Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction 22-26 Aug 2022
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BOLIVIA. Mint Error -- Flipover Double Struck -- Simon Bolivar Gold Medal of 8 Escudos Weight, 1825. Potosi Mint. PCGS MS-61.
cf. Fonrobert-9464 (silver). Diameter: 41mm; Weight: 28.89 gms. Obverse: SIMON BOLIVAR PADRE DE LA PATRIA, military bust of Bolivar right; Reverse: POTOSI MANIFIESTA SU GRATITUD AL GENIO DE LA LIBERTAD, radiant sun rising over Potosi. A marvelous piece that commemorates the independence of Bolivia from the Spanish Empire in 1825 and celebrates the prominent role which Simon Bolivar played in this liberation. Produced in Potosi, this incredible medal is the only example seen at public auction in ages, with the only other recent transaction involving the type being of the still uncommon silver variant.
cf. Fonrobert-9464 (silver). Diameter: 41mm; Weight: 28.89 gms. Obverse: SIMON BOLIVAR PADRE DE LA PATRIA, military bust of Bolivar right; Reverse: POTOSI MANIFIESTA SU GRATITUD AL GENIO DE LA LIBERTAD, radiant sun rising over Potosi. A marvelous piece that commemorates the independence of Bolivia from the Spanish Empire in 1825 and celebrates the prominent role which Simon Bolivar played in this liberation. Produced in Potosi, this incredible medal is the only example seen at public auction in ages, with the only other recent transaction involving the type being of the still uncommon silver variant.
Providing a soft and attractive luster, this example has increased character added by the double struck flipover error. Some traces of the opposing side's design can be discerned when inspected closely, and a large bit of irregular metal flow is also seen near 9 o'clock on the reverse of the medal. The error has not left this medal unsightly, and it retains nearly all the beauty of the original intention. Very little evidence of handling is seen, with no obvious friction or marking that one might expect for the grade. The details are bold and resolute, despite the nature of error, and overall, the immense eye appeal is unquestionable. Having been off the market since 1935, it is impossible to gauge if this, or any other possibly unknown examples in gold, will ever come to market again in the lifetime of the potential bidder. Therefore, this medal provides a chance for the prodigious collector of Latin American medals to acquire a piece that is virtually uncollectible. We have high expectations for this example, and spirited bidding should arise when this lot crosses the auction podium. To view all items from the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection, click here.
From the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection.
Ex: Waldo Newcomer Collection (J.C. Morgenthau and Co. [Wayte Raymond], 2/1935) Lot #45.
Estimate: $30000 - $50000