ARGENTINA. Tierra del Fuego. 5 Gramos, 1889. Buenos Aires Mint. NGC MS-65
KM-Tn8; Janson-7. A tremendous example of this RARE issue, this Gem displays a resolute strike and avoids any evidence of circulation or major chatter and marking. Softly lustrous and semi-reflective, the surfaces are incredibly clean, and the elite status of this piece is confirmed by NGC as this is the sole finest graded example. Struck with gold dust from the beach of El Paramo on the Patagonian Peninsula, this piece has intrigue to complement the beauty. A type endlessly sought by numismatists, and given the unique state of preservation, a specimen certain to capture much attention. The issue of Julius Popper, a powerful and controversial figure, who was granted the rights to prospect for gold on Tierra del Fuego by the Argentinian government. Popper amassed wealth and power, and these coins symbolized his near dictatorial control of the archipelago. His abuse of and conflict with the natives led to the reduction of the population of the Selk'nam from 4000 to 500 by the end of the 19th Century. Popper died in 1893 under mysterious circumstances that some have speculated to be poisoning by his enemies.
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From the Augustana Collection.
Estimate: $5000.00- $10000.00