Heritage World Coin Auctions
NYINC Signature Sale 3037 Sess. 2-4 5 January 2015
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Uruguay
Republic gold Proof Essai 1869-A Trio, Paris mint, KM-Pn7, KM-Pn11 and KM-Pn15. A complete 1869 Paris Mint set of Uruguay patterns struck in gold, as follows: 1 Centesimo 1869-A PR 64 Cameo (weight: 9.5 grams), 2 Centesimos 1869-A PR 64 Cameo (weight: 19.22 grams) and 4 Centesimos 1869-A PR 63 Cameo (weight: 39.21 grams). All Choice Proof with obvious die-polish characteristics, sharply struck as expected for the designation and showing lustrous surfaces with attractive cameo effect. Few noticeable handling marks are noted, all within the confines of the assigned grades, and a tad more numerous on the large 4 Centesimos coin. All in all, a most attractive set in remarkable preservation. In particular, the essentially intact rims constitute a rare occurrence for such heavy pieces. Two series of copper coins dated 1869 for the Uruguayan series exist (both in denominations of 1, 2 and 4 Centesimos and from dies engraved by French artist Ernest Tasset) with the mintmarks "A" (for Paris) and "H". Collectors interested in this series are perhaps unaware that the current mainstream attribution of the 1869-H issue to Heaton, Birmingham is erroneous. Said "H" mintmark stands instead for the Mint of La Rochelle in France, an easy verification of this attribution lying with the added marks of a stag's head and a star surrounding the date. The correct attribution was made as early as 1966 in American numismatic circles (see Adams, Clifford: "Radiate Sunface Copper Coinage issued in Uruguay 1840 to 1869" in World Coins magazine issue of January 1966) but has apparently been lost in oblivion. All Uruguayan copper coinage of 1869 was thus commissioned to and struck by two French mints, those of Paris (through concessionary Vicente Zorilla) and La Rochelle (through the firm Carve, Fariní y Gotuzzo). Essais in gold exist for both series, obviously struck for presentation purposes, either as gifts for the Uruguayan dignitaries (who still had to inspect the struck coins as deem them acceptable) or the concessionaires themselves after the contracts had been agreed. Unsurprisingly, these are extremely rare, with only two sets of each series confirmed by the cataloger, one of each impounded in public collections. This most impressive set is thus the only one in private hands, its desirability only increased by its superb unimpaired condition. It is bound to become one of the highlights in the next owner's holdings, and surely ranks among the most impressive and desirable Uruguayan items ever handled by our firm.
Estimate: 25000-35000 USD
Republic gold Proof Essai 1869-A Trio, Paris mint, KM-Pn7, KM-Pn11 and KM-Pn15. A complete 1869 Paris Mint set of Uruguay patterns struck in gold, as follows: 1 Centesimo 1869-A PR 64 Cameo (weight: 9.5 grams), 2 Centesimos 1869-A PR 64 Cameo (weight: 19.22 grams) and 4 Centesimos 1869-A PR 63 Cameo (weight: 39.21 grams). All Choice Proof with obvious die-polish characteristics, sharply struck as expected for the designation and showing lustrous surfaces with attractive cameo effect. Few noticeable handling marks are noted, all within the confines of the assigned grades, and a tad more numerous on the large 4 Centesimos coin. All in all, a most attractive set in remarkable preservation. In particular, the essentially intact rims constitute a rare occurrence for such heavy pieces. Two series of copper coins dated 1869 for the Uruguayan series exist (both in denominations of 1, 2 and 4 Centesimos and from dies engraved by French artist Ernest Tasset) with the mintmarks "A" (for Paris) and "H". Collectors interested in this series are perhaps unaware that the current mainstream attribution of the 1869-H issue to Heaton, Birmingham is erroneous. Said "H" mintmark stands instead for the Mint of La Rochelle in France, an easy verification of this attribution lying with the added marks of a stag's head and a star surrounding the date. The correct attribution was made as early as 1966 in American numismatic circles (see Adams, Clifford: "Radiate Sunface Copper Coinage issued in Uruguay 1840 to 1869" in World Coins magazine issue of January 1966) but has apparently been lost in oblivion. All Uruguayan copper coinage of 1869 was thus commissioned to and struck by two French mints, those of Paris (through concessionary Vicente Zorilla) and La Rochelle (through the firm Carve, Fariní y Gotuzzo). Essais in gold exist for both series, obviously struck for presentation purposes, either as gifts for the Uruguayan dignitaries (who still had to inspect the struck coins as deem them acceptable) or the concessionaires themselves after the contracts had been agreed. Unsurprisingly, these are extremely rare, with only two sets of each series confirmed by the cataloger, one of each impounded in public collections. This most impressive set is thus the only one in private hands, its desirability only increased by its superb unimpaired condition. It is bound to become one of the highlights in the next owner's holdings, and surely ranks among the most impressive and desirable Uruguayan items ever handled by our firm.
Estimate: 25000-35000 USD