Owner Comments:
BRAZIL 960R 1810B BC-11 S&R: 3B REV 9 IA:P395 (MC)
S/O: BOLIVIA 8R PTS1806PJ C.IIII KM#73
The coin from 1810 Brazil appears to be in very good condition for its age. The details on both the obverse and reverse sides are well-preserved, showing clear and legible inscriptions and designs. The central shield and crown on the obverse are sharply defined, and the surrounding text, "JOANNES D.G. PORT. ET ALG. REX." and "REGENS BRAS. D.", is easily readable. The year "1810" and denomination are also clearly visible.
The edges of the coin show minimal wear and retain their detailed serration, suggesting the coin has not been heavily circulated. The overall patina and color of the coin suggest it has been well-preserved, with a typical appearance for silver coins of this period, showing some toning that is often seen in aged silver.
The reverse side of this 1810 Brazilian coin also demonstrates a very good condition, consistent with a MS62 grading. The design, featuring a complex emblem with a sphere and cross, is well-defined. The various segments within the sphere that represent the globe are distinct, and the central cross is crisp and clear. The inscription "SUBQ. SIGN. NATA STAB." is legible around the perimeter, which adds to its numismatic appeal.
The MS62 grade indicates that the coin has no wear from circulation but may exhibit some contact marks and slight blemishes. The edges and overall surface still show the original mint luster, though there might be slight disturbances in the luster due to handling or storage.
Such a coin would be considered desirable by collectors for its sharp details and historical significance, especially given its excellent preservation and the visible quality of the stamping and minting process.
OVERSTRICKE BASE COIN
The Bolivia 8 Reales coin marked "PTS 1806 PJ C.IIII KM#73" is particularly interesting because it is an overstrike, a common practice in the colonial mints of the Spanish Empire. Here's a detailed breakdown considering this aspect:
Overstrike Details: An overstrike occurs when a coin is struck over an existing coin, which could be due to a shortage of blank planchets or an effort to revalidate old or foreign coins with a new sovereign's image. For coins from the Potosí mint, this practice was not uncommon given the logistical challenges of securing sufficient coin blanks in remote colonial territories. The overstriking was also a method to assert the current monarch's authority over previously circulated coins.
Monarch - Charles IV: The "C.IIII" represents Carolus IV (Charles IV), the King of Spain during whose reign this coin was produced. His reign from 1788 to 1808 was marked by significant political and economic turmoil, including instability in the Spanish colonies.
Minting Information: Minted in 1806 at the Potosí mint, denoted by the "PTS" mint mark, this coin reflects the complexities of maintaining a colonial mint operation far from European infrastructure. The "PJ" are the initials of the assayers who were responsible for ensuring the silver's purity and the coin's conformity to official standards.
Design and Symbolism: Typical designs on these coins include the Spanish royal coat of arms, representing the ruling Bourbon family, and the Pillars of Hercules with the traditional "PLVS VLTRA" motto. The design elements might vary slightly due to the overstrike, with underlying features from the previous coin possibly visible.
Numismatic Significance: KM#73 from the "Standard Catalog of World Coins" categorizes this specific type. Overstruck coins like this one are of particular interest to numismatists due to their unique stories and the additional historical layers they represent. They can provide insights not only into the economic conditions of the time but also into the minting processes and the administrative responses to material shortages.
Collector Interest: For collectors, the appeal of an overstruck coin lies in its dual narrative—telling the story of both the original coin and the context of its reissue under a new ruler. This makes each piece unique, with potentially visible elements from the earlier coin adding to its historical and aesthetic value.
Historical Context: Such coins serve as a testament to the challenges faced by the Spanish colonial administration in sustaining a vast empire. They reflect the ongoing need to adapt and manage resources, including monetary supplies, across continents and under changing political regimes.
Overall, an overstruck 8 Reales coin from Bolivia during Charles IV's reign is a fascinating artifact, rich in historical significance and prized for its unique characteristics in the numismatic community.