COLOMBIA. 1888-B 50 Centavos. Bogotá mint. Restrepo 405.2. AU Detail — Cleaned (PCGS).A classic rarity with a fascinating history, withdrawn from circulation after stories spread of President Rafael Nunezs wife having modeled for the portrait. The nickname Cocobola was inspired by a contemporary criminal who burned Panama City in Colombias northernmost province, which was enough to force this designs quick eviction from pocket change. Restrepo reports that just five examples of the 1888 issue are known. This piece is natural gray with some handling and trivial scuffs, but no heavy cleaning, just minor hairlines. Quite attractive for the type with only minor problems, and a great rarity in the series.
