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Sale 137
Pre-Long Beach Auction
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Photo |
Description |
Realized |
Lot 1204 |
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Peru. Cob 4 Escudos Struck with Reverse 8 Escudo Die, 1750-R (Lima). Fr-13; KM-A47. Ferdinand VI, 1746-1759. Pillars and date. Reverse; Cross of Jerusalem, lions and castles in quarters. Very Rare. Pop 5; 1 in 64. NGC graded MS-63. Estimated Value $4,000 - UP
Ex Goldberg Sale 44, Feb 10, 2008, lot 4112.
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Realized
$13,200 |
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Lot 1205 |
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Peru - South Peru. 8 Escudos, 1838-MS (Cuzco). Fr-92; KM-171. Cuzco Confederation. Starburst or "radiant" sun-face surrounded by draped flags, five 5-pointed stars above, a legend in bold capital letters all around the rim identifying the republic, the year of issue and the mint at Cuzco. An equally complex reverse central motif displays a castle on the left, an erupting volcano on the right, a galleon ship above them at sea, and underneath a cornucopia-all within a many-leaved wreath with multiple berries. The upper legend in bold, large capital letters reads FIRME POR LA UNION, various interpretations of which can mean "Unswervingly For the Union" or "Firmly For the Union" or similar sentiments of allegiance to the union of North and South Peru. In smaller capital letters along the rim at bottom are "8R" for the denomination, "MoS" for the assayer and CONFEDERACION. (A variant reverse on an 1837 issue reads FEDERACION.) This design appeared only during 1837 and 1838. This is the largest denomination issued during the brief unification of Peru and Bolivia. It is an unusually choice, lustrous example of this glorious coinage. Pop 1; 7 graded higher at NGC. NGC graded MS-62+. Estimated Value $5,000 - UP
Colonial Peru was one of the richest and most aristocratic Spanish possessions in the New World, and the principal mint of South America was established in its capital, Lima, surrounded by silver-bearing mines in the mountains. Peru experienced one of the most complicated of all Spanish colonial histories, largely because of this wealth. Before the conquest by Francisco Pizarro in 1531-32, the land was part of the vast Inca Empire. Afterwards it was fought over by various Spaniards vying for control until the arrival in 1569 of the warlord Francisco de Toledo, who settled the colony into some 250 years of peaceful (and very profitable) colonial rule, at the same time embracing native customs and institutions in order to maintain peace. Mines were opened all during the 1540s through the 1560s near Potosí and elsewhere in the Andes Mountains but the richest were around Lima. During the same period, Lima became the principal port (Callao), located centrally along its coast, from which almost endless shipments of gold and silver left for return to Spain-over many decades. These were so famous that Spain's enemies, Great Britain in particular, and pirates, attacked treasure-laden galleons to seize the precious metals. José de San Martín of Argentina began fighting for Peru's independence (and control of the silver mines) in the summer of 1821; it was a time when Spain's old colonies began insisting on freedom. It did not come easily, and it was not until Simón Bolivar arrived from Venezuela to fight the Spanish army that independence was finally gained in December 1824. Bolivar assumed supreme power over Peru at that time. After his death in 1830, local strongmen (caudillos) vied for power. Colonial Peru and Bolivia, just to its south, had long desired union in their quest to keep Spain at bay even after independence. It was achieved under Andrés de Santa Cruz; when he was Bolivia's president, he proposed the confederation based on a tentative constitution drawn up in 1828. The confederation was called North and South Peru, a political union. It lasted just three years, 1836-39, broken apart after the Battle of Yungay-by Chileans envious of the power attained by two united countries. Perhaps the finest representation of this brief union may be enjoyed by studying the 8-Escudos coin seen here. Owning it would be a collecting triumph.
Ex Goldberg Sale 41, May 27, 2007, lot 4843.
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Realized
$30,000 |
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Lot 1206 |
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Peru. 8 Escudos, 1840-A (Cuzco). Fr-63; KM-148.3. Republic. Flag-draped national arms with wreath above. Reverse; Standing Liberty with shield and Liberty cap on pole. Extraordinary example that is rarely seen this nice. Pop 6; None Finer at NGC. NGC graded MS-62. Estimated Value $3,000 - UP
Ex Goldberg Sale, 34, Feb 5, 2006, lot 2387.
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Realized
$5,040 |
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