate and plain cardboard box imprinted with “Manilla
from Schooner ‘Duoro’ sunk 1843" on top. Estimate: $50-$75.
1840s English wreck in the Bahamas (near the
“Tumbaga wreck”)
1800. Lidded copper cooking pot. 3 lb 13 oz, 10" in diameter and
4" tall. A complete pot with flat bottom, 2 handles on sides and
one in center of lid (all 3 of a simple wire design), 100% intact
(just a crack or two in the rim of the lid) and nicely patinated
all over (some rust stains), a sizable and impressive shipwreck
artifact. Estimate: $100-$150.
1800s Dutch wreck
1801. Small, clear-glass mug. 49 grams, 1-7/
8" tall and 1-1/4" in diameter. Very strange item
made of opaque and beautifully pearlized glass
in the shape of a miniature mug, its purpose
and exact time period unknown (shotglass?)
but with light veneer of encrustation inside
from its time in the sea. Estimate: $50-$75.
“Varandinha wreck,” sunk ca. 1850 off the Cape Verde
Islands, west of Africa
1802. Lot of small brass items (2 handles and 2 buttons).
42.8 grams total. Two simple, C-shaped drawer handles and 2
buttons, each with 4 holes and embossed with the words
WARRANTED NOT TO CUT, pointing to a possible British
origin for this wreck, which is completely unidentified but
believed to have been plying the East India trade in the mid-
1800s. With Arqueonautas certificate #BOA-018/01/16660,02.
Estimate: $35-$50.
Birkenhead, sunk in 1852 off South Africa
1803. Section of ship’s
wood (worn) with bronze
spike inside it, rare
provenance. 408 grams, 7-3/4"
long. A common, round-
shank spike with worn piece
of dark and patinated wood
adhering, rare as the first
artifact we have ever offered
from the paddlewheel
steamer Birkenhead, which
wrecked and sank quickly off
Danger Point, South Africa,
in February of 1852, and is
famous for starting the
traditional of “woman and
children first” in terms of
who was rescued from the
disaster. With original certificate
from the salvagers. Estimate:
$50-$75.
297
“Fort Capron treasure,” lost in 1857 in the surf near
Ft. Pierce, Florida
1804. Brass shako (plume holder) from a
Second Seminole Indian War-period (1835-42)
infantry dress hat. 7 grams, 2-3/8" long and 1" at its
widest. This is basically four long “leaves” of
ornately engraved brass tapering to a narrow hole
into which a plume was inserted, the brass now
quite fragile and lacquered, rare artifact from a
sinking that is associated with the loss of a $23,000
payroll during the Third Seminole Indian War in
Florida. Estimate: $100-$150.
RMS Empress of Ireland, sunk in 1914 off Quebec
1807. Center portion of a Minton porcelain plate. 223 grams,
roughly 6" in diameter and 3/8" thick. The Empress of Ireland was a
Royal Mail
ship that
operated in
conjunction
with the
C a n a d i a n
P a c i f i c
Railway in
the St. Lawrence River, where she was rammed in heavy fog by
another ship and sunk in May of 1914, to the demise of over
1000 people, in fact Canada’s worst maritime disaster. This plate
shard, the first artifact we have ever offered from this important
wreck, shows a very clear seal of the Canadian Pacific Railway
in the center against white fields, plus a modicum of the outer
pattern of leaves and berries, the underside with the mark of
the manufacturer (Minton) and serial number H 15 15. With
2004 certificate from the diver. Estimate: $80-$120.
RMS Aurania, sunk in 1918 off Scotland
1808. Lot of 3 silver teaspoons marked CUNARD and
Elkington Plate. 71
grams total, 5" long.
Simple, understated
spoons with clear
markings on bottom,
bright silver in
excellent condition
(no corrosion), rare
provenance. The Aurania was a World War I troop carrier
torpedoed by German U-boats off Ireland on February 4, 1918,
and subsequently near the Island of Mull, Scotland, after being
towed there, her silver room (which held these spoons) not
reached by salvagers until 1980. Estimate: $40-$60.
1809. Lot of 2 silver forks marked CUNARD and
Elkington Plate, plus one silver knife marked Sheffield/
Alexander Clark STAINLESS (on the blade). Forks: 49 grams
each, 7" long; knife: 80 grams, 10" long. Simple, understated silverware
with clear markings (the knife also with a flag for the Cunard
line), bright silver in
excellent condition
(no corrosion), rare
provenance. The
Aurania was a World
War I troop carrier
torpedoed by
German U-boats off Ireland on February 4, 1918, and
subsequently sunk near the Island of Mull, Scotland, after being
towed there, her silver room (which held this silverware) not
reached by salvagers until 1980. Estimate: $40-$60.
S.S. Dakota, sunk in 1877 off Wales
1805. Unopened bottle of Lubin perfume.
110.3 grams, 4" tall and 1-1/2" in diameter. Cute little
bottle, cylindrical with stopper in top sealed shut
to keep in the original perfume, the first and only
artifact we have ever had from this obscure wreck,
a transatlantic steamer bound for New York from
Liverpool that ran aground and sank off Anglesey,
Wales, on May 9, 1877, and was salvaged by divers
in 1998. With certificate from the salvagers. Estimate:
$75-$150.
RMS Moselle, sunk in the early 1890s off Punta Brujas
(Caribbean coast), Panama
1806. Silver warming-dish lid with two Royal Mail Steam
Packet Company seals. 581 grams, 9-1/4" in diameter and 1-1/2"
tall. Large and impressive lid from a silver serving set (fineness
unknown, possibly plated), the top of it cleaned but tarnished
and missing the finger-handle in the middle but showing the
company seal on the sloped side above the encrusted rim, the
underside completely encrusted (grayish white), intact and
impressive, rare provenance from which coins are not available
(nor ever expected to be). Accompanied by an 1894 poem written by
James Stanley Gilbert entitled “To Blame” specifically about this wreck.
Estimate: $200-$300.
298
Andrea Doria, sunk in 1956 off Massachusetts
1810. Silver-plated spoon. 18.7 grams, 5-1/2" long. The New York-bound Italian luxury liner Andrea
Doria famously sank after a collision off the coast of Nantucket, Massachusetts in 1956, in effect
closing the era of transatlantic travel by ship (planes being preferred ever since). Today the Doria
is known as the “Mount Everest of scuba diving,” for its depth of well over 150 feet requires
mixed gas and staged decompression, not to mention the frigidity of the water and dangerous currents, and also falling rigging
and fishermen’s nets. The few artifacts available today from this wreck, like the spoon we offer here (simple and unadorned, still
shiny and intact except for the core of the handle, which is corroded away), must be appreciated not only for the initial tragedy
but also for the difficulty with which they were obtained. With 2005 certificate from the diver. Estimate: $60-$90.
NON-SHIPWRECK ARTIFACTSPre-Columbian Found at a Spanish colonial site in the southern
Caribbean, ca. 15901811. Ecuadorian copper-arsenic
“hacha,” attributed to the Cañari people,
1300-1500 AD, rare. 16.4 grams, 3-1/4" x 3".
Small, scraper-shaped, native American trade
item, typically well patinated with flecks of
actual gold, dark brown copper color
underneath. With Bob Marx photo-certificate.
Estimate: $150-$225.
1812. Ecuadorian copper-arsenic “hacha,”
attributed to the Cañari people, 1300-1500
AD, rare. 13.6 grams, 3" x 2-7/8". Small, scraper-
shaped, native American trade item,
completely green and crusty all over with
flecks of actual gold, pretty piece. With Bob
Marx photo-certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
1813. Ecuadorian copper-arsenic “hacha,” attributed to
the Cañari people, 1300-1500 AD, rare. 2.4
grams, 1-7/8" x 1-3/4". Very small, scraper-
shaped, native American trade item, very thin
and cracked, nicely patinated all over and with
actual flecks of gold, very cute. With Bob Marx
photo-certificate. Estimate: $150-$225.
1814. Large gold filigree earring
with pearl. 6.8 grams, 1-3/4" long. A
very impressive and wonderfully
preserved baroque jewel consisting
of a spherical cage of high-grade
gold studded with 10 tiny pearls (the
top part swivels) and sockets for 2
more that are missing, with ring at
top and (best of all) large pearl
freely suspended from the bottom,
believed to be an earring in its day
but now perfectly suited for a
spectacular necklace-pendant.
Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
1815. Gold-wire earring or
toothpick. 0.8 gram, about 1" long. A
simple, hook-shaped piece of high-
grade gold wire with lower-gauge and lower-fineness gold wire
attached to a loop at top, with
piece broken off near loop,
possibly used as a toothpick (as
the pointed end is sharp).
Estimate: $150-$225.
1816. Lot of 3 gold beads and piece of coiled gold wire. 1.0 gram, the beads about 3/16" in diameter. Plain
spherical beads and simple, stretched-out coil of wire, all small but in what appears to be high-grade gold.
Estimate: $80-$120.
1817. Ornate silver thimble. 5.9 grams, 3/4" tall and 5/8" in diameter. This must have been the Cadillac of thimbles,
common artifacts of the time but rarely seen in thick, heavy, bright, ornamental silver as seen here, a 3-paneled
triangular floral pattern, with light toning only, small spot of green encrustation inside. Estimate: $100-$300.
299
1818. Lot of 5 bronze thimbles. 27.0 grams total, each about 3/4"
in diameter and 1/2" to 1" tall. The more common kind of thimble
in bronze, all intact but a couple thin (the others very solid),
varying sizes, one with open tip, and one nicely patinated.
Estimate: $50-$75.
1819. Lot of 3 ornate, bronze, filigree beads (plus half of
another) with blue enamel. 40 grams total, each about 3/4" in
diameter. Three ornate, spherical beads that are mostly dark
copper in color but show traces of original blue enamel, plus a
broken half of a fourth bead of different design caked with
orange sediment inside. Estimate: $40-$60.
1820. Glass-bead necklace. 40 grams total, about 14" long. Mostly
thin, tubular beads in vivid light-blue color, the remaining beads
in a variety of shapes and sizes, the principal one of which is
red and white and blue in a zigzag pattern, a nice sampling of
different types. Estimate: $200-$300.
1821. Glass-bead necklace. 15 grams total, about 18" long. A wealth
of small, mostly dark blue beads strung together with some
multi-color zigzags and 6 light-blue tubes, great variety of types.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1822. Large bronze medallion depicting battle scene
(Granada?). 52.6 grams, 2-1/2" in diameter. Very ornate object of
unknown purpose, with convex center showing 2 mounted
fighters with oval shields facing each other above a man fending
off lions with his bare hands, series of octopus-like
pomegranates around the flat rim with one hole on each side,
dark brown in color with hints of pink, probably an important
piece in its time. Estimate: $100-$1,000.
1823. Copper-alloy
Nuremburg counting
jeton. 1.4 grams, 1" in diameter.
Thin token with 4 fleur-de-
lis in a diamond shape on
one side, ship on other side
made to imitate the English
gold “noble” series, an exact match with one on page 258 of
Deagan’s book Artifacts of the Spanish Colonies (Volume 2), this
specimen thin and corroded with lots of green patina and chips
in edge. Estimate: $40-$60.
300
1824. Small, Italian, lead seal
with Latin lettering. 1.5 grams,
about 1" in diameter. Very thin seal,
dark but with light encrustation,
crudely holed at top, with bold
lettering in 3 lines as follows:
GIOVAII / DELAII / INTREV
/ II. Estimate: $25-$40.
1825. Ornate ivory or bone toothpick. 2.4 grams, 3-3/4" long.
Straight stick of whitish material with one end needle sharp
and the other end flat (for scraping), twisted design near center
for getting a good grip, perfectly intact and usable. Estimate:
$50-$75.
1826. Ivory or bone gaming die. 0.6 gram,
1/4" to a side. This is an exact match with lot
#1528 in our last sale (which sold for $85 +
15%), a tiny cube with incuse pips filled with
sediment, each side a bit sunken, very cute.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1827. Lot of 8 small pieces of ornately carved ebony. 5.8
grams total, 1/4" to 3/4" each.
Buttons and beads and
little ornaments hand-
carved from jet-black
wood, all intact but small.
Estimate: $40-$60.
1828. Very rare complete set of bronze nested weights
with lid and case. 880 grams total, 2" tall and 2-1/2" in diameter. A
complete and well-matched set from at least 2 different makers,
whose marks
B Z E R R A
(Bezerra) and
ALON /GUTS
(Alonso Gutierrez)
appear inside 3 of
the cups (with less
decipherable marks
in others), of which
there are 8 in all
plus a small plug,
but the best (and
rarest) part is the
complete, lidded
case with handle
(the latch broken
off but included),
mostly dark brown but some brassy color with patina.
Estimate: $250-$375.
1829. Lot of 2 large, brass
balance-scale pans (bowls).404 grams total, each about 2-1/4"
tall and 7-1/4" in diameter. Two
large bowls, each with 3 small
holes around the top for
suspending from a large
balance scale, intact except for a small break on one bowl, both
with crusty patina. Estimate: $50-$75.
1830. Lot of 7 bronze coin weights. 78 grams total, 1/2" to 1"
each. Seven small, thick disks
marked with circular stamps on
one side to show the weight, all
dark and patinated except the
largest one, which is clean brass
and bears an additional “V”
punch, which is scarce.
Estimate: $100-$150.
1831. Lot of 7 small, gilt-bronze
buttons. 25.3 grams, each about 3/8" in
diameter. Spherical buttons in shiny gold
with some design, the surfaces
somewhat encrusted and patinated from
the bronze, neat little artifacts.
Estimate: $50-$75.
1832. Small clay whistle. 9.6 grams, 1-1/2" long and
3/4" in diameter. Chalky, whitish cylinder with holes
in top and one end, light brown encrustation, no
design visible. Estimate: $40-$60.
