Stack's Bowers & Ponterio
Summer 2022 Global Showcase Auction 22-26 Aug 2022
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COSTA RICA. Costa Rica - Guatemala - Bolivia. 8 Reales, 1846-JB. NGC EF Details--Holed.
cf. KM-58; de la Cruz-pg. 33 (this coin illustrated); cf. ANA Collection-1972.0162.0938 (same countermark combination). Weight: 27.32 gms. Type V bi-facial countermark; Obverse: Sun over mountains, additional round 8R punch; Reverse: Ceiba tree flanked by 2R. Issued by decree of 15 October 1846. Bi-facial countermark applied to a 1727-P Y Bolivia "Royal" Presentation 8 Reales of Luis I with previous Guatemala type II countermark; sun over mountains within circular border. This VERY RARE Costa Rican countermark type seldom appears on the market and is heavily sought after and contested for by collectors. This countermark and host coin combination, to our knowledge is UNIQUE, elevates the wow factor of this elusive issue to elite status for several reasons. Though perhaps not as obvious to the untrained eye, but the host being a Luis I Royal is reason enough for excitement! Another aspect of this incredible rarity is the combination of the Costa Rican countermark over the Guatemalan countermark from at least six years prior with most of the earlier punches design features visible on the cross side. When examining this handsome and important piece, the magnitude of what is actually in front of you begins to set in. The host itself exhibits boldly struck devices with three complete dates, mint marks and Assayer's letters with a nearly complete name of the monarch "LVIS", though the very tops of the letters are off the flan. The Costa Rican countermark is somewhat weak, by coincidence is a blessing, in the center of the host leaving more than enough of the Guatemalan countermark easily noticed without the aid of magnification. The secondary "8R" punch is deeply impressed with a gnarled texture in the fields, though the highest aspects are a bit muddled from the original host designs. When inspecting this piece a hole at 6 o'clock accounts for the details designation, which is by no means a distraction from this immense offering. Despite its shortcomings this awesome presentation coin is bound to draw much attention from interested parties and is sure to be a centerpiece in the next collection it enters.
Estimate: $30000 - $50000
cf. KM-58; de la Cruz-pg. 33 (this coin illustrated); cf. ANA Collection-1972.0162.0938 (same countermark combination). Weight: 27.32 gms. Type V bi-facial countermark; Obverse: Sun over mountains, additional round 8R punch; Reverse: Ceiba tree flanked by 2R. Issued by decree of 15 October 1846. Bi-facial countermark applied to a 1727-P Y Bolivia "Royal" Presentation 8 Reales of Luis I with previous Guatemala type II countermark; sun over mountains within circular border. This VERY RARE Costa Rican countermark type seldom appears on the market and is heavily sought after and contested for by collectors. This countermark and host coin combination, to our knowledge is UNIQUE, elevates the wow factor of this elusive issue to elite status for several reasons. Though perhaps not as obvious to the untrained eye, but the host being a Luis I Royal is reason enough for excitement! Another aspect of this incredible rarity is the combination of the Costa Rican countermark over the Guatemalan countermark from at least six years prior with most of the earlier punches design features visible on the cross side. When examining this handsome and important piece, the magnitude of what is actually in front of you begins to set in. The host itself exhibits boldly struck devices with three complete dates, mint marks and Assayer's letters with a nearly complete name of the monarch "LVIS", though the very tops of the letters are off the flan. The Costa Rican countermark is somewhat weak, by coincidence is a blessing, in the center of the host leaving more than enough of the Guatemalan countermark easily noticed without the aid of magnification. The secondary "8R" punch is deeply impressed with a gnarled texture in the fields, though the highest aspects are a bit muddled from the original host designs. When inspecting this piece a hole at 6 o'clock accounts for the details designation, which is by no means a distraction from this immense offering. Despite its shortcomings this awesome presentation coin is bound to draw much attention from interested parties and is sure to be a centerpiece in the next collection it enters.
It is of special interest to note that we are aware of two other examples of just the countermark combination. Both hosts are Guatemala cobs, one dated 1734 contained in a highly advanced private collection and the other is permanently impounded in the American Numismatic Associations collection dated 174x, Accession number 1972.0162. The fact that so few examples are known from this popular series of numismatics is a testament to its great importance with much crossover appeal.
Ex: Richard Stuart Collection.
Plated in "Resellos de Costa Rica" by Oscar de La Cruz Segura, published 2001.
Estimate: $30000 - $50000