Stack Bowers's are proud to offer several important collections of Mexican Coins anchored by two specialized collections: the David Gray Collection and the Demar Collection. The auction is part of the Stack’s Bowers Winter Baltimore Ancient Coins, World Coins and World Banknotes Catalog on 30th October 2014.
These offerings represent two very different areas in the diverse arena of Mexican numismatics. David Gray focused primarily on the transitional years of 1732-34, where the coins transitioned from the crude cob types to klippe types, to the famous and popular milled Pillar type. The Demar Collection focused on the Mexican Revolutionary coins of 1915, and is highlighted by a set of Oaxaca type coins, including a gold 20 Peso, NGC MS-65 (lot 713) that is tied with one other for the finest certified.
Highlights from the Winter 2014 Baltimore Auction-Mexican coins:
.jpg "Mexico 4 Reales 1732-Mo Philip V (1700-46)")
Lot 457: The Mexico 4 Reales 1732-Mo Philip V (1700-46). NGC VF Details--Salt Water Damage, Cleaned. KM-94; Cal-type-177#1039; Gil-M-4-1 var. VERY RARE. Gilboy states that this type which lacks the assayer's initials and denomination may be considered "trial pieces struck directly from the matrix sent from Madrid". NGC VF Details--Salt Water Damage, Cleaned.
From the David Gray Collection. Ex: Ponterio & Associates Sale #89 Lot 789 August 12, 1997 (Front cover coin). Ex: Reijgersdaal.
Starting Price: 4200 USD.jpg "8 Reales, 1733/2-MXF. Philip V (1700-46)")
Lot 481: 8 Reales, 1733/2-MXF. Philip V (1700-46). NGC VF-35.
KM-103; Cal-type-145#771; Gil-M-8-3b; FC-unlisted. An EXTREMELY RARE overdate produced from re-cutting unused 1732-MX dies. The 1732-MX dies are not known to have been used during that production year. It is likely that dies for this were produced late in 1732 and never used for regular coinage production. The date was most likely re-cut in 1733 creating this RARE and unusual ovedate. A nicely toned and wholesome example showing light to moderate wear from circulation. NGC VF-35.
From the David Gray Collection. Purchased from Richard Long May 1997.Starting Price: 6000 USD
.jpg "8 Reales, 1733-MoMF. Philip V (1700-46)")
Lot 487: 8 Reales, 1733-MoMF. Philip V (1700-46). NGC MS-63.
KM-103; Cal-type-146#776; Gil-M-8-5; FC-3a. Small crown, two mouldings on pillars. It is important to note that this shield side die is also used for the 1733-MXMF with dot, as well as number of 1733-MoMF large crown or MX crown. It shows a direct link confirming the lineage between the coinage with the MX and Mo mintmarks. Well struck with exceptional surfaces accented with beautiful old cabinet toning. An exceptional coin that even the most advanced collector would be proud to own. NGC MS-63.
From the David Gray Collection. Ex: Ponterio & Associates Sale #131 Lot #452 September 11, 2004.
Starting Price: 6000 USD.jpg "8 Escudos, 1733-MoF. Philip V (1700-46)")
Lot 575: 8 Escudos, 1733-MoF. Philip V (1700-46). NGC AU-50.
Fr-8; KM-148; Cal-type-27#123. VERY RARE. Nice strike, attractive luster with just a few hints of toning. Good eye appeal and an excellent example of this highly sought after date. NGC AU-50.
From the David Gray Collection. Ex: Ponterio & Associates Sale #141 Lot #2291 January 13, 2007.
Starting Price: 6000 USD
Lot 620: Empire of Iturbide. 8 Escudos, 1822-MoJM. NGC MS-62.
