Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3037 Sess. 1 4 January 2015
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Bolivia
Republic Proof Boliviano 1884 PR63 Cameo NGC, Potosi mint, KM160.3. Choice Proof with cameo toning and highly reflective surfaces, as expected for the designation. The problem of recalling the moneda feble (debased coinage, all in minor denominations) in Bolivia since originally struck in 1830 was finally dealt with by the decree of November 25, 1874. This decree allowed an 8% tolerance in the weight of the silver full-fineness minor denominations up to 20 Centavos (minted to recall the moneda feble), the minting of which was henceforth preferred to that of the Medio Boliviano (50 Centavos) and particularly the 1 Boliviano coins, which constituted moneda fuerte. The 1 Boliviano coins were not even issued between 1879 and 1884: contemporary accounts from that period describe coins of minor denominations piling up in counters while 1 Boliviano coins were either exported to Argentina or kept as curiosity pieces in Bolivia since hardly ever seen! The main problem was a technical one, since the 40 Hp steam press brought by Clemente Torretti (of 1868 Patterns fame) was ill-suited to mint large-diameter coins. As a result, the Boliviano issues of 1884, 1887 and 1893 are very rare since struck in very limited numbers for trial purposes when new improved machinery was being acquired. Regarding the present coin, a law passed on September 6, 1883 authorized 200,000 pesos towards the acquisition of new minting equipment which could be operated by electrical or hydraulic means. The few extant specimens of the 1884 Boliviano all show careful strikes and were undoubtedly struck from said new equipment. A classic rarity in the Bolivian and Latin American silver crown series.
Estimate: 4000-6000 USD
Republic Proof Boliviano 1884 PR63 Cameo NGC, Potosi mint, KM160.3. Choice Proof with cameo toning and highly reflective surfaces, as expected for the designation. The problem of recalling the moneda feble (debased coinage, all in minor denominations) in Bolivia since originally struck in 1830 was finally dealt with by the decree of November 25, 1874. This decree allowed an 8% tolerance in the weight of the silver full-fineness minor denominations up to 20 Centavos (minted to recall the moneda feble), the minting of which was henceforth preferred to that of the Medio Boliviano (50 Centavos) and particularly the 1 Boliviano coins, which constituted moneda fuerte. The 1 Boliviano coins were not even issued between 1879 and 1884: contemporary accounts from that period describe coins of minor denominations piling up in counters while 1 Boliviano coins were either exported to Argentina or kept as curiosity pieces in Bolivia since hardly ever seen! The main problem was a technical one, since the 40 Hp steam press brought by Clemente Torretti (of 1868 Patterns fame) was ill-suited to mint large-diameter coins. As a result, the Boliviano issues of 1884, 1887 and 1893 are very rare since struck in very limited numbers for trial purposes when new improved machinery was being acquired. Regarding the present coin, a law passed on September 6, 1883 authorized 200,000 pesos towards the acquisition of new minting equipment which could be operated by electrical or hydraulic means. The few extant specimens of the 1884 Boliviano all show careful strikes and were undoubtedly struck from said new equipment. A classic rarity in the Bolivian and Latin American silver crown series.
Estimate: 4000-6000 USD