Watch List notes:

Die matrix for Spanish-American bust 2 reales reverse-die punches (crown, letters and numbers), engraved in Madrid by Tomas Prieto, dated 1770, very rare. 1441 grams, 2-1/4" tall and 2" in diameter. With the heft and feel of an actual die, this octagonal block of steel has one end polished smooth and impressed with tests of all the number- and letter-punches and other details for the reverse of a bust 2 reales, all in retrograde as expected except for the engraver's name at bottom and date and Madrid mintmark at top, a bit rusty but still smooth and clear, unique and important mint artifact.

Estimate: $3500