Fr-59; KM-313.1. Type with proper spelling of "AUGUSTINUS". Augustin I Iturbide was proclaimed Emperor of Mexico shortly after the War of Independence. This was confirmed by the congress of May 19, 1822. On June 21st 1822 he was crowned as Augustin I in the cathedral of the capital. He ruled for a short period of less than a year at which point he was forced to abdicate the throne on March 19th of 1823. The 8 Escudos was the only gold denomination minted in 1822. It was not until 1823 that the subsidiary 4 Escudos was introduced. Historically significant, as this coin represents the first gold coin of Mexico post Spanish rule. A very attractive high grade example with good luster and eye appeal. VERY RARE in high grade, especially so in mint state. Tied for finest certified by NGC. NGC MS-62.
Starting Price: 18000 USD
Lot 628: Mexico City. 2 Reales "Hookneck", 1824-JM. NGC MS-62.
KM-373.4; HO-unlisted obverse and reverse dies. A choice example of one of the first 2 Reales of post imperial Mexico. "Hookneck" 2 Reales are exceedingly RARE in mint state. This is only the third example that we have handled. The first two were a matched pair as part of the Pradeua Bothamley sales held in the early 1970's that had the appearance of being together for a long time, one of which recently sold as part of the Richard Lissner collection. Both Praduea Bothamley examples exhibited subtle satiny luster similar to what is found most of the 8 Reales of this issue. This newly discovered example had been part of an old European collection for the better half of a century and has only recently come to light. It deviates from the norm in finish as it has hard semi-mirror like luster and is struck from dies that are unpublished in the Hubbard O'Harrow die study. Choice quality with old cabinet toning. NGC MS-62.
Starting Price: 2400 USD
Lot 633: Mexico City. 8 Escudos "Hookneck", 1823-MoJM. PCGS Genuine--Streak Removed, AU Details Secure Holder.
Fr-63; KM-282.1; HO-type-1. Struck shortly after the abdication and exile of the Emperor Iturbide. It is also noted as the first use on a coin of the Mexican eagle perched on a cactus devouring a snake or "profile eagle" (the current arms of Mexico). The roots of this symbolism date to before the founding of the Republic, in this case it was adapted to represent Mexico's triumph over evil and the expulsion of European powers. A scarce and popular one year type, with it's rarity largely attributed to production starting rather late in the year. A large portion of the 1823 mintage would have consisted of coinage under Augustine Iturbide. In fact, the authorization to strike the new republican coinage was not issued until August of 1823, and the new dies did not arrive until November 18 of that year. A lovely example with light golden toning, exhibiting strong luster. Some minor planchet streaks on the reverse from impurities or carbon in the planchet. All told a really nice and pleasing looking example of this RARE and desirable type coin. PCGS Genuine--Streak Removed, AU Details Secure Holder.
Starting Price: 9000 USD
Lot 664: Pattern Peso, 1909. PCGS SP-63 Secure Holder.
KM-Pn179. Incuse lettered edge struck in silver. Obverse die signed “CH. PILLET†by French engraver Charles Pillet. Struck at the Paris mint with dies marked “ESSAI†on both obverse and reverse. In anticipation for the centennial of the beginning of the Mexican war of Independence (1810), the Mexican government began making plans for a new commemorative coinage. In 1907 the government of Porfirio Diaz commissioned the Paris mint with the task of designing these new coins. The job of designing this coinage was given to engraver Charles Pillet. Initially Pillet designed a pattern for the 50 Centavos 1907, with subsequent patterns for the Pesos in 1908 and 1909. Master dies, punches and an edge milling device were received in April of 1909 and actual production began on January 21, 1910. This new coinage was radically different than anything Mexico had produced in the past. Not only did it not bear the Mexico City mintmark, there was also no mark of fineness or assayers letters. Never the less, the piece was met with great approval and is considered today to be one of Mexico’s most beautiful and highly collected coins. Some minor doubling on the reverse, not totally unexpected for a proof striking. Bright white surfaces with good proof or specimen luster. RARE and highly sought after. PCGS SP-63 Secure Holder.
Starting Price: 6000 USD
For information regarding these upcoming sales and inquiries on how to have your rarities featured in future auctions, please visit StacksBowers.com, or contact a consignment director at 800.458.4646 (West Coast) or 800.566.2580 (East Coast).