1833. Earthenware olive jar neck with
merchant symbols. 115.4 grams, 1-3/4" tall
and 4-1/4" in diameter. A typical round neck
but atypically with two bold stamps that
look like AYL in monogram (upside down),
light salmon color. Estimate: $50-$75.
1834. Earthenware olive jar neck with
merchant symbols. 212.5 grams, 1-3/4" tall
and 4" in diameter. A typical round neck but
atypically with bold “f ” stamp, light tan
with hints of green. Estimate: $50-$75.
1835. Earthenware olive jar neck with
merchant symbols. 108.7 grams, 1-3/4" tall
and 4" in diameter. Typical neck boldly
stamped with crosshatch mark and
monogrammed signature, both deep and
filled with contrasting sediment against
pinkish base color, very impressive. Estimate: $50-$75.
301
1836. Spanish majolica plate, broken and partially
repaired. 204 grams, about 7" in diameter and 1-1/4" tall. Small plate
with 1/2" deep bowl and 1" wide rim, light blue with dark blue
and yellow accents glazed onto tan earthenware base, several
shards reassembled and glued (some pieces missing), far from
intact but still pretty and good for display. Estimate: $30-$45.
1837. Bronze keyhole and orante
cover. 8.7 grams, 1-1/2" in diameter and 1/4"
thick. Plain, flat keyhole attached to
roundish piece of similar diameter with
leafy edge and raised center, reddish
brown with green encrustation.
Estimate: $25-$40.
1838. Set of 5 iron tools, including 1 hammer, 1 chisel, 1
long drill and 2 different sizes of axes. 1060 grams total, lengths
of 4-1/2" to 14" each. Sort of
a 16th-century toolkit
without the wooden
handles, all but the
hammerhead (which is
encrusted instead) very
rusty yet all solid and
sturdy, a bunch of weight
in one lot but all 5 items
recognizable and good for
showing what standard
tools looked like then.
Estimate: $60-$90.
1840. Lot of 1 iron
padlock and 3 iron
keys. 243 grams total.
Typical triangular lock
(also see lot #1687
from the Atocha) and 3
small keys for similar
locks, all rusty and
encrusted but solid
and stable. Estimate:
$60-$90.
1841. Lot of 1 iron
padlock and 3 iron
keys. 320 grams total.
Typical triangular lock
(also see lot #1687
from the Atocha) and 3
small keys for similar
locks, all rusty and
encrusted but solid
and stable. Estimate:
$60-$90.
1843. Lot of 12 bronze
equestrian bridle rings of
various sizes. 292 grams total.
Simple O-rings ranging in
diameter from 1" to 2-1/4",
one curiously red but the
others all deep, dark brown
and intact, used with leather
straps as tackle for horses.
Estimate: $40-$60.
1839. Large iron shears. 572 grams, 11" long. A massive pair of
scissors with both handles and all but the tip of one blade
intact, very simple in design, very rusty and encrusted but solid
and stable. Estimate: $40-$60.
1842. Section of 3 links
of iron chain. 520 grams,
14" long. Three big figure-8
links chained together, all
rusty and encrusted but
solid and stable. Estimate:
$25-$40.
1844. Iron sword blade with blunted tip. 380 grams, 17-1/2"
long. Obviously a sword blade, with rectangular ricasso and
tapering tang, but the blunted tip gives it the impression of a
small paddle or huge butter knife, rusty and encrusted but solid
and stable. Estimate: $100-$150.
302
1845. Lot of 5 iron cannonballs of different sizes. 182-920
grams each, diameters of 1-1/4" to 2-1/4". Five very solid and intact
balls, but all rusty and corroded, still stable. Estimate: $60-
$90.
1846. Small iron cannonball coated
in lead. 419 grams, 2" in diameter. Very
odd little ball with rusty iron peeking
out of a T-shaped breach of the thin
lead coating, probably applied to keep
the ball from rusting away in its own
time. Estimate: $35-$50.
1847. Bronze
“barbell” shot,
rare. 41.8 grams, 2-
1/2" long. Just like
lot #1739 in this
sale from the 1715 Fleet but in bronze instead of lead, this
curious piece is basically two musketballs cast with a long
connecting bar which, when shot out of a gun, would spin and
foul lines or just do more damage in general, its surfaces now
dark but with some reddish and brassy color peeking through.
Estimate: $50-$100.
1848. Lot of 9 lead
musketballs. 156 grams,
diameters of 1/4" to 1/2" each.
Standard-issue balls in
normal condition (dusty
gray), cheap but popular
items with retail potential.
Estimate: $40-$60.
1850. Lead textile seal dated 1619. 10 grams, about 3/4" in
diameter. Two sides with
connecting ribbon, the “obverse”
showing (ME)DIA above date
1619 and the partial reverse
showing a crowned simple shield
(lions and castles), well preserved, light brown in color with
tan encrustation. With photo-certificate #97-4443. Estimate: $75-
$110.
1851. Lead textile seal dated 1624.
8.0 grams, about 3/4" in diameter. Two
sides with connecting ribbon, the
“obverse” showing (M)EDIA above
date 1624 and the partial reverse
showing just the outer border of
dots, crude but relatively well
preserved, light brown in color with tan encrustation. With photo-
certificate #97-4445. Estimate: $75-$110.
1852. Lead textile seal dated 1640. 7.9 grams, about 3/4" in
diameter. Bold two-part seal
with thick oval designs in
centers housing a lion on one
side and a castle on the other,
both with date 1640 raised in
the rim of the oval along with some letters (NED and SAY),
nicely preserved, light brown in color with tan encrustation.
With photo-certificate #97-4447. Estimate: $75-$110.
1853. Lead textile seal dated 1663.
6.2 grams, about 3/4" in diameter. Small
but boldly detailed one-sided seal
with prongs on back, the design
showing a small castle in shield with
date 16-63 flanking the crown above,
whitish in color and light encrustation. With photo-certificate #97-
4449. Estimate: $75-$110.
From a mid-1600s Spanish colonial site in the southern
Caribbean
1849. Bronze Jew’s harp. 12 grams, 2" long. A small, personal
musical instrument (like a 17th-century harmonica) that looks
somewhat like a pair of tweezers cast in one piece with pointed
ends, darkly patinated but intact. With photo-certificate #97-4419.
Estimate: $75-$110.
From the sunken city of Port Royal,
Jamaica
1854. Black glass “case gin” bottle,
English, early 1800s. 693 grams, 10-1/2" tall and
3-1/4" to a side. Beautifully preserved and
perfectly intact bottle with just a few scratches
and specks of encrustation to show its age
and origin, the glass a translucent olive color,
“+” shape in shallow pontil, popular
provenance. With Robert Marx certificate.
Estimate: $100-$150.
303
1855. Lot of 2 clay smoking pipe bowls, 1600s-1800s. 17.7 and 12.8 grams, each 2" long. Very clean and white and intact, just
missing the stems, popular provenance. With Bob Marx photo-certificate. Estimate: $50-$75.
1856. Lot of 2 clay smoking pipe bowls, 1600s-1800s. 20.9 and 9.1 grams, each 2" long. One white and fat with no stem and chip
in bowl, the other narrower and somewhat gray and with part of stem, both with base, popular provenance. With Bob Marx photo-
certificate. Estimate: $50-$75.
1857. Lot of 2 clay smoking pipe bowls, 1600s-1800s. 17.0 and 12.9 grams, 1-1/2" to 1-3/4" long. The larger one bright white with
gray residue inside, the smaller one brownish gray all over, both intact, popular provenance. With Bob Marx photo-certificate.
Estimate: $50-$75.
Religious
1858. Bronze pilgrim’s badge (Order of the Holy Sepulchre) from France, 13th-14th century AD,
rare. 2.4 grams, 2" x 1-1/4". Like a stick-pin with squarish cross-crosslet design, very lightly patinated, one of
2 found together at same site. Estimate: $100-$150.
1859. Bronze cross, probably French, 1600s. 3.2
grams, 1-3/4" x 1". Small, flat cross with Christ on front,
Virgin Mary on back above CONCEPTION (not the
way it would be spelled in Spanish or Italian), dull brass
color underneath light patina, intact loop at top for
wearing. With photo-certificate. Estimate: $80-$120.
1860. Bronze pilgrim’s cross from Europe, 12th-
13th century AD, scarce. 4.0 grams, 1-1/4" x 1". Small
cross with large, oval-shaped holes in each arm (as
made) and small hole at top for wearing, even brown
color all over. Estimate: $80-$120.
Arms/armor/militaria
1861. Spanish steel cuphilt rapier, ca. 1600. 2 lb, 38" long.
Classic cuphilt design with lightly repaired cup, plain thick-
wire crossbar and knuckle-guard, simple steel finial for
pommel past ringed grip in dark wood, the blade intact and
sharp but with minor pitting, nice condition overall.
Estimate: $750-$1,100.
304
1862. German steel shellguard cutlass (1600s) with Solingen maker’s mark, very rare. 2-1/2 lb, 31" long. Very similar to the
shellguard cutlass in our last sale, the type of sword preferred by pirates (as proven by engravings in contemporary books like
Esquemeling’s The History of the Buccaneers of America), with wide, curved (and sharp!) blade, scallop-shell hand-guard, S-shaped
crossbar with curved knuckle bar and thumb protector, wire-wrapped grip, flattened and striated pommel, the crescent moon-
shaped maker’s mark between two small crosses on the blade near the ricasso, superb condition for its age (no rust, very minor
pitting, the tip of the blade sanded to remove a forging flaw), a very impressive artifact. Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.
1863. Cuphilt steel cutlass, possibly Spanish colonial,
ca. 1790. 2-1/4 lb, 35" long. Wide, curved blade and spartan
cuphilt with knuckle-guard and plain engraving,
tortoiseshell grip (eroded away where pinky rests), all dark
and a bit loose but intact and original. Estimate: $350-
$500.
1864. Midshipman’s knife and scabbard, English, ca. 1810. 234 grams, 20" long.
Long, thin, steel knife (sharp and intact, even with original shine) with bone handle
and pommel capped with ornate brass lion’s head end, leather scabbard with brass
reinforcements at tip and other end (with knob for fastening to belt), excellent
condition and the first of its kind we have offered. Estimate: $250-$375.
1865. Boarding hatchet, early American (1800s). 632 grams, 15" long, 6-1/4" wide.
Simple 2-headed iron ax on a short, wooden handle, the blade end sharp (honed
over the years) and the other end a flat point for use as a hammer or pick. Estimate:
$125-$200.
305
1866. Flintlock pistol, English, ca. 1720
(Queen Anne period), with silver inlays
and buttplate, marked and signed by
maker Pierre Gandon (senior). 1 lb 8.8 oz,
13" long. A very cute and well-marked little
pistol, fully intact and operable, with cannon-
type barrel that shows GANDON
LONDON stamped under the lock on the
breech, 3 touchmarks on the other side of
the trigger, beautifully aged walnut grip with
silver ornamental inlays and dogface butt, very
attractive overall. Estimate: $2,500-$3,750.1867. Naval flintlock with
steel belt clip, English, early
1700s, maker Pierre Gandon.
7 lb, 14" long. Large pistol with
simple steel barrel and lock, the
former with touchmarks of
Pierre Gandon, Sr. (who died in
1743), plain brass furniture on
dark oak wood stock, most
interestingly with long, straight
bar on side for clipping to a belt
(first time we have seen that),
excellent condition. Estimate:
$1,000-$1,500.1868. Flintlock blunderbuss,
English (Ketland), ca. 1760. 6-1/
2 lb, 30" long. A short-barreled,
cannon-muzzled flintlock rifle in
excellent condition, with “London
Clanamulla” engraved on top of
the barrel, X-shaped touchmarks
to the side of that, steel lock
engraved with “Ketland & Co.”
(small f lint included), brass
furniture (including large buttplate)
on dark cherry-wood stock in
choice condition, ramrod intact, a
super piece worthy of the best
collections. Estimate: $3,500-
$5,000.
1869. Flintlock pistol, late 1700s,
with old repair on grip. 3 lb, 16" long.
Curious piece with old stitched-leather
wrapping around handle to stabilize
an old break, plain and straight steel
barrel and ramrod with light rust only,
fully operational lock and trigger,
spartan brass trigger guard and
buttplate with loop for strap (steel
loop attached to stock near muzzle
also), steel screws in brass holes in side,
nicely aged wood, purchased years ago
in Panama. Estimate: $500-$750.
306
1870. Steel left-hand gauntlet, German, c. 1580-1620. 330
grams, about 10-1/2" long and 6" in diameter. Brightly polished steel
(rusty inside) with brass rivets, missing all but the top knuckle
of four of the fingers and thumb (held on by leather strips),
somewhat restored but the original parts in good condition,
nice display. Estimate: $300-$450.
1871. Spanish steel cabasset (helmet), ca. 1600-1650. 3-3/4
lb, 7-1/2" tall and 8-10" in diameter. Hand-forged steel helmet of
classic form with ridged medial and “pear stalk” terminal, with
original rivets near the brim but lacking the interior leather liner,
the outside lightly pitted but nice steel gray, the inside and
bottom of brim dark and rusty but solid, overall a nice example
of a scarce and popular artifact, very similar to the one sold in
our Treasure Auction #3 for $1,725. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
1872. Indo-Persian kulah
khud (spiked helmet), mid-
1800s. 2-1/2 lb, 9-1/2" tall and 8"
in diameter. A perfectly
hemispherical bowl of a
helmet with intricate
engraving (battle scenes) all
over, sharp spike on top,
curved handle, 2 sockets for
plumes(?), and a wealth of
chain links underneath for
protecting the rest of the
head, all a bit patinated and
rusty but very much intact.
