Philip II (1556-1598) Mint Error - Incomplete Strike on Irregular Planchet "Rincón" 8 Reales ND (1568-1570)-R AU, Lima mint, KM13 (Rare), Calbeto-244 (RRR) = Cay-3912 = VQR-7485, Cal-651 var. (RRR; different dies), Guttag-3993 var. (same) = Burzio-1 var. (same) = Grunthal/Sellschopp-1 var. (same) = Sellschopp-1 var. (same). 41mm. 26.84gm. Alonso del Rincón as assayer. Highly unevenly struck, though likely Type IIA, with the obverse motto abbreviated PL-VSVL-TR, and PHILIPVS spelling. Undoubtedly one of the most iconic coins produced in the New World, and one of only three 8 Reales types minted under Alonso del Rincón. Struck c. 1569 just shortly before Rincón's death without official authorization from the Spanish Crown, this first silver "Dollar" of South America is reportedly known from approximately 10 examples, with Cayón's census in the 2001 Schuckman catalog standing at 9 pieces in total across the two main subtypes. Although the present specimen features a highly uneven strike--far from unknown within this brief series--that part of the reverse which does contain good detail admits next to no wear, with die polish surrounding far sharper features than are seen on even the Millennia example. Additionally, despite its irregular flan, it contains a remarkably full weight. What is more, the detail that remains shows clearly that the I in HISPA points to the left foot of the assayer's initial R, a die diagnostic not seen on the Guttag/Sellschopp/Ortiz, Boyd/Millennia, or the Schuckman specimens, and known to us only on the piece in the Vidal Quadras y Ramón Collection and a specimen in Stack's August 2016 ANA Sale (lot 21295). As such, certainly a coin that is set to stir excitement among Peruvian specialists, and an opportunity to obtain this usually prohibitively rare type.

HID09801242017

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