João V gold 12800 Reis (Dobra) 1729/8-R XF45 NGC, Rio de Janeiro mint, KM140, cf. LMB-195 (unlisted overdate), cf. Guimaraes-1729/8-1a (different dies). First type, oval shield. Original "diagonal reeded" edge. Guimaraes only lists variety 1a as the one with an overdate, noted as unique in his book. This charming specimen was struck both the obverse and reverse diverging from those listed by the author, making this offering a possibly unique study piece. Displaying hints of luster amidst well-struck devices tempered by highpoint wear, which remains a fascinating circulated relic from a time when severe punishment was enforced to those carrying examples with these old edges. 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. Ex. Petropolis Collection (Heritage Auction #3101, August 2022, Lot 33110); Ponterio Auction 148 (January 2009, Lot 502) HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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