COLOMBIA. 1770/60-VJ 4 Escudos. Santa Fe de Nuevo Reino (Bogotá) mint. Carlos III (1759-1788). Restrepo M65.4. AU-50 (PCGS).
A rarity in this series and apparently the first 4 Escudos of Colombia to depict Carlos III. Attractive light yellow gold with some contrasting encrustation outlining devices and traces of luster remaining in protected areas. A very handsome piece, free of significant problems. The strike is good and the distinctive portrait is well defined. The 6 underdigit beneath the 7 is easy to see under low magnification, and a die crack is noted atop the X of FELIX on the reverse.
The Rat Nose or "Cara de Rata" type of Colombian 4 Escudos was produced in 1770 and 1771 exclusively (rumors of a 1769 remain unconfirmed). Both dates are extremely rare. Norweb owned only a 1771/0. Caballero de las Yndias included only an example of this date, 1770/60. Eliasberg owned only the 1771/0 issue. This collection is the first offered in recent memory to include both of these very rare dates.
From the Eldorado Collection of Colombian and Ecuadorian Coins.
From Don Canaparo, January 1981.
Estimate: $5000.00- $10000.00