Spain: Philip IV 50 Reales (Cinquentin) 1626 (Aqueduct)-A AU53 NGC,...

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An Exquisite Product from Segovia, One of the Most Advanced Mints of the 17th Century

Philip IV 50 Reales (Cinquentin) 1626 (Aqueduct)-A AU53 NGC, Segovia mint, KM81.2 (Rare), Dav-LS567, Cal-1696 (prev. Cal-239), Cay-6584. 170.15gm. Andres de Pedrera as assayer. Variety with cross-on-globe atop crown. Few coins can be said to possess the instantly imposing status of the famed cinquentin or cinquenta 50 Reales pieces minted during the reigns of Philip III and IV of Spain. Standing undisputed as the largest silver coins ever produced by the monarchy, these unmistakable "gems" of the Spanish numismatic series purportedly represent an attempt to satisfy the needs of wealthy Sevillian merchants seeking to present very large quantities of silver (presumably originating from such sources as the famous mine at Potosi) all at once. Perhaps as few as a few hundred or so examples are known across all dates produced during the 17th century, with those that were issued likely serving more as presentation pieces for distinguished individuals than as specie readily exchangeable in circulation. For the present date, we know that Philip IV authorized a mintage of 300 coins for Gaspar de Guzmán y Pimentel, Count-Duke of Olivares, Marquis of Eliche, and later a favorite of the King himself, while other emissions, such as the 1620, were known to have been struck for Luis Jeronimo Fernandez de Cabrera y Bobadilla, Count of Chinchon and Pedro Messia, forbearer of the Marquises Dynasty. Today, perhaps as few as 25 examples of the 1626 have been confirmed, including those specimens permanently housed in public institutional collections.

Although comparatively one of the more "common" dates in the series, the current offering should in no way be regarded as easy to locate, particularly in this condition. Over the past several decades of auction results, we have been able to locate only 2 other examples: a damaged piece sold by Sedwick in November 2008 (Auction 4, Lot 843), and the Archer M. Huntington specimen we sold in January 2017 (Auction #3051, Lot 34447), which was certified XF45 by NGC and showed significant annealing flaws. Presently existing as the second finest representative of the date certified by NGC out of only 3 graded, this coin displays a wonderful clarity of detail. Evidence of rub, on the whole, remains light and even, a few stray grazes entirely in-line with the grade and hardly unusual for a piece of this size. What stands out even more, however, is a general lack of serious annealing flaws or overt die strain, a considerable feat in itself, as such coins would have required a state-of-the-art hydraulic press to mint--technology that, at the time, only really existed west of the Rhine in Segovia. By all measures, then, a selection of the utmost desirability.

Ex. Ponterio & Associates Auction 124 (January 2003, Lot 2270)

From the Paramount Collection

Metal: Silver
Diameter: 76mm
Weight: 170g
ASW: 5.0861oz

View Certification Details from NGC