Lot 1099
Mexico. 8 Reales, 1779-Mo-FF. Eliz-89; WR-11; KM-106.2. Charles III. Natural edge flaw and flat areas due to strike. Original luster with lovely golden toning. NGC graded MS-63.
The highest, most venerable and ancient families of Europe, through their long continued interbreeding (and inbreeding), began to take on some unusual physiognomic traits. Holy Roman Emperor, Leopold (1657-1705), called "hog-mouth," immediately comes to mind. The same was true for the Spanish and Portuguese rulers. This series has come down to us with nickname of the "rat-nose" issue. Coin lore has it that Charles, upon seeing this portrait for the first time, complained that his nose looked like that of a rat! Being extremely displeased, it is said that he had the engraver quietly assassinated.
Estimated Value $1,500 - 2,000.
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| Realized $3,680 |
