Watch List notes:

Potosi, Bolivia, cob 4 reales Heart, 1701 Y, unique, NGC VF 30, finest and only example in NGC census, ex-Rudman, ex-Karon. S-P43; KM-unl; Cal-509. 12.45 grams. Specially struck for religious use (it is believed), the Hearts of Potosi as a group are the most highly prized cobs, and 4 reales Hearts are among the rarest (only the diminutive 1/2R being rarer), with a current confirmed census of just 17 pieces, all but one being different dates. The present example (the only one known for the date) found fame in the Paul Karon collection sold in 1990 and until now has resided in the esteemed Isaac Rudman collection. Like many Hearts, the flan "leans" from center, but with desirable medallic alignment, with small square hole in the stem at top for customary use as a pendant, slightly low in weight as a natural aspect of the type. Also, like most Hearts, this piece does not have complete legends, but it does show all the inner details with lovely contrasting toning, a true trophy of an extremely rare type. Pedigreed to the Isaac Rudman Coin Cabinet (stated on label) and to the Paul Karon Collection (Ponterio Auction of March 1990, lot 386).


Estimate: 15000 - 30000 USD