Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3051 8-9 January 2017
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Spain
Ferdinand VII Specimen 20 Reales de Vellon 1821 M-SR SP65 NGC, Madrid mint, KM561, Cal-515. The rare first date of this re-introduced denomination, reportedly produced with a mintage of just 400 coins. This coin however distances itself from even that minuscule output, with qualities that are undeniably different from essentially all others seen, and qualify it as an extremely rare presentation strike, no doubt produced in tiny numbers (perhaps unique today?) for either official mint archives or incredibly important persons. As one might expect from a coin produced using elevated production standards, the surfaces showcase watery reflectivity akin to that on a well-accomplished proof, while one has to admire the pinpoint details in the centers as well as the sharp edges that are brought up by the strike. Clearly stored inside a coin cabinet for ages, the surfaces have acquired delightful tone that varies dramatically with the side in which the coin rested. On the front, deep earthen shades cling to the edges with pockets of brilliance in the centers. The reverse on the other hand is fully complimented with patina, shades of blue, green, yellow orange-red and gold coming alive when viewed beneath a light. Altogether, easily retaining the appearance of a Gem, and if not for a few instances of nearly invisible handling in the obverse fields, a coin that would have received an even higher grade. A crown of the highest rarity and importance for the Spanish collector.
The first coins with the Reales de Vellon denominations were minted in Spain under Joseph Napoleon and were clearly the result of the French influence at the time: the large crown sized with the new denomination of 20 Reales de Vellon was divided in five coins of 4 Reales de Vellon similarly to the French 5 Francs crown being divided in five coins of 1 Franc (while the previous 8 Reales crown was divided in four coins of 2 Reales). Although the coins issued after Joseph Napoleon ousting between 1813 and 1820 went back to the old Reales-Escudos system, the coins issued under the Liberal triennium of 1821-1823 had their denominations expressed in Reales de Vellon once again.
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD
Ferdinand VII Specimen 20 Reales de Vellon 1821 M-SR SP65 NGC, Madrid mint, KM561, Cal-515. The rare first date of this re-introduced denomination, reportedly produced with a mintage of just 400 coins. This coin however distances itself from even that minuscule output, with qualities that are undeniably different from essentially all others seen, and qualify it as an extremely rare presentation strike, no doubt produced in tiny numbers (perhaps unique today?) for either official mint archives or incredibly important persons. As one might expect from a coin produced using elevated production standards, the surfaces showcase watery reflectivity akin to that on a well-accomplished proof, while one has to admire the pinpoint details in the centers as well as the sharp edges that are brought up by the strike. Clearly stored inside a coin cabinet for ages, the surfaces have acquired delightful tone that varies dramatically with the side in which the coin rested. On the front, deep earthen shades cling to the edges with pockets of brilliance in the centers. The reverse on the other hand is fully complimented with patina, shades of blue, green, yellow orange-red and gold coming alive when viewed beneath a light. Altogether, easily retaining the appearance of a Gem, and if not for a few instances of nearly invisible handling in the obverse fields, a coin that would have received an even higher grade. A crown of the highest rarity and importance for the Spanish collector.
The first coins with the Reales de Vellon denominations were minted in Spain under Joseph Napoleon and were clearly the result of the French influence at the time: the large crown sized with the new denomination of 20 Reales de Vellon was divided in five coins of 4 Reales de Vellon similarly to the French 5 Francs crown being divided in five coins of 1 Franc (while the previous 8 Reales crown was divided in four coins of 2 Reales). Although the coins issued after Joseph Napoleon ousting between 1813 and 1820 went back to the old Reales-Escudos system, the coins issued under the Liberal triennium of 1821-1823 had their denominations expressed in Reales de Vellon once again.
Estimate: 15000-20000 USD