Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
August 2021 ANA Auction 16-21 Aug 2021
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CHILE. Silver Volcano "Peso" Fantasy Pattern, 1819-SANTIAGO. ALMOST UNCIRCULATED.
cf. KM-Pn1. Weight: 30.1 gms. Plain Edge. A fascinating item, this concoction, which was clearly made outside of the Santiago Mint, borrows from the very rare official Peso pattern of 1819, however several key elements such as the fancy designs at the borders have been omitted. That said, the overall execution is one of reasonable refinement, with quality engraving on display and a strike that is even and nearly full to the highest points of the designs; strong reflective gleam in the fields confirms that the dies used were quite fresh as well. Truly a mystery item, we have found no other instance of this type selling. If given the latitude to speculate, our guess would be that this piece was manufactured well over 100 years ago, and that it was intended to supplement a collection that could not acquire a genuine example. That said, the obvious variations in the designs leave even this theory in serious doubt, perhaps suggesting a more nefarious reason for its creation. Whatever the reality, it exists today as an interesting item with connections to the fledgling years of the Chilean republic. As such, we expect collectors of this beloved 'Volcano' coinage series will take note, and jump at the opportunity to add additional depth to their holdings.
Estimate: $500 - $1000
cf. KM-Pn1. Weight: 30.1 gms. Plain Edge. A fascinating item, this concoction, which was clearly made outside of the Santiago Mint, borrows from the very rare official Peso pattern of 1819, however several key elements such as the fancy designs at the borders have been omitted. That said, the overall execution is one of reasonable refinement, with quality engraving on display and a strike that is even and nearly full to the highest points of the designs; strong reflective gleam in the fields confirms that the dies used were quite fresh as well. Truly a mystery item, we have found no other instance of this type selling. If given the latitude to speculate, our guess would be that this piece was manufactured well over 100 years ago, and that it was intended to supplement a collection that could not acquire a genuine example. That said, the obvious variations in the designs leave even this theory in serious doubt, perhaps suggesting a more nefarious reason for its creation. Whatever the reality, it exists today as an interesting item with connections to the fledgling years of the Chilean republic. As such, we expect collectors of this beloved 'Volcano' coinage series will take note, and jump at the opportunity to add additional depth to their holdings.
Estimate: $500 - $1000