Watch List notes:

BOLIVIA. Cob 4 Reales, ND (1589-98)-P. Potosi Mint; Assayer Hernando Ballesteros (B). Philip II. PCGS EF-40.
KM-4.3; Cal-525. 13.51 gms. Variety with three fleurs de lis. A curious and quite particular cob. Rather crude in style and strike, this piece features an interesting doubling effect on some of the obverse details, including the assayer initial "B". The reverse lions have a strange, almost simian look to them. Most interestingly, the dotted borders are replaced by ones made of rectangles on the obverse and tiny crosses on the reverse.

In 1590, the Spanish Crown approved a number of measures aimed at expediating the production of coinage in the American mints in order to provide the European homeland with much-needed silver. The resulting emissions are far more crude than Potosi's previous output. Hastily engraved dies, poorly struck planchets, and carelessly cut irregular flans are the evidence of Spain's hasty thirst for silver. The assayer Ballestros happened to be in office during this time of transition, and a marked contrast is evident between the coins produced with his mark before and after the relaxation of production standards. To view all items from the Pat Johnson Collection, click here.

From the Pat Johnson Collection.

Ex: Paul Karon Collection (Ponterio 3/90) Lot # 317.

Estimate: $250 - $400