Philip IV Cob 2 Reales 1649 P-Z VF Details (Environmental Damage) PCGS, Potosi mint, KM14b (Rare), Cal-909, Asbun-Karmy-C203 (RR; listed as assayer QZ). 8.80gm. An elusive type, dating back to the Great Scandal of the Potosi mint, where a massive corruption scheme was discovered, culminating in the change of the Bolivian Cobs style. To correct the untrustworthy silver, the new assayers tried to compensate the low fineness by minting heavy-weight flans, but certainly with a lower silver quality than what was intended. This piece sits at 8.80gm, a full 30% heavier than usual. When the change of style of the Potosi Cobs was settled, it was ordered that the "scandal" 8 Reales Cobs be devalued with countermarks and the destruction of these scarce minors. Displaying slate surfaces with a subdued coppery tone (that shows the alloy quality), the present offering is surely a survivor worthy of discerning Cob collections. Sold with old dealer's tag. Privately Purchased from Dan Sedwick

HID09801242017

© 2022 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

To the auctioneer's website