Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3051 8-9 January 2017
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Bolivia
Compania Del Real Socavon de Potosi silver Mining Medal MDCCCLVIII (1858) Choice XF, Asbun-Karmy M53 (XR), Fon-Unl. 80mm/269.36g. Obv. Circular wreath with mining shield at center; COMPANIA DEL REAL SOCAVON DE POTOSI / INAUGURADA EL 1° DE MAYO DE MDCCCLVI around. Rev. Radiant mountain with two people, an alpaca and tools and product of industry at base, cornucopia below and condor with ribbon above; POR LA INDUSTRIA FLORECEN LOS PUEBLOS / JUNTA DEL XX DEL MAYO DE MDCCCLVIII around. Struck in promotion of the local Potosi mining industry and in commemoration of the "Compania Del Real Socavon de Potosi" that was likely founded by Fructuoso Aramayo in 1856 and to whom the medal is dedicated. Struck to coincide with the meeting that was held in 1858.
The largest medal we have encountered from South America during this period, and as a piece that clearly tested the boundaries of current minting technology, remaining a bit crude in its execution. Given the medals diameter, thickness and weight, the press obviously struggled to bring up the full dimension of the dies, with a portion of the mining shield showing numerous remnant grooves from the unstruck planchet; although much less prominent, the mountain on the opposite side displays a touch of incompleteness as well. Still, an amazing accomplishment for the period, and even more impressive without major post-strike flaws. Of extreme rarity, and not surprisingly, the only example we have seen. A centerpiece item for a cabinet of Latin American medals.
Estimate: 2500-3500 USD
Compania Del Real Socavon de Potosi silver Mining Medal MDCCCLVIII (1858) Choice XF, Asbun-Karmy M53 (XR), Fon-Unl. 80mm/269.36g. Obv. Circular wreath with mining shield at center; COMPANIA DEL REAL SOCAVON DE POTOSI / INAUGURADA EL 1° DE MAYO DE MDCCCLVI around. Rev. Radiant mountain with two people, an alpaca and tools and product of industry at base, cornucopia below and condor with ribbon above; POR LA INDUSTRIA FLORECEN LOS PUEBLOS / JUNTA DEL XX DEL MAYO DE MDCCCLVIII around. Struck in promotion of the local Potosi mining industry and in commemoration of the "Compania Del Real Socavon de Potosi" that was likely founded by Fructuoso Aramayo in 1856 and to whom the medal is dedicated. Struck to coincide with the meeting that was held in 1858.
The largest medal we have encountered from South America during this period, and as a piece that clearly tested the boundaries of current minting technology, remaining a bit crude in its execution. Given the medals diameter, thickness and weight, the press obviously struggled to bring up the full dimension of the dies, with a portion of the mining shield showing numerous remnant grooves from the unstruck planchet; although much less prominent, the mountain on the opposite side displays a touch of incompleteness as well. Still, an amazing accomplishment for the period, and even more impressive without major post-strike flaws. Of extreme rarity, and not surprisingly, the only example we have seen. A centerpiece item for a cabinet of Latin American medals.
Estimate: 2500-3500 USD