Estimate: $300-$400.
1873. Medium-sized bronze
signal cannon, Spanish colonial,
1600s. 3 lb 1 oz, 3" tall and 2-1/2" in
diameter. Typically rustic but solid
and intact and attractively
patinated, prominent touch-hole
and cast with 4 reinforcements,
popular item that makes a great pen
cup for your desk! Found in Peru.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1874. Small bronze signal cannon,
Spanish colonial, 1600s, bottom blown
out. 801 grams, 3" tall and 2" in diameter. Thick
tube with large hole in the bottom where
the bronze blew apart during firing, very
small touch-hole on side (maybe why the
bottom blew out), cast with one
reinforcement, very dusty and patinated.
Found in Peru. Estimate: $150-$225.
1875. Small bronze signal cannon,
Spanish colonial, 1600s, original
touch-hole plugged. 644 grams, 2-1/2" tall
and 2" in diameter. Crude and copper-
colored (much lighter than usual) little
cannon with generous touch-hole about
a third of the way around from where
an obvious plug was hammered into the
original touch-hole, cast with sturdy base
and one reinforcement, very cute for
what it is. Found in Peru. Estimate: $150-
$225.
307
1876. Small iron signal cannon. 1221 grams,
5-1/2" long and 2" in diameter. Very slender
cannon with 7/8" bore in thick rim, wide
(rimmed) base, and cast with a prominent
reinforcement in center, all rusty but very
solid, an odd type of unknown period and
nationality (but obviously old) that we have
not seen before. Estimate: $75-$110.
1877. Lot of 2 miniature bronze cannons, English, 1650-
1750. 16.4 and 12.6 grams, each about 2" long. Cute little cannons,
possibly just toys but technically fireable since they have touch-
holes and open barrels, both nicely patinated and obviously
old. Estimate: $120-$180.
1878. Large iron musketball pliers for small balls. 119 grams,
6-1/4" long. Fully functional and nicely toned steel color, the
space for the musketball very small and with sprue hole where
the lead was poured in and formed by the pliers. Estimate:
$100-$150.
1879. Small iron musketball pliers for large balls. 53 grams,
5" long. Perfectly intact with faint rusty color, the sprue hole for
pouring in the lead somewhat larger and the space for the hole
also large in proportion to the pliers themselves. Estimate:
$100-$150.
1880. Iron grapeshot ball with nail through it, 1600s-1700s.
61.4 grams, 2-1/4" long and 7/8" in diameter. We are at a loss to explain
this item, as the lead ball appears to be cast around the small
iron nail (square shank and head), probably just one of the
many devious designs to increase gunshot damage in its time,
undoubtedly rare. With photo-
certificate. Estimate: $70-$100.
1881. Bronze gunpowder spoon, 1600s-1700s. 14.8 grams, 2"
long. Very cute little spoon with straight handle, used for
scooping out and pouring small amounts of gunpowder, lightly
encrusted but solid. With photo-certificate. Estimate: $60-$90.
1882. Lot of 2 small shot (one iron grapeshot and one
lead musketball on a stand), 1600s-1700s. Grapeshot 80.5 grams
and 1" in diameter; musketball and stand
46.3 grams and 2" square. Two typical,
spherical bullets of their time, the
grapeshot rusty brown but solid,
the musketball whitish and
mounted onto a small wooden
stand. With photo-certificates.
Estimate: $35-$50.
1883. Lot of 6 US Civil War lead bullets (two .69 caliber
musketballs, two .52
caliber sharps carbine
bullets, and two .58 caliber
minie balls). 169.2 grams total.
Common but popular items
from the Civil War, all in nice
(probably unused) condition
with light sediment on top of
the whitish lead color.
Estimate: $25-$50.
Viking
1884. Viking merchant’s lead weight from Estonia, 10th-
11th century AD, scarce. 26.8 grams, 3/4" in
diameter. A crude, thick, flattened sphere in
dark lead with sunken design in center that
appears to be gold (with orange sediment)
and is probably an appropriated relic, curious
in that it is approximately the weight of an
8R or 8E! Estimate: $100-$150.
1885. Viking bone pendant of a circular design and wolf-
tooth pendant from Estonia, 10th-11th century AD, rare.Larger piece 7.2 grams and 3" long;
smaller piece 1.3 grams and 1-1/4"
long. Two old pendants in
super condition, the larger
one in bone somewhat
surfboard shaped with cross-like design of dotted circles and
the smaller one just a curved fang, both with hole at one end.
Estimate: $100-$150.
308
1886. Viking iron knife
and lead loom weight
from Estonia, 10th-11th
century AD. Knife 15.0 grams
and 3-1/2" long; weight 34.2 grams
and 1-1/8" in diameter. Pair of
small and curious artifacts,
the knife rusty and chipped,
somewhat triangular in
shape, with thin handle (like
a small ax-blade), and the
loom weight toroid with hole
in middle and sunburst
design and intact. Estimate:
$40-$60.
1891. Charoite mineral from
Siberia (Russia). 266 grams, about 4"
x 2-1/4" x 1-3/4". Somewhat
triangular and hefty chunk of a very
rare purple mineral (looks like
purple-veined marble) that is only
found in Russia, specifically in the Charo River (hence the name)
near Aldan (Siberia), its importation strictly limited from Russia.
Estimate: $40-$60.
1887. Viking bronze tweezers from Estonia, 10th-11th
century AD. 4.6
grams, 2-1/2" long. A
thin strap of heavily
patinated bronze bent
together to use as
tweezers, intact and interesting. Estimate: $30-$45.
Natural history
1888. Large piece of amber
with insects inside from the
Dominican Republic. 30 grams,
about 2" x 1-1/2" x 3/4". A very
translucent and bug-infested
chunk of fossilized tree sap, much
larger than the usual pieces you
see. Estimate: $75-$110.
1889. Large fragment of iron-nickel meteorite from
Sikhote-Alin (Siberia), Russia.113 grams, about 2" x 1-1/4" x 3/4".
Dark gunmetal gray in color, rough
shape but mostly smooth texture
(looks like melted metal), a good-
sized piece of a famous meteorite
that fell in 1947. With informational
display-sheet. Estimate: $40-$60.
1890. Astrophyllite mineral
from Siberia (Russia). 108
grams, about 3" x 2" x 1-1/4". A
good-sized specimen of a
scarce mineral found only in
Siberia, with flaky, brilliant,
gold-colored glitter emanating
from a rocky matrix.
Estimate: $40-$60.
Miscellaneous
1892. Iron animal bell from France,
6th-7th century AD (late Celtic). 115
grams, about 3-1/2" x 2" x 2". Rectangular bell
of typical design for livestock, with arc at
top for wearing, intact except for piece of
bottom, very rusty and thin but still solid
enough to have some “ring” to it.
Estimate: $30-$45.
1893. Earthenware jar (tinaja),
1540s, with mark near lip, rare
and important provenance. 6 lb
6 oz, 14-1/4" tall and 8" in diameter.
Small but typical jar of oval shape
(small, flat bottom), orangish-pink
in color, 100% intact, with
merchant mark at top (looks like
TA in monogram) near lip, an
important archeological find from
the first exploration of Florida by
the Spanish under Hernando de
Soto. Found in the Peace River near
the west coast of Florida and reportedly
from the DeSoto expedition of the early
1500s. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
1894. Earthenware handled jar,
Spanish colonial, 1600s-1700s. 5lb 2-1/2 oz, 12-1/4" tall and 7" in diameter.
Tall vase with flat bottom and short
neck below the rim (unlike the
more typical tinajas) in orange clay
with off-white encrustation on
surfaces where the greenish glaze
has eroded away (only traces
remaining), one small handle near
top, scarce as perfectly intact,
another historical artifact from the
early Spanish presence in Florida.
Found in the vicinity of Crystal River
on the west coast of Florida. Estimate:
$300-$450.
309
1895. Silver Inca “tumi” knife, late 1500s, rare. 108 grams,
about 6-1/2" x 5-1/2". This odd and important artifact consists of
an oval-shaped blade (still sharp!) below a straight handle topped
with a llama’s head (very well detailed and true to life), basically
an ornamental version of what the Incas used for sacrifices, in
pristine condition with lovely toning. Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
1896. Pair of silver survey sights, Peruvian, 1700s. 195 grams
and 11-1/2" long, 89 grams and 8" long. Strange silver paddles with
holes near center that supposedly were used for surveying, with
long handles (the larger one flat, the smaller one rounded),
obviously old and lightly toned. Estimate: $350-$475.
1897. Silver
crucifix, Peruvian,
1700s. 47 grams, about
4-1/2" x 3". Large
cross with Christ
figure cast separately
and pinned on, worn
and nicely toned, the
engraving (front and
back) fairly ornate
and recognizably
South American,
looped at top and
wearable. Estimate:
$200-$300.
1898. Small, bronze navigational dividers, English, 1550-
90, rare. 19.3 grams, 2-3/4" long. Perfectly intact, very dark in color,
rare size (much smaller than normal) and shape (bulge at
midpoint of each arm), the points still sharp but the arms frozen
shut. Found in the River Thames. Estimate: $400-$600.
1899. English brass coin weight for
gold double crown/half unite/11
shillings of James I (1603-25), rare.
5.0 grams, 5/8". Small, thick brass disk
with I.R.M. and BRITAN around
crowned bust of James I on obverse and crown above XI above
S on reverse, mostly dull-brass color but with spots of dark
encrustation. Estimate: $100-$150.
1900. English brass coin weight for 21 shillings of George
III (1760-1820). 8.3 grams, 3/4" in
diameter. Thick brass disk with same
design on both sides showing S
above 21 above 5-flower-9 and
laurel borders, dull brass color all
over. Estimate: $100-$150.
1901. Lot of 3 English brass coin
weights, 1600s-1700s. 13.3 grams, 7/8"; 3.6
grams, 11/16"; and 2.3 grams, 5/8". Three
corroded disks with some details visible, the largest one with S
/ 36 (36 shillings) on both sides, the middle one with bust of
king (William III?) facing left on obverse and crown above value
(illegible) on reverse, and the smallest one with crown over
Tudor rose on one side and crown over CR (for Charles I) and
D to right of crown on other side. With certificates. Estimate:
$90-$135.
1902. Blue-on-white majolica
shard in custom frame, 1600s.
59.8 grams, 4-3/4" x 3-1/2". A small (2"
x 1-1/2") piece of thick, glazed
earthenware with floral design in
blue (like the Chinese porcelains)
mounted onto a velvet mat inside
a wood frame with easel. With
photo-certificate. Estimate: $25-$40.
1903. Pewter ship’s whistle,
1500s-1600s. 19 grams, 1-3/4" long.
Small, cylindrical whistle with
hole at one end for wearing on
a chain, chip in other end but otherwise intact, dull dark gray in
color. With certificate. Estimate: $75-$110.
310
1904. Lot of 4 small, bronze,
Spanish buttons, 1500s-1600s. 9.2
grams total, each about 1/4"-1/2" in
diameter. Small, plain spheres with
intact loops. With certificate. Estimate:
$40-$60.
1905. Bronze buckle, English, 1600s. 7.9
grams, 2" x 1-3/4". Simple rectangular buckle,
very thin and heavily patinated but intact.
With certificate. Estimate: $25-$40.
1906. Lot of 2 pewter buttons, 1600s-
1700s. 2.9 grams and 3/4" diameter; 2.0 grams
and 5/8" diameter. Plain, flat, round buttons
with back-loops intact, lightly patinated.
With certificate. Estimate: $25-$45.
1907. Garment clasp made from 5 Spanish
colonial milled minors. 28.7 grams, 7-1/2" long. Very
odd item with clasp that looks like a pair of tongs
ending in hands connected at the other end to 5
coins in a row, as follows: Santiago 2R 1780DA,
Potosí 2R 1790PR, Mexico 1R 1802FM, Mexico
1R 1756M and Mexico half real 1796FM (with
another loop at the end that may have linked to
another coin). Worn but nicely toned. Estimate:
$60-$90.
1908. Lead textile seal, probably Spanish, 1500s-
1600s. 2.8 grams, 3/4" in diameter. Bold and
elegant castle between two pairs of what
look to be Gothic letters, two nubs on
back where it used to be attached to
another piece. With certificate. Estimate: $30-$45.
1909. Small clay smoking pipe, 1600s-1700s. 19.7 grams, 6-3/
4" long. Beautiful intact pipe (all but the tip of the stem) with
very small bowl that is black from use (the rest of it an eggshell
color) and with light engrailing on top, no mark on base. With
photo-certificate. Estimate: $50-$75.
1910. Clay smoking pipe in
shadow box, 1600s-1700s. 654
grams, 8" x 10" x 2". Intact (and
normal-sized) pipe bowl and 2-1/
2" of the stem, mounted on a mat
below the certificate in a wood-
framed glass box, the pipe mostly
white, with tan sediment inside the
bowl. With certificate. Estimate:
$30-$45.
1911. Bronze slave bracelet
(“manilla”), 1700s-early 1800s.
128 grams, 3-1/4". Typically C-shaped
torque with flat ends, deep brown
color, intact, used to trade for
slaves in Africa. With photo-certificate. Estimate: $30-$45.
1912. Black glass
“onion” bottle,
English, early 1700s,
short. 1122 grams, 6" tall
and 5-3/4" in diameter. Very
short and flat onion
with 1-1/4" deep pontil,
the outside somewhat
scuffed and the rim
chipped but otherwise
intact and attractive,
with heavy sediment
inside, dull green and
yellow colors peeking
through. Estimate:
$250-$375.
