Opening Bid :
Current Bid:
Reserve Amount:

You are the current high bidder on this lot with a secret maximum bid of %bidPretty%.
(%bidBP% w/Buyer's Premium (BP) Buyer's Premium).


Notice: You are the current high bidder on this lot, but the next highest bid is within one increment. That means that any additional bids on this lot will outbid you. To increase your chances of winning, enter your highest maximum bid.

You are the current high bidder on this lot with a secret maximum bid of %bidPretty%.
(%bidBP% w/Buyer's Premium (BP) Buyer's Premium).

You are the current high bidder on this lot.
(Sign-In to see your maximum bid)

Your secret maximum bid of %bidPretty% has been outbid.

Your secret maximum bid of %bidPretty% does not meet the reserve.

(Sign-In to see your maximum bid)

Your secret maximum bid does not meet the reserve.
(Sign-In to see your maximum bid)

Lot
21119

Ecuador: Republic gold 50 Francos 1862-GJ,...

2010 January Signature World Coin Auction #3008

 
Sold for: Not Sold Not Sold
Auction Ended On: Jan 3, 2010
Item Activity: 0 Internet/mail/phone bidders Number of Bidders
6,771 page views
Location:

Waldorf Astoria
301 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10022

Description:
The Unique 50 Francos from Ecuador
Republic gold 50 Francos 1862-GJ, KM-Pn10, AU55 NGC, a choice original example with attractive toning and abundant underlying mint luster. Perhaps the most interesting and desired South American coin, this unique 50 Francos piece was unknown for almost a century until it was discovered by Robert Friedberg in the 1950's. It is likely that Friedberg discovered this piece amongst the Virgil Brand collection he acquired around this time. It first appeared in Gimbels (where Friedberg worked) fixed price list in 1956 for US$3500. In 1962, it was offered in Hans Schulman's "The Golden Sale of the Century" where it was illustrated and sold for US$7500. Finally, it was offered and sold by Christie's in the "Escudo Sale" of March 1970 and on April 1st of the same year it was authenticated and evaluated by Schulman for $10,000. The certificate as presented to the owner of the coin, Enrique Maulme, accompanies this lot.

An apparent contradiction to the Reales/Escudos denomination of the time, the 50 Francos was actually struck not for internal circulation but for international trade. Some researchers argue that this piece was struck at the Paris Mint, since it features the "A" mint mark, but it is our opinion that it was actually struck in Ecuador mainly due to the crudeness of the design and overall engraving quality. Important South American numismatist Carlos Jara also argues that this piece was probably part of a small circulation issue coin while Friedberg and Krause both list it as a pattern piece.

It is unquestionable though that this piece is one of the most charismatic and intriguing coins of South America if not the world. We find great honor in offering it to the numismatic world and are certain that it will find a new home in a most advanced numismatic cabinet.
Weight: 15.88 grams.
Diameter: 28.06 mm to 28.56 mm
Thickness: 1.86 mm

View large image(s) of this item

Service and Handling Description: Coins & Currency (view shipping information)

Sales Tax information  | NGC Coin Grading Guarantee  |  Terms and Conditions

Bidding Guidelines and Bid Increments

Find Auction Prices for Comparable Items:

Photographs:
Sign-in or Join (free & quick) to see the full image




Floor Auctions: Live & Coming Soon

Entertainment

05/30/2013

Nature & Science

06/02/2013

US Coins

06/05/2013

Arms & Armor

06/09/2013

Silver

06/14/2013

Fine & Rare Wine

06/14/2013

Decorative Art

06/15/2013

Historical

06/22/2013

Old West

06/22/2013

US Coins

07/11/2013

Heritage Membership

764,719 bidder-members
$899,899,743 sold in the last year

 

Quality Consignments Wanted

Only 3 days left to consign to the 2013 July 11 - 14 Summer FUN US Coin Signature Auction - Orlando!

 

E-mail Lloyd Mincy or call
1-800-872-6467 x1893

We expect to have one of our Consignment Directors visiting your area soon. Please call to arrange an appointment.

Video Video: Why Consign?

Testimonials:
Thank you for the outstanding job that your firm and employees did in selling the seized coins for the Internal Revenue Service.
William Beckham, Internal Revenue Service,
Dallas, TX

HA.com receives more traffic than any other auction house website. To compare for yourself, visit: compete.com

 

In The News

Hall of Fame