Part two of the Rudman Collection Mexican Coins will be offered in official live auctions in conjunction with the New York International Numismatic Convention on January 10. This selection from the Rudman Collection illustrates an impressive passion for the Spanish Colonial coinage of Mexico, this time through its silver issues.
The Pillar issues of Philip V, Ferdinand VI and Charles III make up a particularly important part of the Rudman Collection offering. Not only is the type, featuring the Pillars of Hercules, widely collected by Mexican specialists, but as a coin that widely circulated throughout the United States, it is also fondly admired by many U.S. colonial specialists. A particularly fine example is the Ferdinand VI 8 Reales of 1756. Graded MS64 by NGC, this example boasts semi-reflective luster and a sharp strike. The eye-appeal is undeniably fresh for this issue, and for the sub-type that features a differently styled crown over the pillars, it is the only graded MS64, with a single MS65 of a different date residing in the NGC census.
While there are many other rarer pillar issues (in the absolute sense) in the collection, we also feel compelled to mention a 1761-dated 2 Reales from the reign of Charles III graded MS64 by NGC. While the date is reasonably available, the eye-appeal of this example, with its bright rainbow highlights, is truly mesmerizing.
Several other outstanding highlights come from the ephemeral reign of Augustin de Iturbide. Struck for a period of only two years, yet offering numerous bust types, these issues have long captivated collectors. Worthy of particular note is an 1822 8 Reales with a long, smooth next truncation. This coin, graded MS64 by NGC, is the epitome of an original coin, with richly blended earthen hues in the open fields and fiery multicolored accents that cling to the raised design. As the single finest graded, it's unlikely that a finer coin exists, and with the added provenance of the Virgil Brand and Emery May Norweb collections, it's a coin that rightfully merits legendary status.
This auction is open for bidding now at HA.com/Coins.