1913. Black glass “onion”
bottle, English, early
1700s, tall. 864 grams, 7" tall and
5-1/2" in diameter. A crudely
lopsided onion with 1" deep
pontil, evenly dark in color
all over with matte surfaces,
intact rolled (thin) lip, clean
inside. Estimate: $250-
$375.
1914. Black glass “onion”
bottle, Dutch, 1720s-1750s. 621
grams, 8" tall and 5-1/2" in diameter.
More common type of onion
with long neck, 1" pontil, very
clear and clean green glass, intact
lip. Estimate: $150-$225.
Please visit our website at
www.SedwickCoins.com or watch and bid
LIVE at www.iCollector.com/sedwick
311
1915. Black glass ale bottle, English, 1820s-1840s, with
pearlized surface. 671 grams, 9-1/2" tall and 3-1/2" in diameter.
Common brownish-glass bottle with intact lip, 1" deep pontil,
but best of all is the sheen of pearly encrustation on nearly all
the surfaces. Estimate: $70-$100.
1916. Black glass ale bottle with very deep pontil, English,
early 1820s-1840s. 685 grams, 10" tall and 3-1/2" in diameter. Tall,
dark-green bottle with 2" deep pontil (deepest we’ve ever seen
on this type), matte surfaces, intact rolled lip. Estimate: $70-
$100.
1917. Black glass “case gin” bottle, early 1800s. 583 grams,
9-1/2" tall and 3" to a side. Clean and neat bottle, perfectly
translucent and green in color (despite the name given to this
type of glass), no chips or cracks (just a few bubbles in the
glass as made). Estimate: $80-$120.
1918. Brass spigot, Dutch, 1800s, found in South Africa.
333 grams, 6-1/2" long. A
large and heavy keg-
tap with T-shaped
handle showing the
stamp FIDDLE in a
box, excellent
condition, dull brass
color with patina on
tapered tap end and tan encrustation inside. Estimate: $60-
$90.
1919. Scrimshawed whalebone disk
inscribed with whale and “Ardagah,”
mid-1800s. 3.1 grams, 1-1/4" in diameter. Cute
little artifact in excellent condition, circular
with hole near edge, elegantly engraved,
believed by the consignor to be a “kit bag ID
tag.” Estimate: $50-$75.
1920. Lot of dozens of clay smoking-pipe bowls, 1820s-
1860s, found in the northeastern US. 772 grams total. As most
colonial collectors
know, the preferred
method of smoking
(dating back into the
1500s) was via long
pipes made out of
white clay with
narrow, fragile stems
whose tips were
broken off after each
use, leaving just the
bowl and small base at
the other end when no longer in use and finally discarded. This
group contains about 36 of these discarded bowls, most intact
but some chipped or broken, a few with letters on the side (like
T and D) and mostly stained or caked with mud or clay.
Estimate: $150-$225.
1921. Small medallion commemorating Nelson’s HMS
Victory (retired from service in
1812), struck in 1905 by the British
and Foreign Sailors Society from
copper salvaged from the ship. 2.6
grams, 11/16" in diameter. Cute little
souvenir with picture of the ship on obverse above VICTORY
/ 1905, the reverse showing COPPER / FROM / NELSON’S
SHIPS / E.R. VII in center and BRITISH FOREIGN
SAILORS SOCIETY around the edge, with loop at top, perfect
condition with original copper mint-luster. Estimate: $60-$90.
1922. 1915 copper plate made from the dome of the Helles
Point (Gallipoli) lighthouse, rare and historically
important artifact. 824 grams, 9" in diameter. World War I buffs
will appreciate the battle of Gallipoli (a Turkish peninsula, the
campaign also called Dardanelles) as a failed attempt by the
British and French to take
Istanbul in the middle
eastern theater, during the
early part of which the Helles
Point lighthouse was
destroyed by a British ship,
memorialized by this crude
copper plate engraved on the
face with DARDANELLES.
1915. MADE FROM
PIECE OF THE DOME
OF LIGHTHOUSE ON HELLESPOINT. GALLIPOLI.
DEMOLISHED BY 12 IN SHELL FIRED FROM H.M.S.
PRINCE OF WALES. 25.4.15. F.A.BAREHAM, 6TH D.C.L.I.,
dark copper color with spots of green, spring-type modern
hanger on back. With Bonhams & Brooks auction lot-tag from January
11, 2001. Estimate: $100-$150.
312
Vintage diving equipment
1923. 1908 bronze Schrader diving bonnet, very rare. 21 lb, 11" tall and 9"
in diameter. Very early helmet that shows its age but is fully intact (missing
only the breast plate—the part that rests on the shoulders—through which
the air was supplied), with 3 small windows (very limited visibility) in front
and on the sides, exhaust manifold near back and two small loops near
front, all darkly patinated bronze color and really in excellent shape for its
age, this brand
stated to be the basis for the famous U.S. Navy Mark V helmet that
followed. Estimate: $2,000-$3,000.
1924. Mark V diving dress (canvas suit) with 1915 Schrader
stencil. About 15 lb and 74" tall. Designed to be used with the famous
U.S. Navy Mark V dive helmet, this full, rubber-lined canvas suit is in
excellent condition, with just a couple old repairs and some fraying at
the toes, obviously well used in its time but still with clear stenciling
on breast, great for display! Estimate: $600-$900.
1925. Ca. 1930 Snead
shallow-water cast-iron
diving helmet, rare. 57 lb,
22" tall and 12" in diameter.
Almost spooky, yellow
hood with square pane of
(cracked and taped) plastic
in front (no other
windows), large sturdy
handle at top next to a
surprisingly small bib for
the airhose, overall in good condition (minor rust only), a rare classic
from the early days of hardhat diving. Estimate: $1,500-$2,500.
1926. Miller-Dunn 3 brass dive helmet (ca. 1945) with original
hose and handled pump. Helmet 58 lb, 25" tall and 12" in diameter; pump 55
lb, 17" x 9" x 24" with 3' handle. It is gut-wrenching to look at this contraption
and imagine divers risking their lives underwater, completely entrusting
a topside assistant to keep pumping the
handle! Rumored to be Art McKee’s
instrument of choice, it consists of a tall,
copper-colored helmet with large
rectangular front window and two small
round sidelights, handle at top, lead plates
on front and back of the shoulders, with
hose bib on side for connecting the long
black hose that leads up to the 2-chamber
pump mounted on a wooden box with iron
handle with wooden grip, all in excellent
condition for its age, not something we
would recommend using, of course, but very
impressive as a display on antique diving
history. Estimate: $6,000-$9,000.
313
1927. 1956 “Rene” dive tank with original harness and
New England Divers decal and inspection sticker plus
ca.-1957 U.S. Divers Corp. “Stream Air” Aqualung double-
hose regulator. 36 lb, 28" tall. Display combination of 1950s-
era tank (with valve) and regulator, both in used condition (some
corrosion on the back of the regulator) but fully intact, last
inspected in 1979 (sticker on tank), probably not usable today
but with obvious antique and demonstrative value. Estimate:
$700-$1,000.
1928. 1961 “Nemrod” dive tank with original decal plus
1956-9 “DACOR” double-hose regulator in mint condition.
38 lb, 32" tall. Classic dive tank and valve in what appears to be
good condition accompanied by a matching regulator (different
manufacturer) in perfect condition, probably fully functional,
but don’t hold us to it! Estimate: $500-$750.
1929. Ca.-1970 marine underwater camera (Sea & Sea
model Motor Marine II EX, 35 mm) and strobe (YS-60
TTL), new in box. 6-1/2 lb, 17" x 8-1/2" x 5-1/4" (in box). New
condition and presumably fully functional, state of the art in
the 1970s and still very useful now (just not digital), consisting
of a camera and a separate, attaching strobe flash, a kit that
can be found selling online for around $500. Estimate: $175-
$295.
1930. 1970s
compete Korean
hardhat diving
dress with bronze
helmet and 12-bolt
collar and rubber-
lined canvas suit.
58 lb, 7' tall. Vintage
dive suit and helmet
with many of the
same characteristics
as the well-known
Japanese TOA, with
3 glass windows
(round one in front
and 2 oval ones on
the sides), air intake
and exhaust on back,
in nicely patinated
bronze with plaque
on collar with Korean wording, the suit in excellent condition
with minor (period) repairs only, an awesome display for your
shop or study. Estimate: $1,600-$2,400.
1931. 1980s bronze Russian diving bonnet (helmet). 24 lb,
13" tall and 12" in diameter. A somewhat modern helmet modeled
after early-1900s hardhats, with 3 round, glass windows in front
and on sides, large handle on top, hose coupling in back and
exhaust vent to one side, intact and in nice condition (no dents
or damage), copper color with slight patina. Estimate: $400-
$600.
1932. Mid-1900s Schrader U.S. Navy “Mark V” dive knife
and case with leather belt, rare. 2-1/2 lb, 13-1/2" long. The
Schrader company was famous for their Navy-issue Mark V
dive helmets, but they also made accessories like this heavy
knife and brass scabbard, the maker’s name A. SCHRADER’S
SON, INC. clearly etched on the still-sharp blade, the whole
piece (including wooden handle) in top-notch condition and
apparently just as difficult to find as the dive helmets they
accompanied. Estimate: $350-$500.
314
1933. Modern replica of a U.S. Navy Schrader “Mark V” bronze diving
helmet. 19 lb, 15" tall and 12" in diameter. In highly polished copper and brass, this is
plainly not an original but is an exact replica, with small windows in front and on
sides and on top, 2 air intake nozzles in back and vent in front, complete with
breastplate showing a plaque that says NAVY DIVING HELMET / MARK V
MOD-1, an awesome conversation piece that would be worth thousands of dollars
if it were an original, even the replica seen online selling for upwards of $1000.
Estimate: $300-$450.
DOCUMENTSEngravings
1936. 1671 Ogilby engraving of native Americans melting
gold and silver. 10" x 15-1/2". This is a page from a 1671 book
by John Ogilby entitled America that was a translation of Arnold
Montanus’ book Die nieuwe en onbekende Weereld (Amsterdam,
1671), and this page shows
7 natives melting precious
metals in pots while a train
of llamas waits in the
background, undoubtedly
in reference to labor under
the Spanish at the time,
excellent condition with
fully readable text.
Estimate: $150-$225.
1937. 1671 Ogilby engraving of Europeans meeting native
Americans in front of erupting volcanoes. 10" x 15-1/2". This
is a page from a 1671 book by John Ogilby entitled America that
was a translation of Arnold Montanus’ book Die nieuwe en
onbekende Weereld (Amsterdam, 1671), and this page shows a
group of somewhat
blasé and aristocratic-
looking Europeans
meeting with natives
whose reactions range
from obeisance to
despair, with two
volcanoes in
background blasting
upward, excellent
condition with fully
readable text. Estimate:
$150-$225.
1938. 1671 Ogilby engraving of native Americans and
Europeans. 9-1/2" x 15-1/2". This is a page from a 1671 book
by John Ogilby entitled America that was a translation of Arnold
Montanus’ book Die nieuwe en onbekende Weereld (Amsterdam,
1671), and this page shows seated and gesticulating natives in a
circle in front of 3 Europeans with guns and swords with
European fortification in the background, excellent condition
with fully readable text. Estimate: $75-$110.
1934. 1591 Theodore
deBry engraving of
warring native Americans
in canoes from a German
book. 9-1/2" x 13-1/2". The
upper half of this page
from a German book of
the period shows two teams
of natives in canoes fighting
a battle with bows and
arrows, some of the
unfortunates struggling in the water, their settlements and trees
in the background, no color, perfect condition, the title of the
book or chapter at the top of the page “Erfindung und
Schiffarten”, probably the impressions from the voyages of
the English pirate Thomas Cavendish in 1587 and 1591.
Estimate: $250-$375.
1935. 1591 Theodore deBry engraving of native Americans
making a canoe from a German book. 9" x 13-3/4". A vignette
of two natives making a canoe by burning down trees and
burning out their interiors, signed “T.B.”, with German wording
printed below and book/
chapter title “In West
Indien” at top, probably a
collection of impressions
from the voyages of the
English pirate Thomas
Cavendish in 1587 and
1591, excellent condition.
Estimate: $250-$375.
315
1939. 1671 Ogilby engraving of native Americans and
Europeans. 9-3/8" x 15-5/8". This is a page from a 1671 book
by John Ogilby entitled
America that was a
translation of Arnold
Montanus’ book Die
nieuwe en onbekende
Weereld (Amsterdam,
1671), and this page
shows Europeans
being crowned and
honored by natives in a
hut of some sort,
complete with trumpeters heralding the event, excellent
condition with fully readable text. Estimate: $75-$110.
1940. 1671 Ogilby engraving of a single European among
naked native Americans. 9-3/4" x 15-5/8". This is a page from
a 1671 book by
John Ogilby
entitled America
that was a
translation of
Arnold Montanus’
book Die nieuwe en
onbekende Weereld
( A m s t e r d a m ,
1671), and this
page shows a
multitude of
natives (mostly
women) dancing around a European in a very aristocratic pose,
excellent condition with fully readable text. Estimate: $75-
$110.
1941. Ca.-1790
h a n d - c o l o r e d
English copper-
plate engraving
of Captain
Cook’s landing at
Tanna, New
Hebrides. 10" x 9-
1/2". A small but
beautifully drawn
and vividly colored
(later) scene of
Cook and his men landing in on the beach in front of many
natives, everyone well armed but friendly-looking, with ship in
background (very intricately done), perfect condition, matted
and ready for framing. Estimate: $60-$90.
Manuscripts
1942. Document
from 1782 signed
by King Charles
III. 8-1/8" x 11-3/4".
Brief, one-page letter
on the king’s
letterhead EL REY,
half printed and half
handwritten, with
king’s signature Yo
El Rey near bottom
and scribe’s signature
D(o)n Pedro de
Cartagena below
that, interestingly
cutting the salary of
a naval lieutenant
(José de Moya) by 1/
3 due to not completing his task. Estimate: $100-$150.
