João V gold 12800 Reis (Dobra) 1729-M AU (Altered Surface), Minas Gerais mint, KM139, LMB-285, cf. Guimaraes-1729-1a. Original "diagonal reeded" edge. 28.62gm. A captivating survivor from a fascinating period of experimentation in monetary policy in the 1700's. Displaying highly-detailed surfaces, with the obverse unfortunately polished long ago (and already nicely re-toned), it shows the original diagonal edge, to be prized by its the new owner as the true rarity it is. Ex. Ponterio Auction 148 (January 2009, Lot 512) The law of November 29th, 1732 prescribed that the minting of milled edge issues should cease, establishing the new fleur-de-Lis edge. These measures came about not only as a result of the widespread circulation of clipped/tampered coins, but also due to the great number counterfeits then seen in exchange. The coins were to be re-melted (with larger denominations such as the Dobras getting the new edge applied over the old diagonal one), removing the milled edge issues from circulation and uniformizing the new fleur-de-Lis types around the colony. According to the the 1732 Law, whoever was found carrying these old-edge issues would be considered a counterfeiter, suffering the severe sanctions of 4 years of exile in Africa, as well a fine on top of having the unlawful coins confiscated. The very few that survived this period are likely pieces that found themselves away from circulation, perhaps hidden in hoards, taken out of Brazil or lost at sea. From the Petropolis Collection, Part I

HID09801242017

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