Roma Numismatics Ltd
Auction XIV 21 Sep 2017
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Chile, Colonial, Ferdinand VII (King of Spain, 1808-1833) AR 8 Reales. Santiago de Chile, 1811 So-FJ. Francisco Rodriguez Brochero and Jose Maria de Bobadilla, assayers. •FERDIN•VII•DEI•GRATIA•, laureate bust right, wearing Admiral's Frock Coat, 1811 below / •HISPAN•ET•IND•REX•SO•8R•F•J•, crowned coat-of-arms flanked by composite columns with encircling banner. ME 15846; KM 75. 27.03g, 41mm, 12h.
Good Very Fine. Sharply struck, has seen light circulation. Pleasing light cabinet tone with golden iridescence over lustrous metal.
Following the abdication of his father Charles IV of Spain after an uprising against him, Ferdinand VII ascended the throne on the 19 March 1808 and promptly turned to the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte for support, a mistake that resulted in his own abdication less than two months later. Napoleon installed his brother Joseph as king of Spain, a choice which proved unpopular with the Spanish people who organised juntas across the kingdom and colonies in opposition to the new French king.
Although Ferdinand did not officially become king again until 11 December 1813, throughout the period of his abdication Spain fought for her independence in the Peninsular War, the juntas minting coinage in his name. The bust on the present piece is one of the 'Imaginary Busts' created by the assayers of the colonial mints in the absence of dies showing his true image, and presents Ferdinand laureate and wearing an Admiral's Frock Coat. Used only on 8 Reales of 1808-1811, 2 Reales of 1810 and 1811, and gold 8 Escudos of 1808-1811 the 'Admiral's Bust' is an interesting and unusual rarity rooted in colonial history.
Good Very Fine. Sharply struck, has seen light circulation. Pleasing light cabinet tone with golden iridescence over lustrous metal.
Following the abdication of his father Charles IV of Spain after an uprising against him, Ferdinand VII ascended the throne on the 19 March 1808 and promptly turned to the French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte for support, a mistake that resulted in his own abdication less than two months later. Napoleon installed his brother Joseph as king of Spain, a choice which proved unpopular with the Spanish people who organised juntas across the kingdom and colonies in opposition to the new French king.
Although Ferdinand did not officially become king again until 11 December 1813, throughout the period of his abdication Spain fought for her independence in the Peninsular War, the juntas minting coinage in his name. The bust on the present piece is one of the 'Imaginary Busts' created by the assayers of the colonial mints in the absence of dies showing his true image, and presents Ferdinand laureate and wearing an Admiral's Frock Coat. Used only on 8 Reales of 1808-1811, 2 Reales of 1810 and 1811, and gold 8 Escudos of 1808-1811 the 'Admiral's Bust' is an interesting and unusual rarity rooted in colonial history.