1943. Chilean Mint document
from 1788 signed by Ambrosio
O’Higgins (military governor
of Chile and later Viceroy of
Peru). 8-3/8" x 12-1/8". Simple,one-page letter of few words by
captain general O’Higgins
authorizing the purchase of 3
boxes of mint tools from Spain,
dated August 14, 1788, excellent
condition and numismatically
important. Estimate: $100-$150.
1944. Document from 1817
from Colima, Mexico, with
many seals and signatures.
8-3/8" x 12-1/4". Four-page
document with seals of
Charles IV and Ferdinand VII
(dated 1808-9, 1812-13 and
1816-17) with several short
paragraphs above signatures
(most of them José Ignacio
Silva), related to church
offerings, all in readable
condition but with some
minor water damage.
Estimate: $100-$150.
316
1945. Document from 1823 from
Guadalajara, Mexico, with
many seals. 8-3/8" x 12-1/4".
Choice-condition original legal
document on one sheet with
SELLO 4o (dated 1822-23, under
the Republic of Mexico) at top
stamped over the original dated
seal of 1810-11, with Ferdinand
VII seals to right dated 1814-15
and 1818-19, dealing with division
of inherited assets (probate),
interesting as official colonial-era
paper used under Republican
administration. Estimate: $100-$150.
1946. Mint document from 1826
from Santiago, Chile. 8-1/8" x 11-
3/4". Brief, one-page letter (notated
as an amendment to a larger
document) in choice condition
dated August 8, 1826, asking the
director of the mint to check the
decree to make sure the coat-of-
arms is correctly executed, signed
by Juan Manuel de Borgoña(?).
Estimate: $100-$150.
1947. Document from 1849 from
Santiago, Chile, signed by General
Manuel Búlnes. 8-1/8" x 11-3/4".
Brief, one-page letter in choice
condition dated July 11, 1849, by the
President of Chile (General Búlnes)
thanking the director of the mint for
donating 2 silver-coin dies and 1
copper sheet engraved with the
Spanish royal shield to the national
museum. Estimate: $100-$150.
1948. Ship’s bill of lading for
Peruvian coins being shipped in 1881 on the steamship
Pizarro bound for Callao, Peru, from Arica, Chile. 13-3/8"
x 7". A standard document of its time with vignette of the
sidewheel steamer above a table to the left and the “fine print”
to the right with the cargo of “1 sack with 500 silver soles”
hand-written into the
blanks above date and
signature, nice condition
but with wax seal on left
having melted through the
page, leaving a hole, very
interesting combination
of coins and shipping.
Estimate: $100-$150.
1949. Ship’s bill of lading for Peruvian coins being shipped
in 1888 on the steamship Colombia bound for Guayaquil,
Ecuador, from Callao, Peru. 12-3/8" x 7-7/8". A standard
document of its time with vignette of the sidewheel steamer
above a table to the left and the “fine print” to the right with
the cargo “6 sealed sacks containing 6000 silver soles” hand-
written into the blanks above date and signature, excellent
condition, with full wax seal and 10-centavo documentary stamp
(like a postage stamp) to left, a significant multi-field collectible
associating shipping, numismatics and even philately! Estimate:
$100-$150.
Maps
1950. Mid- to late 1500s map of South America entitled
“Tierra Nova,” with Latin text on back starting with
“Americae Sive Perv”. 12" x 9-1/4". A full map of South
America and the southern Caribbean and even the west tip of
Africa with rivers and capes and islands notated but only 4 towns
(Cancha, Cuzco, Caxamalca and Xauca), presumably all Incan,
with the early European demarcations of Castilla del Oro
(Panama and Colombia), Peru and Brazil indicated, the printed
Latin text on the back no help in figuring time period but must
be very early based on the map itself (possibly one of the first
maps of the entire continent), excellent condition with no major
flaws. Estimate: $450-$675.
317
1951. 1749 French map of Mexico entitled “Partie du
Mexique ou de la Nouvelle Espagne ou se trouve
l’Audience du Mexique” (from the Atlas PortatifUniversel) by Robert de Vaugondy, hand colored. 14" x 12".
Engraved and hand-colored map in perfect condition showing
central Mexico between the Audiencia of Guadalajara and New
Leon to the northwest and the Audiencia of Guatemala to the
southeast, the various states and cities and geographic features
all notated, matted for framing. Estimate: $150-$225.
1952. Circa-1770 colored French map of Florida and the
southeastern corner of what is now the United States by
Rigobert Bonne entitled “Carte de la Louisiane, et de la
Floride”. 10-1/2" x 16-1/4". An original copper-engraved map
(colored later) showing Louisiana, Illinois, Florida, Georgia,
the Carolinas and Virginia as they were demarcated at the time,
very important in relation to the failure of the French colony
there and subsequent “Louisiana purchase” in 1803, also
interesting to see the city names and even the various names
of native American tribes in the area, excellent condition except
for ink stain in one corner. Estimate: $275-$425.
1953. Circa-1780 British map of the West Indies entitled
“West Indies from the latest Authorities”. 14-1/2" x 8-1/4".
Detailed map of Mexico, Central America, the northern part
of South America, Florida and the entire Caribbean, very well
notated, in black ink (engraving), fascinating for studying the
various demarcations and place names, perfect condition.
Estimate: $350-$500.
1954. Circa-1845 French map of North and Central
America entitled “Amérique Septentrionale” by Raimond
Bonheur. 24" x 20". Large and very artistic print with map of
North and Central America in center surrounded by scenes
that include a waterfall, a white plantation boss with black slave
and native leaning on a rock with idols, plus icy mountains
with eskimos and polar bear and condors on rocky cliffs, snakes
and plants, also an alligator and a jaguar, and a reclining woman
and dog in center between legends, all in full color and matted.
Estimate: $200-$300.
1955. Large vintage
(1940) treasure map
entitled A TreasureHunter’s Map of theWest Indies and theSpanish Main by
George Annand
(LeBaron-Bonney Co.,
Bradford, MA),
mounted on sturdy
cardboard with grommets at top for hanging. 16-1/2" x 13".
Very colorful and fanciful picture of the Caribbean showing
the locations of various pirate treasures and sunken galleons,
well preserved but crudely mounted. Estimate: $25-$40.
318
1960. Lot of various brochures (4) and postcards (4) about Mel Fisher and his treasure
museums, plus a flyer for Parke-Bernet’s 1967 Treasure of the Spanish Main exhibit
in New York. Brochures 4" x 9"; postcards 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" and 4" x 6"; flyer 7" x 9-3/4". The full-color
postcards show Mel Fisher and scenes of and inside his floating museum, the full-size replica
galleon Golden Doubloon; the brochures (all but one in color) are for his modern museum in
Key West; the red-and-gold flyer for the Parke-Bernet exhibit is entitled “Treasure Ho!” and
shows an enlarged photo of the obverse of a Mexican 8E Royal of 1714; all are in like-new
condition. Estimate: $30-$45.
1956. Lot of 3 vintage (1952) treasure maps by F.L.
Coffman showing wrecks around Florida, wrecks in the
Caribbean, and wrecks in the Great Lakes, rare and
important. 14" x 13", 14" x 10-1/4", 17" x 11". All blue and yellow
with black printing, just as they appear in Coffman’s famous
Atlas but here presented one-by-one, showing the locations
of hundreds of shipwrecks with one-line descriptions of each
in the legends, all in nice, undamaged condition, with original
folds intact. Estimate: $60-$90.
1957. Lot of 3 large vintage (1950s) sunken/buried treasure
maps by Rand-McNally, Drake & Sons and Fred C. Keiser
(all United States). 45" x 29", 28" x 22-1/2", 21" x 17". Three large
and sundry maps showing treasure locations on land and sea,
generally more nostalgic than informative, especially the Keiser,
which shows pictures of various pirates drawn by H.G.
Schlensker, that map also housed in an envelope with similarly
Disneyesque pirates on the mailing label, all in good to excellent
condition without any major problems, with original folds intact.
Estimate: $40-$60.
Miscellaneous documents
1958. Lot of 5 Foul Anchor Archives (Robert Nesmith) catalogs (and associated
material) of the 1950s and 1960s offering treasure books and maps. Most about 15-1/2" x
12-1/2". The name Robert Nesmith is well known in the treasure community, or at least it was
in the 1950s and 1960s when he was considered the foremost numismatic authority on treasure.
He was a consultant to the Real Eight Co., for one thing, and he wrote the definitive treatise
on Mexican Charles-Joanna coins and the book Dig for Pirate Treasure, among others. At the
same time, he ran a company called Foul Anchor Archives and specialized in printing and
distributing treasure maps and books, and these are some of his catalogs, typed on plain
paper and stapled (in most cases), all in excellent condition. Shocking to see what some
classics used to sell for new (Coffman’s Atlas for $10, for example)! Estimate: $60-$90.
1959. Bermuda commemorative First Day Cover (stamps) of September 29, 1969, signed by Teddy Tucker and fellow
diver Robert Canton. 6-1/2" x 4-1/2". Large envelope bearing 4 large postage stamps showing the famous
gold-and-emerald cross found by Teddy Tucker and Robert Canton on the wreck of the San Pedro in
1955 with the words 1594 TREASURE FROM THE SEA, the cross pictured also on the envelope
itself with a treasure chest and the words BERMUDA / Treasure 1594 / COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS
/ OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVER, with “ ‘BERMUDA
TREASURE’ / First Day Cover. / September 29, 1969" stamped at
top in red ink and signed by Tucker and Canton, pristine condition. Estimate: $40-$60.
319
1963. 1975 large poster for the W.H. Lane & Son auction
Sale of Sunken Treasure of September 26, 1975, featuring
treasure from 9 historic wrecks, rare. 20" x 30". Black ink on
red with galleon vignette in silver in background, used condition
(frayed edges) but intact, classic link to our conceptual
predecessor in England (W.H. Lane & Son) who specialized in
shipwrecks around the world in the 1970s. Estimate: $90-$135.
1964. 1980 Dutch
Rijksmuseum (Amsterdam)
poster for an exhibit from
February 6 to August 3 of
that year entitled “PRIJS
DER ZEE, Vondsten uit
wrakken van Oost-
Indiëvaarders”. 15-1/2" x 31-
1/2". Small (but tall) poster
with wrecked ship in white
with black background above
blue water, somewhat
minimalist and modern,
related to the launch of a book
of the same name put out by
the Rijksmuseum, nice
condition with only one or two
small tears in edge. Estimate:
$30-$50.
1961. Lot of 6 Real Eight Co. stock certificates in three
different colors. 12" x 8". Printed by the Columbian Banknote
Company with backgrounds in green, blue and red, these
popular certificates were issued for shares in the Real Eight
Company of 1715-Fleet fame (this lot being only 10- or 100-
share certificates), each one stamp-dated 1969-76 and famously
featuring a fully dated Mexican 8R 1715 on top and signed by
president Harry Cannon, mostly excellent condition but long
since redeemed and cancelled. Estimate: $250-$375.
1962. 1974 Silver Shoals Expedition Ltd. $500,000 Private
Placement Prospectus by Seaborne Ventures, Inc., with
brochure and photo (Concepción wreck of 1641). Prospectus
8-1/2" x 14"; brochure 11" x 8"; photo 5-
1/2" x 3-1/2". A fascinating package
that was given to prospective
investors in an unsuccessful salvage
operation spearheaded by Dennis
Standefur, John Doering, Steve
Voynick and Martin Meylach (the
last two also well-known authors
in the field) to find and salvage the
wreck of the Concepción (1641) off
Hispaniola (salvaged 5 years later
by Burt Webber), the prospectus
naturally plain and matter-of-fact but the brochure quite
attractive and professionally done, and the photo in black-and-
white showing the “mailbox” (blower) on the back of their
salvage boat, all in excellent condition. Estimate: $50-$75.
1965. 1988 Dutch Rijksmuseum (Leiden) poster for an
exhibit from June 10, 1988, to June 5, 1989, entitled
“SCHEPEN MET GELD De handel van de VOC op Azië
1602-1799”. 11-3/4" x 16-1/2". Small poster with wording in black
box against a sea of Akerendam (1724) gold ducats, related to
the launch of a book of the same name by Arent Pol (see lot
2007) about VOC shipwrecks, excellent condition with faint
crease near part of edge but no tears or folds. Estimate: $30-
$50.
320
1966. 1995 large Christie’s
(Amsterdam) poster for their auction
“The Diana Cargo” of March 6-7 of
that year. 21" x 27". Large and beautiful
poster in blue and gold with picture of
porcelains in a seawater tank with
prominent (live) fish, excellent condition
except for a bumps in edge. Estimate:
$30-$50.
1967. 1980s and 1990s lot of 11 letters/
brochures/newsletters from Treasure
Salvors and the Mel Fisher Maritime
Heritage Society. Up to 8-1/2" x 11" each. This sundry lot consists of 5 letters to investors
1981-96 (the last one a notice of liquidation of Treasure Salvors, Inc.), 3 early 1980s
brochures (one in color) about the coins and other treasure of the 1622 Fleet (Atocha and
Santa Margarita), one Treasure Talk newsletter from 1985 (Treasure Salvors), and 2 The
Navigator newsletters from 1998-9 (Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society), all in excellent
condition. Estimate: $40-$60.
Paintings
1968. Framed oil-on-canvas painting of pirates in a cave by Augustus Lenox (1960s painter of Western scenes and
comics). 7 lb, 44-1/2" x 34-1/2". Large original oil painting in mostly rustic colors showing 3 Disneyesque pirates in a seaside cave
bemusedly scrutinizing the skeletal remains of a colleague next to a small chest of gold coins, packed with wonderfully accurate
details (note the armament and clothing) and signed by the artist in the lower-left corner, in wooden frame, ready for hanging.
