Watch List notes:

URUGUAY. Uruguayan Civil War. Siege of Montevideo. Peso, 1844. Montevideo Mint. PCGS AU-50.
KM-5; Antunez-7.1.1; Korchnak-430. Coin alignment. Siege: 18 February 1843 - 8 October 1851. The popular "Montevideo Siege" peso, this wholesome example presents only a light degree of handling and a pleasing toning that offers hues of gunmetal gray and amber.

After the seemingly decisive battle of Arroyo Grande it was believed that the capital Montevideo would be next. This was a huge miscalculation on the advancing forces of former President Manuel Oribe and Buenos Aires governor Juan Manuel de Rosas. The city was under siege for a grueling nine years and was defended by a force of over 5,000 newly freed slaves and the foreign exiles. Fortunately relief for the city came in waves from the British, French, Spanish and Italians in the form of supplies and reinforcements. In 1850, after the French and British withdrew, de Rosas and Oribe appeared to have the upper hand. However, an uprising led by the governor of Entre Rios province, Justo Jose de Urquiza, changed the outcome ultimately leading to Oribe's defeat in 1851.

Estimate: $900 - $1300