João Prince Regent copper Proof Pattern 960 Reis 1809-R PR62 Brown NGC, Rio de Janeiro mint, KM-Pn12, LMB-E012D, Gomes-E2.04. A scarce Pattern issue of this first-year type adorned with deep, midnight-blue tone in the expanses, with hints of magenta hues identifiable during in-hand inspection. Decidedly crisp throughout, a compelling candidate for an advanced cabinet of Brazilian or South American coinage. Past publications by late Richard Doty ("The Soho Mint & the Industrialization of Money", London, 1998) and Frank Gilboy ("Misadventures of a Mint - Boulton, Watt & Co. and the "Mint for the Brazils" in British Numismatic Journal, vol. 60, 1990) give detailed information related to the present fascinating issue. In July of 1808, the Boulton & Watt company received a letter from one Manuel Antonio de Paiva requesting an estimated cost to "deliver a coin mint to the 'Brazils' and to provide technical support from British operators", including the means to "overstrike coins similarly to what had been done in Great Britain for the Spanish Colonial 8 Reales." As a result, and undoubtedly to provide a sample of the coins to be produced, a series of sample patterns dated 1809 were minted in various metals. All are rare and highly sought after, with only a handful of silver pieces known in any grade, and the copper pieces conditionally very rare in higher preservations. HID09801242017 © 2023 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved

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