Estimate: $1,500-$2,250.
321
1969. Atocha painting: “Atocha Meets Her Fate,” by
Ralph Curnow (2009). 24" x 20". A dark and dramatic
rendering of the Atocha’s final hours in a storm-tossed sea
from a rear perspective showing the Madonna and Child on
her vividly painted stern and her wind-battered flag and
banner atop her rigging, the center mast broken off and
languishing in a wave that is engulfing the entire front of the
ship, and a sister-galleon with similar fate off in the distance.
As usual, Curnow’s waves and water are extremely realistic, a
real challenge for most artists. Estimate: $1,200-$1,800.
Photos
1971. Lot of 13 color photos from the 1960s of Art McKee’s Museum
of Sunken Treasure on Plantation Key, Florida. Each 7" x 5". These are
the photographic souvenirs of a 1960s trip by the consignor to McKee’s
museum of treasure from the Capitana El Rubí of the 1733 Fleet, each
newly printed photo in full color and mostly well staged, showing a very
informative cross-section of the contents of the museum (coins, silver bars,
ship’s timbers and cannon and ballast, even bones and skulls of unfortunate
sailors), including one showing Art McKee himself in front of some displays.
Estimate: $35-$50.
1972. Lot of 20 color photos from the 1960s of the Real
Eight Co. museum in Satellite Beach, Florida. Each 7" x 5".
These are the photographic souvenirs of a 1960s trip by the
consignor to the Real Eight Co. museum of 1715-Fleet finds,
each newly printed photo in full color and mostly well staged,
showing a very informative cross-section of the contents of
the museum (coins, artifacts and dioramas). Estimate: $35-
$50.
1970. 1715 Fleet painting: “The Day Before,” by Ralph
Curnow (2009). 24" x 20". A bright and almost cheerful portrait
of one of the 1715-Fleet galleons with 6 others in the distance,
all under full sail on only slightly choppy seas (very realistic and
accurate, a Curnow specialty), but with ominous gray clouds
gathering in the distance. Estimate: $1,500-$2,000.
322
Prints
1973. Framed 1981 Duke Long serigraph of the
Concepción printed with indigo dye salvaged from the
wreck, limited edition #60/200. 21" x 23". A large and well-
detailed rendering of the galleon done in actual indigo recovered
from the ship, with “Nuestra Señora de la Concepción 60/
200” and the artist’s signature and date in pencil on the bottom,
framed in silver-painted wood with glass, originally purchased
in the 1980s for $600. Estimate: $150-$225.
1974. Framed Concepción print #1 (reprint of Duke Long
1983 original), very rare. 16" x 13". From a very rare set of
black-and-white prints
depicting the Concepción
site as it was found, this
one showing a side view
of three large “holes” in
the coral containing
artifacts and debris, very
detailed and illustrative,
matted and framed in
black wood and glass.
Estimate: $75-$110.
1975. Framed Concepción print #2 (reprint of Duke Long
1983 original), very rare. 16" x
13". From a very rare set of
black-and-white prints
depicting the Concepción site as
it was found, this one showing
a cutaway side view of the stern
section of the ship just after
sinking, very detailed and
illustrative, matted and framed
in black wood and glass.
Estimate: $75-$110.
1976. Framed Concepción print #3 (reprint of Duke Long
1983 original), very rare. 16"
x 13". From a very rare set of
black-and-white prints
depicting the Concepción site as
it was found, this one
showing a cutaway side view
of the whole ship, including
a legend for each room, even
with an “x marks the spot”
for where the treasure was
stored, very detailed and illustrative, matted and framed in black
wood and glass. Estimate: $75-$110.
1977. Framed Concepción print #4 (reprint of Duke Long
1983 original), very rare.
16" x 13". From a very rare
set of black-and-white
prints depicting the
Concepción site as it was
found, this one showing a
cutaway side view the entire
ship with sails, including a
legend for each room,
several of them with an “x
marks the spot” to show that they would have contained
treasure, very detailed and illustrative, matted and framed in
black wood and glass. Estimate: $75-$110.
1978. Framed poster for “Lost
Treasures of the Nuestra Señora de la
Concepción” exhibition by Burt D.
Webber, Jr., December 12-14, 1986, at
Bally’s Park Place Casino Hotel in
Atlantic City, NJ. 11" x 17". With galleon
vignette at top and printed in orange ink
on off-white cardstock, framed in gold
metal with glass, excellent condition.
Estimate: $50-$75.
1979. Framed caricature in black ink of Mel Fisher by
Michael Scott of the South
Florida Science Museum (West
Palm Beach, 1987), signed by Mel
Fisher, rare. 16" x 20". A “must have”
for the Mel Fisher collector, with Mel
in dive gear standing on a beach with
his arms loaded with coins and
chains, a salvage boat in the water
behind him, his shirt showing
TODAY’S THE DAY and SOUTH
FLORIDA SCIENCE MUSEUM,
and signed by Mel “Hi Terry! Mel” to upper right, also signed
and dated by the artist at bottom right, matted and framed in
white and black. Estimate: $100-$150.
323
1980. Framed, hand-signed print of poem “Marine
Salvage Museum, Florida” by Rhina P. Espaillat, one of
50 printed by Wells College in honor of a visit by the poet
on October 4, 2000. 10" x 16". Award-winning bilingual poet
Rhina P. Espaillat was born in the
Dominican Republic in 1932 and is known
not only for her own poetry but also for
her translation into Spanish of the poetry
of the famous Robert Frost. The original
poem here described the emotions invoked
by a visit to a salvage museum and bears
the author’s signature in pencil, printed on
parchment and framed in gray-green
wood. Estimate: $40-$60.
1981. Signed lithograph print #83 of the Rooswijk
shipwreck of 1739, limited edition (400 copies made), by
artist Ralph Curnow (2006). 15-1/2" x 12-1/2". Mint condition,
full-color print showing
the Rooswijk on the high
seas, painted by Ralph
Curnow, the brother of
one of the modern
salvagers of the
Rooswijk, hand-
numbered and signed
by the artist in the
margins. Estimate:
$50-$75.
Games
1982. “Sunken Treasure” board game by Parker Brothers (USA). 572
grams, about 16" x 8" x 2". 1948 board
game in used but intact condition,
inspired by hardhat diving for
treasure in the 1940s, playable by up
to 5 players of presumably any age,
the object being the first to retrieve
a gold bar and make it back up to
deck. Estimate: $15-$25.
1983. “Fleet 1715” card game by Clicker
Spiele (Germany). 89.9 grams, 3-1/2" x 2-1/4" x
3/4". Basically a deck of cards in a small box
with instructions (in
German) for playing a
game based on the 1715-
Fleet disaster, for 1-5
players, ages 10 and up,
new in box. Estimate:
$25-$35.
BOOKS1984. (Atocha) Research Coin Collection (photocopy)
signed by Marisha Wagner Moran (1987), with copy of
Key West Life article by Wagner Moran (1984). Spiral-bound
SC, VF. Originals of the Atocha Research Collection catalog are
extremely rare and were never meant for anything but
promotion for the collection itself, which was hand-picked for
inve s to r-d ive r- l obby i s t
Marisha Wagner Moran and
eventually sold piecemeal
(mostly in the 1990s), a good
portion of which is for sale
in this auction. The catalog
features an introduction and
numismatic description (by
Sandy McKinney) of each of
the 237 coins in the special
collection, with 16 photo-
plates of 64 of the coins, also
accompanied by an article that
Marisha wrote for a local
newsmagazine about the ongoing search (in 1984) for parts of
the Atocha as well as another article about the author (with
photo) in the same publication. Estimate: $100-$150.
1985. Baxter, Ford and Hans W. Hanau, eds. Treasure
Diving with Teddy Tucker (1964), very rare. SC, VF. Small
(32 pages) but well-illustrated (color) old pamphlet showing
Teddy Tucker and his finds off Bermuda. Estimate: $100-
$150.
1986. Berman, Bruce. Encyclopedia of American
Shipwrecks (1971). SC, VG. A tabular listing of 13,000 wrecks
off the various coasts of the United States, limited in
information but comprehensive in scope, somewhat illogically
presented in alphabetical order. Estimate: $15-$25.
1987. Blair, Clay, Jr. Diving for Pleasure and Treasure (1st
ed., 1960). HC, DJ, like new. A classic narrative in rare condition,
most importantly covering the early salvage of the Boticaria
wreck (1681) off Panama by Robert Marx. Estimate: $30-$45.
1988. Campbell, Captain Malcolm.
Searching for Pirate Treasure in CocosIsland (1932). HC (DJ missing), VG, ex-libris plate
inside cover. Just as the title implies, this is the
narrative of an early treasure hunter on the
pirate hangout of Cocos Island off Costa
Rica, with one color illustration in front, a
scarce classic. Estimate: $100-$150.
324
1989. Coffman, F.E. Atlas of
Treasure Maps (1957
reprint), with inscription and
rubber-stamp signature by
author. HB, DJ, VF. This rare
book is the benchmark of great
treasure libraries, as it was
widely used (and lost) aboard
salvage vessels in the 1950s and
1960s, and high-grade copies with original dust jackets like this
one are particularly scarce. It is a large book (over 17") with
maps and brief mentions of over 3000 treasure locations in
the Americas and the British Isles. Estimate: $300-$450.
1990. Cowan, Rex. Castaway & Wrecked (1978),
autographed by the author. HC, DJ, Mint. A beautiful photo-
book (black-and-white) of the wrecks of 19 ships off the
southwest coasts of England, the photos all taken right after
the time of each disaster by the famous Gibson family of
Cornwall and the Scilly Isles. Estimate: $40-$60.
1991. Cowan, Zélide. Early Divers (1985), autographed by
the author. SC, Mint. An illustrated history of underwater diving,
from the diving bells of the early 1600s to the hardhats of the
late 1800s, not very big (102 pages) but informative. Estimate:
$40-$60.
1992. Deagan, Kathleen. Artifacts of the Spanish Colonies
of Florida and the Caribbean, 1500-1800, Volume I:Ceramics, Glassware, and Beads (1987). HC (DJ missing), VF.
An extremely useful archeological guide to the various ceramics
(also glass and beads) found in colonial sites in and shipwrecks
off Florida. Estimate: $25-$40.
1993. Gardner, Arthur. Wrecks around Nantucket (1915).
SC, VG. Early guide to the shipwrecks off the island of Nantucket
(Massachusetts), presented in chronological order. Estimate:
$40-$60.
1994. Gawronski, Jerzy.
Hollandia Compendium(1992). HC, new in shrink wrap. The
ultimate guide to everything
about the Hollandia (sunk in
1743 off the Scilly Isles,
southwest of England),
showing complete data and
detailed diagrams of every
artifact found. Estimate: $100-$150.
1995. Gilman Hawes, Hildreth. The Bellamy Treasure
(1940), rare. SC, Fine. An essential item for the Whydah (1717)
researcher, as it covers the exploits of pirate Sam Bellamy off
New England in the same ship, written long before the wreck
was found and salvaged. Estimate: $100-$150.
1996. Goodwin, William. The Lure of Gold (1940). HC, DJ,
VG. A classic book about the 5 lost ships of Christopher
Columbus in the Caribbean. Estimate: $50-$75.
1997. Green, Jeremy. Treasures from the Vergulde Draeck
(1973). SC, VG. A scarce archeological pamphlet with many
diagrams of the wrecksite and artifacts found on this ship (sunk
in 1656 off Western Australia). Estimate: $35-$50.
1998. Greene, Vaughn M. Underwater Prospecting
Techniques (1960). SC, Fine. Tourist-oriented pamphlet about
gold prospecting and diving, interesting as showing an
advertisement on the rear inside cover for Mel’s (Fisher) Aqua
Shop in Redondo Beach, CA, featuring 2 pictures of Mel in
vintage dive gear. Estimate: $20-$30.
1999. Holzworth, Shirley Jean. One Day
of Hunting Treasure (1965), scarce,
autographed by author and her
husband, Walt. SC, VF. A breathless
account of finding treasure off the east
coast of Florida, with many fun photos.
Estimate: $60-$90.
2000. Marx, Robert. Shipwrecks in
Mexican Waters (1981),
autographed by the author. SC, Mint.
An important classic covering the
author’s work with Clay Blair and Pablo
Bush Romero off the east coast of
Mexico, particularly on the Matanceros
wreck, with an exhaustive listing of
wrecks in the area at the end. Estimate:
$75-$110.
2001. Mathers, William. Treasure of the Concepción
(1993). HC, DJ, Mint. This coffee table-style book (well illustrated
with many color photos) covers the sinking and archeologically
sensitive salvage of a Manila galleon sunk in 1638 off Saipan in
the northern Mariana Islands. Estimate: $20-$30.
2002. McKee, Alexander. How We Found the Mary Rose
(special Easton Press leatherbound edition, 1991). HC, Mint.
A well-illustrated classic about the salvage of Henry VIII’s
flagship Mary Rose, sunk in the Solent (south of England) in
1545. Estimate: $40-$60.
2003. Millas, José Carlos. Hurricanes of the Caribbean
and Adjacent Regions, 1492-1800 (1968). HC, Mint. Very
important and detailed chronology of all major Caribbean
hurricanes since Columbus, very useful for shipwreck research.
Estimate: $125-$200.
325
2004. Morris, Roland. Island Treasure (3rd impression,
1970), autographed by the author. HC, DJ, VF. Considered
the “Mel Fisher of England,” Roland Morris was his country’s
most famous and flamboyant wreck diver, and this is the book
about his search for and salvage of the Association, sunk in 1707
off the Scilly Isles, southwest of England. Estimate: $35-$50.
