Mexico: Philip IV Posthumous "Royal" 8 Reales 1667/6 Mo-G XF45 NGC,...

Description

Unique Posthumous Issue of Philip IV

Philip IV Posthumous "Royal" 8 Reales 1667/6 Mo-G XF45 NGC, Mexico City mint, KM-Unl., Cal-Unl. (now plated in the 2019 edition as Cal-1295), cf. Cay-6581 (not illustrated; overdate unlisted), Calbeto-Unl., Lazaro-Unl., cf. Sedwick-M19a. By Gerónimo Bercerra. Absolutely stunning by all measures, and a veritable "wonder coin" not only for its previously unknown date, but also owing to its production on a large, oversized flan free of punctures and toned over to an old-world argent hue that highlights the struck detail. As such an uncommonly large coin would have most likely been beyond the technical minting capabilities of the Mexico City mint at the time, it is simply incredible that this specimen has so much detail to show for its over 350-year age. Fairly regardable as "choice" for this extremely rare series of "Royal" 8 Reales of Philip IV, Lazaro knew of only 8 dates from his reign--7 of which he considered unique or of 3 or fewer examples known--with six of those coins he plated being holed! Almost certainly unique as a date according to our research, its posthumous titles, struck in Philip's name though he had passed on September 17, 1665, is also considered unique for "Royal" coinage of Mexico; this feature, while certainly of immense interest in itself, may also prove historically significant in further explaining the true reason for these mysterious types. As such, this coin, wonderfully preserved, unequaled in nature and historic in type, will certainly appeal to the scholar, researcher and expert collector of Spanish Colonial Mexico, who will no doubt recognize this offering for what it is - a singular opportunity!
Ex. Isaac Rudman Collection; Heritage Auction #3030 (January 2014, Lot 24651); Archer M. Huntington Collection

Metal: Silver
Diameter: 43.5mm
Weight: 27.0674g
ASW: 0.8102oz

More information about Mexican Coins. See also: Mexico World Coin Nationality.

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