João V gold 12800 Reis 1731-R AU58 NGC, Rio de Janeiro mint, KM148 (Rare), LMB-226, cf. Guimaraes-1731-1a (different obverse). Second type, italic shield, first bust. Fleur-de-Lis over diagonal edge. A breathtaking survivor of this great key of the Brazilian gold series. The minting of Dobras was largely done at the Minas mint, where the majority of Brazilian gold was extracted, making Rio-minted gold issues far more scarce. The 1731 issues are usually encountered with the first type shield, the second type likely struck towards the end of that year, making them one of the most difficult Dobras to acquire. It is rare to find a near-Mint State 1731-R Italic Dobra; but to find a new die variety within the series is remarkably special. Presenting the coveted shield-style, only used at the Rio mint, this offering impresses with not a single spot of weakness to the fully-engraved devices. Free from characteristic adjustment marks and grade qualifiers, this high-grade specimen is a type wholly missing from the Eliasberg, Norweb, RLM and other major collections; rising above the BES collection (Banco Espirito Santo) piece and standing as the sole finest certified by either NGC or PCGS. Only the forth example auctioned in the last 20 years, it's sure to engage advanced Brazilian type collectors and also trophy coin collectors. From the Petropolis Collection, Part I

HID09801242017

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