2005. Nesmith, Robert I. Dig for Pirate Treasure (1st ed.,
1958), rare, autographed by the author. HC, DJ, VF. Rare first
edition by Devin-Adair Company (not the
usual Bonanza Books edition, which is
technically a reprint), a very popular but
generalized book about lost treasures and
shipwrecks around the world, with many
photos, particularly useful as one of the few
references with information on the ca.-1636
“Mesuno hoard” in Colombia. Estimate:
$150-$225.
2006. Peterson, Mendel. Funnel of Gold (1975). HC, DJ,
Fine. A lengthy, erudite and well-respected classic overview of
the Spanish treasure-fleet system and the entire gold- and silver-
production process. Estimate: $50-$75.
2007. Pol, Arent. Schepen met Geld—De Handelsmunten
van de Verenigde Oostindische Compagnie 1602-1799(1989). HC, VF. Rare book (written in Dutch) about the Dutch
East India Company (VOC) and its ships, with many
illustrations of treasure from VOC wrecks. Estimate: $20-
$35.
2008. Potter, John. The Treasure
Diver’s Guide (1st ed., 1960),
autographed by the author. HC, DJ, VF.
The first comprehensive listing of wrecks
around the world, considered for decades
to be the “bible” of treasure salvage, with
maps and a discussion about the Spanish
fleets in particular, and with many photos
of treasure. Estimate: $100-$150.
2009. Rascoe, Jesse. 1200 Treasure Books (1970). HC (issued
without DJ), VG. A somewhat out-of-date bibliography of books
on (mostly) land-hoard treasures, with a few shipwreck books
listed as well. Estimate: $50-$75.
2010. Riebe, Alan. Chronicles of Shipwrecks & Sunken
Treasure, 900-1900 A.D. (undated, 2002?), autographed by
author “David / Best Wishes”, very scarce (only a few
printed). SC, VF. Large, chronological listing of shipwrecks
around the world in a dauntingly large range of time periods,
well illustrated, widely available on CD but no longer printed.
Estimate: $125-$200.
2011. Riley, Capt. James. An Authentic Narrative of the
Loss of the American Brig Commerce, Wrecked on theWestern Coast of Africa, in the Month of August, 1815(1817), rare. HC, VG. A large and very musty but intact antique
about the wreck of an early
US ship off the coast of
Africa and the subsequent
wanderings of her survivors
as Arab slaves in the Sahara
desert, written by the ship’s
“master and supercargo,”
with 10 copper-plate
engravings and a beginner’s guide to the Arabic language in
the back. Estimate: $250-$375.
2012. Sebring, Thomas. Treasure Tales
(1986), rare. HC, DJ, VF. Published in limited
quantities just after Mel Fisher’s big Atocha
find, this book about several different
wrecks (with pictures of coins from them)
became an instant classic and is still useful
today for brief histories on several Spanish,
Dutch, French and English wrecks of the
mid-16th to early-18th centuries.
Estimate: $150-$225.
2013. Sullivan, George. Slave Ship: The Story of the
Henrietta Marie (1994), accompanied by a copy of the
August 2002 issue of National Geographic magazine
with an article entitled “Henrietta Marie: Slave-Ship
Wreck”. HB, DJ, Fine. Well-illustrated book about the only
scientifically studied slave wreck in the US, found by Mel
Fisher’s divers in 1972, its artifacts on display in Key West at
the Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society, also covering a
general history of the slave trade, along with a recent National
Geographic magazine with an article about the ship and its
salvage, an important companion lot to #1714 in this sale (an
original artifact from the same wreck). Estimate: $35-$50.
2014. Storm, Alex. Canada’s Treasure Hunt (1967). SC,
VG. A small paperback (the only way it comes) about the
finding and salvage of the Chameau wreck off Nova Scotia in
1965 by one of the divers, with diagrams and photos of gold
and silver coins recovered. Estimate: $25-$40.
2015. Taylor, James. Gold from the Sea (1947). HC, DJ, VG.
A classic book about the sinking and salvage of RMS Niagara,
which sank with 8 tons of gold bullion off New Zealand
during World War II. Estimate: $25-$40.
2016. Treasure Salvors (Mel Fisher). The Treasure of
1622 (1979). SC, VG. Large, profusely illustrated promotional
pamphlet written before the big find in 1985 (but amended
later to reflect that at the end), with mouth-watering photos
of fabulous artifacts and coins. Estimate: $10-$15.
326
2017. Turner, Harry. The Gilt Dragon Incident (1963).
HC, DJ, VF. A half-factual investigation behind the sinking of
the Vergulde Draeck (1656) off Western Australia and the fate
of her survivors, largely supplanted by actual finds in
subsequent decades. Estimate: $70-$100.
2018. Underbrink, Robert. Treasure Trove (1974). HC (issued
without DJ), VG. The subtitle of this book says it all: An annotated
bibliography of books concerning sunken gold, lost mines, and
buried treasure. Also included are 7 “brief sketches” about some
of the treasure troves in question. Estimate: $25-$40.
2019. Verrill, A. Hyatt. Lost Treasure—True Tales of Hidden Hoards (1930). HC, DJ, VG. A collection
of stories about various land and sea treasures in Central and South America by an adventurous author.
Estimate: $75-$110.
2020. Wagner, Kip. Pieces of Eight, editor’s copy (first copy off the press)
with penciled corrections, (1966), unique. SC, Fine. A pre-printing copy for
final editing of this famous book (looks just like the book itself but with paper
cover and changes marked in black felt-tip ink), truly a one-of-a-kind collectible
for Real Eight and 1715-Fleet fans. The book is the original classic story about
Kip Wagner and the Real Eight Co. and their salvage of the 1715 Fleet off the
east coast of Florida, eminently readable and with excellent illustrations as well.
Estimate: $1,000-$1,500.
2021. Wagner, Kip. Pieces of Eight (2nd printing, 1967), autographed by original 8 members
of Real Eight Co. HC, DJ, VF. The original classic story about Kip Wagner and the Real Eight Co. and
their salvage of the 1715 Fleet off the east coast of Florida, eminently readable and with excellent
illustrations as well, especially valuable and sought-after when graced with the signatures of the original
Real Eight members, as is the case here (missing only Harry Cannon). Estimate: $300-$450.
2022. Wagner, Kip. Pieces of Eight (1st ed., 1966). HC, DJ,
Fine. The original classic story about Kip Wagner and the Real
Eight Co. and their salvage of the 1715 Fleet off the east coast
of Florida, eminently readable and with excellent illustrations
as well. First editions like this one are somewhat scarce.
Estimate: $50-$75.
2023. Weller, Bob “Frogfoot”. The Dreamweaver (1996),
inscribed by Mel Fisher: “Today’s the Day, Marge & Kirk!
Mel”. SC, VF. Nicely illustrated authorized biography of Mel
Fisher, personally signed by him, a great and necessary read
for treasure buffs. Estimate: $60-$90.
2024. Wilkins, Harold T. Captain Kidd and His Skeleton
Island (Cassell edition, 1935). HC with digital reproduction of the
DJ, VG. Famously executed amid controversy over the fairness
of his trial, Captain William Kidd was rumored to have buried
many treasures. This classic book examines Kidd’s travails and
his own charts and maps to encourage potential finders of the
troves. Estimate: $75-$110.
2025. Woods, Dee. Blaze of Gold (1st ed., 1942), rare,
inscribed and autographed by author. HC, DJ, VF. A collection
of tales about searching for treasure along the Gulf Coast of
Texas, this important (and rare) copy inscribed by the author:
“Yours till Carlota finds her priceless jewels / Dee Woods /
’43-” (in reference to the loss of Emperor Maximilian’s wife’s
jewels in a wreck covered in the book). Also one of the few
treasure books written by a woman. Estimate: $90-$135.
AUCTION CATALOGS2026. Bowers & Merena (Los Angeles). The S.S. Brother
Jonathan Treasure Coins (May 19, 1999), with Prices
Realized. NM. Thin but important, this is the one and only
catalog of coins from the steamship wreck Brother Jonathan
(1865), one of only a handful of wrecks to have yielded Gold
Rush-era US coins, with good background in front of catalog.
Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $30-$45.
2027. Bowers & Merena (Long Beach, CA). Treasures of
the World (June 5-6, 2002). NM. Very important shipwreck
catalog that contains 17 silver “tumbaga” bars and coins from
15 other wrecks, with excellent histories on each. Pedigreed to the
Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $30-$45.
2028. Bowers & Merena (Kansas City, MO). Treasures of
the S.S. Republic (April 7-8, 2005). NM. Thin but important,
just 50 lots but all very expensive, this is the one and only catalog
of coins from the steamship wreck S.S. Republic (1865), one of only a handful of wrecks to have yielded Gold Rush-era US
coins, with good background in front of catalog. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $25-$40.
327
2029. Bowers & Ruddy Galleries (Los Angeles). The
Harold A. Blauvelt, Ibero American and 1715 SpanishTreasure Fleet Collections (February 17-19, 1977). VG.
Important classic catalog of 1715-Fleet gold and silver coins
and artifacts. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $25-$40.
2030. Butterfield & Butterfield (Caesar’s Palace, Las
Vegas). Mel Fisher’s Treasures of the Atocha and her SisterShip the Santa Margarita (September 26, 1987), with folder
of promotional materials. VF. One of several promotional
auctions of Atocha material after the main
find, really some fabulous artifacts (coins,
ingots, artifacts) but at extremely high
estimates (Fisher prices) and all heavily
reserved, the catalog for which is somewhat
rare. Included in the accompanying
promotional packet is the booklet The
Treasure of 1622 by Treasure Salvors in Mint
condition. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure
Library. Estimate: $75-$110.
2031. Christie’s (Amsterdam). The Bredenhof Bullion
(December 4, 1986), with Prices Realized. NM. Thin but
important, this is the one and only catalog of coins and ingots
from the Dutch East Indiaman Bredenhof (1753), with good
background in front of catalog. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring
Treasure Library. Estimate: $60-$90.
2032. Christie’s (Amsterdam). The Vung Tao Cargo (April
7, 1992). VF. Massive quantities of Chinese blue-on-white
porcelains from a ca.-1690 wreck off southern Vietnam, near
the beach resort town of Vung Tao. Estimate: $60-$90.
2033. Christie’s (London). The Ceramic Cargo of a
Medieval South Asian TradingVessel (December 11, 1989),
autographed by Michael Hatcher.
VF. Very thin but profusely illustrated
catalog (very rare) of Thai-area (mostly
Sawankhalok) stoneware from a 1200s-
1400s wreck in the South China Sea
salvaged by Michael Hatcher (of
“Nanking Cargo” fame), the proceeds
all donated to Barnado’s Children’s
Homes. Estimate: $100-$150.
2034. Christie’s (London). Spanish Art I: Treasure from
the Maravillas (May 28, 1992), with Prices Realized. NM.
Highly important catalog of coins and artifacts from the
Maravillas (1656) recovered by Capt. Herbert Humphreys, Jr.
and MAREX. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $50-$75.
2035. Christie’s (London). Coins,
Banknotes, CommemorativeMedals and Treasure from SpanishShipwrecks (April 28, 1993), with
Prices Realized. NM. This is the
auction when the collecting world first
found out about “tumbaga” bars (silver
and gold), offered in the catalog
alongside finds from the Maravillas
(1656) and the 1715 and 1733 Fleets,
rare and in high demand. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure
Library. Estimate: $75-$110.
2036. Christie’s (New York). Gold and Silver of the Atocha
and Santa Margarita (June 14-15, 1988), with Prices
Realized. HB, DJ, NM. Probably the largest and most important
treasure catalog of all time, featuring gold chains, astrolabes,
many gold “finger” bars and huge silver bars from the Atocha
and Santa Margarita, plus some gold cobs from the 1715 Fleet.
The intact Atocha Research Collection is also offered separately
at the end of the catalog, right after a complete (encrusted)
chest of coins. This catalog also comes in a more common
softcover version. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $75-$110.
2037. Christie’s (New York). Coins from the Wreck of
H.M.S. Feversham (February 7, 1989), with Prices
Realized. VF. Very thin but important catalog of coins from
the Feversham (1711), including plugged silver cobs and
Massachusetts Bay Colony shillings (but no gold), with excellent
essay on the wreck and its coins in the front. Pedigreed to the Tom
Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $30-$45.
2038. Christie’s (South Kensington). Sale of Artifacts from
the Royal Navy’s First Invincible 1744-1758 (March 10,
1988). NM. Scarce catalog of mundane but fascinating artifacts
from the HMS Invincible, sunk in 1758 off the Isle of Wight,
England. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate:
$35-$50.
2039. Christie’s (South Kensington). Titanic Memorabilia
and Maritime Pictures, Ephemera and Models (April 14,
1992), with Prices Realized. VF. This fascinating catalog was
partly an offering of memorabilia related to the sinking of the
Titanic (not artifacts from the wreck itself), but mostly is
paintings and nautical antiques (octants, etc.) and ship models.
Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $25-$40.
2040. Christie’s in association with Spink (New York).
Gold Rush Treasures from the SS Central America(December 14, 2000). HB, VF. Important hardbound catalog
for the second auction of gold coins and bullion from the S.S.
Central America (1857), a fabulous wealth of gold from the sea.
Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $30-$45.
328
2041. Dix Noonan Webb (London). The Santa Lucia
Treasure (June 20, 2001). Fine. The first 306 lots of this auction
(mostly coins but some artifacts) were famously stopped by
injunction by the Italian government, who successfully laid claim
to the wreck (believed to be the British ship Lion of 1841),
thereby making this catalog an important collectible. Pedigreed
to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $50-$75.
