Mexico. 4 Reales, No Date-M-M (Mexico City); Assayer R (Francisco del Rincon). KM-0016; Cayon-3122; Nesmith-6a. 13.54 grams. Carlos & Joanna, 1516-1556. Early Coinage (1538-1541); small central design. Crowned arms of Castille and Leon; gothic-style mintmarks. Reverse: Crowned pillars, value between, rounded panel; assayer mark below. Well centered and struck, on choice metal. Perfectly centered, on fairly round flan. Artistic old toning. Very Rare. Among the finest known.
Probable date struck, 1538.
NGC graded EF-45. Of interest here is the meaning of the two pillars pictured on the reverse. These symbolized the "Pillars of Hercules", or modern day Gibraltar. Gibraltar is an island that was owned by Spain at the time, and is located just a few feet off the Spanish coast. In 1704, during the War of the Spanish Succession, British troops conquered Gibraltar. British ownership was confirmed by the Treaty of Utrecht, which ended the war. Britain has owned the island ever since, and Spain has always wanted it back.
Estimated Value $3,000 - 4,000.
Ex Munoz Collection, Superior, 6/74 lot 2109; Arte de la Plata Mexicana, no. 6 (plate coin). Ex F.C.C. Boyd Collection. Ex Millennia, Lot 1076.
Conder Token Collection
