Lot 3216
Chile. 8 Reales, 1758 So-J (Santiago). Eliz-8; WR-1; KM-5. 26.97 grams. Ferdinand VI, 1746-1759. Pillar coinage. Crowned Bourbon arms. Reverse: Crowned globes flanked by crowned and bannered pillars, over water. Bold, even strike, with lustrous devices on reflective to proof-like fields. Splendid original surfaces and mint luster under light golden to iridescent toning. Extremely Rare. Considered the finest known specimen.
The famous "Santiago Pillar Dollar." It remains one of the most sought after and prized of all Latin American coinage. It is also the only Latin American crown to actually spell out the whole name of Ferdinandus, the king. Examples coming to market remain excessively elusive; one being Superior's Auction, December 1-2, 1990 (NY), lot 551, an eye appealing Very Fine, realized $44,000. Minted from 1751-1758, less than 10 examples are known of all dates. NGC graded AU-58.
Pillar Dollars were minted at various mints throughout the Americas. For those collectors trying to find a Pillar Dollar from each mint, Santiago is a major stumbling block. The Spanish colony of Chile was somewhat a forgotten stepchild, due to its relative inaccessability. Travelling overland was through harsh deserts, and travelling by sea required the long and dangerous voyage around Cape Horn.
Estimated Value $40,000 - 50,000.
Illustrated in Money of the World, coin 153. Ex Millennia, Lot 984.
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| Realized $52,900 |