2042. Glendining (London). Coins of the Netherlands
Recovered from the Dutch East Indiaman De Liefde(October 28, 1969). NM. The classic auction of the DeLiefde
(1711) finds (Dutch gold ducats and silver ducatoons) off the
Shetland Isles. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $75-$110.
2043. Glendining & Co. (London), Catalogue of Silver
Coins of the United Provinces and the SpanishNetherlands with some artifacts recovered from the“Meeresteijn”, sunk near the Cape of Good Hope, 3rdApril 1702 (October 1, 1975). VF. The classic auction of the
Merestein (1702) finds (Dutch silver ducatoons and some
artifacts) off South Africa. Estimate: $75-$110.
2044. Harmer Rooke (New York). The Andrew Faller
Hawaiian Collection and Treasure Coins (March 26-28,
1973). NM. This is the “forgotten” 1715 Fleet/Real Eight Co.
auction that featured the Kip Wagner’s (“recently passed away”)
collection of gold and silver cobs. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring
Treasure Library. Estimate: $30-$45.
2045. Henry Christensen (Madison, NJ). Treasures of the
Conception (May 14, 1982). VF. The one and only catalog of
silver cobs (including some very important Colombian rarities)
from the Concepción (1641), with excellent numismatic analysis
and commentary. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $50-$75.
2046. Hoare Auctions/TOREX (Toronto). Coins from the
Wreck of the Feversham (February 26-27, 1993). NM. The
slightly obscure “second auction” (after Christie’s) of silver
coins from the Feversham (1711), with historical introduction.
Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $30-$45.
2047. Lane & Son (Penzance). The Hollandia Treasure
(September 21, 1973), signed by Rex Cowan (salvager
featured in catalog). VF. Early and important catalog of coins
and artifacts from the Hollandia (1743), now a classic, this copy
signed by the man who spearheaded the salvage. Estimate:
$75-$110.
2048. Lane & Son (Penzance). The Hollandia Treasure
(September 21, 1973). VG. Early and important catalog of coins
and artifacts from the Hollandia (1743), now a classic. Pedigreed
to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $50-$75.
2049. Lane & Son (Penzance). The Association Coin
(September 24, 1974), with Prices Realized. VG. Classic
catalog (with historical background) of coins and artifacts from
the Association (1707), with interesting list of results, showing
not only prices but also who bought what! Pedigreed to the Tom
Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $75-$110.
2050. Lane & Son (Penzance). Sale of Sunken Treasure
(September 26, 1975). VG. An important offering of 9 different
wrecks off the British Isles, with historical background on each,
riding on the heels of the success of the Hollandia and Association
auctions by this firm in the two years prior. Pedigreed to the Tom
Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $60-$90.
2051. Lane & Son (Penzance). Treasure from the Sea (June
1, 1983), signed by Rex Cowan (salvager featured in
catalog), rare. NM. Throughout the 1970s this auction house
became famous for shipwreck offerings, but they all but ceased
in the early 1980s, and this is the last one known to us (the
company now sells paintings), with coins and artifacts from 15
wrecks around the world. Estimate: $100-$150.
2052. Noble Numismatics Pty. Ltd. (Melbourne,
Australia). Sale No. 45 Part B (July 14-15, 1994), with Prices
Realized. NM. Important but unheralded catalog that contains
coins from wrecks off Western Australia and elsewhere (Vergulde
Draeck, Zuytdorp, Batavia, Emden and DeLiefde). Pedigreed to the
Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $25-$40.
2053. Parke-Bernet Galleries (New
York). Treasure of the Spanish Main(February 4, 1967), with promotional
booklet of the same name. VF. The most
important and scarcest of the early auctions
of gold and silver cobs and artifacts from
the 1715 Fleet, consigned by the Real Eight
Co. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $100-$150.
2054. Parke-Bernet Galleries (New York). Recovered
Treasure from Le Chameau (December 10-11, 1972). VF.
Scarce classic catalog of artifacts and gold and silver coins from
Le Chameau (1725), with very useful historical and numismatic
information. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $75-$110.
2055. Ponterio & Associates, Inc. (Pasadena, CA). Swedish
Plate Money—The Nicobar Find (Sale #39) (January 27,
1990), with Prices Realized. VF. Thin but important, this is
the one and only catalog of Swedish copper “plate money”
coins from the Danish East Indiaman Nicobar (1783), with
excellent introduction in the front of the catalog, also with 2
loose sheets about the wreck and coins taken from the
MoneyTalks newsletter. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $30-$45.
329
2056. Ponterio & Associates, Inc. (Rosemont, IL). La
Capitana (Sale #99) (April 10, 1999), with Prices Realized.
NM. An extremely important and useful catalog for researchers
of Potosí countermarked and transitional coins of 1649-1652,
being the official offering of finds from the Capitana (1654),
with essays in the front showing all the different known Types.
Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $30-$45.
2057. Ponterio & Associates, Inc. C.I.C.F’06, featuring
specie recovered from the “Rooswijk” (March 31 and April
1, 2006). NM. Important first offering of coins and silver bars
from the Rooswijk (1739), with background information and
history, leading off a general auction of world coins. Estimate:
$40-$60.
2058. Robertson, J.A. (salvager).
Treasure from the Sea (undated, 1975),
signed twice by Robertson, very rare.
Stapled sheets, Fine. Very spartan and
somewhat amateurish auction catalog of the
finds of one diver on one wreck (Merestein,
1702), first example we have ever seen or
heard of. Estimate: $100-$150.
2059. San Diego Coin Show. Treasures of the Nuestra
Señora de Atocha (September 19, 1987), with Prices
Realized. NM. Thin but important catalog, the first “fair”
auction of Atocha (1622) coins and ingots and artifacts (sold
for numismatic prices), with brief introduction and history.
Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $75-$110.
2060. Schulman (New York). Treasure of Two Oceans
(February 6-8, 1969). NM. The title of this classic catalog refers
to the “Lucayan Beach wreck” (ca. 1628) and the Vergulde Draeck
(“Gilt Dragon,” 1656), coins from which are offered here amidst
general world coins. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $40-$60.
2061. Schulman Coin & Mint (New
York). Spanish Galleon Treasure(November 27-29, 1972). NM. Important
early auction of gold and silver coins (plus
a few ingots and artifacts) from the 1715
Fleet, with excellent introductory essay in
the front by Calicó. Pedigreed to the Tom
Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $50-
$75.
2062. Schulman Coin & Mint (New York). Gold and Silver
Coins of the Spanish World from the Maravilla (December
2-4, 1974). NM. Classic catalog of coins and ingots from the
Maravillas (1656) and 1715 Fleet, with important introductory
photo-essay by Calbetó on Potosí countermarks. Pedigreed to the
Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $50-$75.
2063. Sedwick, Daniel Frank. Set of Treasure Auction
catalogs #1-5 (May, 2007, through April, 2009). NM. Quickly
becoming classic references, our previous auction catalogs are
rarely (if ever) seen for sale
and were printed in limited
quantities to begin with.
Each catalog offers
hundreds of shipwreck
coins (and other treasures)
from dozens of wrecks, all fully illustrated in color, the only
such auction catalogs of their kind. Estimate: $100-$150.
2064. Serge Laramee (Quebec). 1989 Canadian
Numismatic Assn. Auction (July 28-30, 1989). Fine. Obscure
but important catalog that featured coins from the Tilbury
(1757), the first such offering. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure
Library. Estimate: $50-$75.
2065. Serge Laramee (Quebec). Nuphilex 1989 Auction
(November 24-26, 1989). NM. A follow-up to the July 1989
auction of coins from the Tilbury (1757), this catalog even
scarcer than the first but quite a bit more limited in the amount
of material from the wreck. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure
Library. Estimate: $50-$75.
2066. Sotheby & Co. (London). Treasure Recovered from
the Site of H.M.S. Association (July 14, 1969). NM.
Important classic catalog of coins and artifacts from the
Association (1707). Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $40-$60.
2067. Sotheby & Co. (London). Catalogue of Coins and
Other Artifacts Recovered from the Wreck of the DutchEast-Indiaman “Hollandia” (Sunk 1743) (April 18, 1972),
signed by Rex Cowan (salvager featured in catalog). Mint.
Highly important classic catalog of coins and artifacts from
the Hollandia (1743), with essays and many photos of the salvage
team, including their leader Rex Cowan, who signed this pristine
copy for posterity. Estimate: $100-$150.
2068. Sotheby & Co. (London). Catalogue of Coins and
Other Artifacts Recovered from the Wreck of the DutchEast-Indiaman “Hollandia” (Sunk 1743) (April 18, 1972).
NM. Highly important classic catalog of coins and artifacts from
the Hollandia (1743), with essays and many photos of the salvage
team. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $75-
$110.
2069. Sotheby & Co. (London). Catalogue of Coins and
Other Artifacts Recovered from the Wreck of the DutchEast-Indiaman “Hollandia” (Sunk 1743) (April 18, 1972).
NM. Highly important classic catalog of coins and artifacts from
the Hollandia (1743), with essays and many photos of the salvage
team. Estimate: $75-$110.
330
2070. Sotheby & Co. (London). Treasure Recovered off
the Shetland Isles (November 8, 1973), with Prices
Realized. NM. Important classic catalog of coins and artifacts
recovered by Robert Sténuit off several different (and relatively
obscure) wrecks off the Shetland Isles, with excellent
introduction. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $75-$110.
2071. Sotheby Parke Bernet (New York). Coins and Other
Artifacts from the Wreck of the Dutch East IndiamanHollandia (June 20, 1972). NM. A smaller, sort of “sister
auction” to the Sotheby & Co. (London) offering of similar
material from the same wreck in the same year, this catalog
much scarcer. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library.
Estimate: $75-$110.
2072. Sotheby Parke Bernet (Los Angeles). Treasure of
the Spanish Main (June 17-19, 1973).
VF. As stated in the introduction, this was
the third Real Eight Co. sale of 1715-Fleet
treasures (following Parke-Bernet and
Schulman) and the first to be held on the
west coast, offering many gold and silver
cobs and artifacts, an important and rather
scarce catalog that very typically comes
with loose binding (this copy being no
exception). Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring
Treasure Library. Estimate: $100-$150.
2073. Sotheby’s (Geneva). The Saudi Arabian Silver Royals
Recovered from the S.S. John Barry (November 16, 1995),
with brochure about the wreck. NM. Crazy auction catalog
for ONE LOT of “approximately 1.3 million” coins from this
World War II-era wreck (the entire find), with historical
background, the coins later sold promotionally with the
accompanying booklet. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure
Library. Estimate: $30-$45.
2074. Sotheby’s (New York). The Uruguayan Treasure
of the River Plate (March 24-25, 1993), with Prices
Realized. VF. A fabulous offering of gold coins and ingots
from what was later determined to be the Luz (1752), with
excellent numismatic analysis and photos throughout. Pedigreed
to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $25-$40.
2075. Sotheby’s (New York). Treasures from the S.S.
Central America (December 8-9, 1999), with Prices
Realized and other material. VG. This famous “first auction”
of gold bars and coins from the S.S. Central America (1857)
was halted by injunction and rescheduled for June 2000, making
the original catalog (this copy with explanation letter, revised
estimates and results) very important and rare, this copy
unfortunately with loose binding. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring
Treasure Library. Estimate: $30-$45.
2076. Spink (London). The Douro Cargo (November 21,
1996). VF. Thousands of British gold sovereigns from one wreck
(Douro, 1882), plus a smattering of other gold coins, presented
with historical background. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure
Library. Estimate: $30-$45.
2077. Spink (London). The Clive of India Treasure
(September 28, 2000). NM. A scarce catalog of Portuguese
and Brazilian gold coins from a mysterious find related to Clive’s
gold consignment aboard the Dodington (1755) off South Africa,
diminished in size but heightened in controversy due to
injunction by the South African government leading up to the
sale. Estimate: $40-$60.
2078. Spink New York. Ancient, Foreign and United States
Coins and Medals (December 10-11, 2001). NM. A general
world coins catalog that featured the “Isla de Muerto treasure”
(now known to be Consolación of 1681) in improperly conserved
condition and poorly attributed, held just before the auction
company went out of business. Estimate: $40-$60.
2079. Stack’s (New York). Ancient & Foreign Coins
(March 15-16, 1979). Fine. A general world coins catalog that is
important for the fact that it contained 9 lots of silver talers
from the Batavia (1629), a very rare wreck, presented only as “A
Consignment of Undersea Talers”. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring
Treasure Library. Estimate: $25-$40.
2080. Stack’s (New York). Americana Sale (January 12-
13, 1999), with Prices Realized. NM. General world catalog
that contains significant offerings of coins from the Feversham
(1711) and Le Chameau (1725), including the first gold cobs
ever offered from the former wreck. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring
Treasure Library. Estimate: $25-$40.
2081. Superior Galleries (Beverly Hills, CA). The June 2nd,
1992 Sale—Ancient Coins, Antiquities and Coins of theWorld including Coins of the Reijgersdaal Shipwreck(June 2, 1992). VF. Large offering of pillar dollars from the
Reijgersdaal (1747), with 2-page historical background. Pedigreed
to the Tom Sebring Treasure Library. Estimate: $25-$40.
2082. Trabucco/Trump Regency Hotel (Atlantic City,
NJ). Treasure Auction ‘93 (January 28, 1993). NM. Thin but
profusely illustrated promotional auction catalog with
sumptuous offerings (coins and artifacts) from many different
wrecks at sky-high estimates and reserves, the kicker being a
$1,000 entrance fee to bid. Pedigreed to the Tom Sebring Treasure
Library. Estimate: $50-$75.
END OF SALE
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IN OUR TREASURE AUCTION #6
331
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