MEXICO. Hookneck 8 Reales, 1824-Mo JM. Mexico City Mint. PCGS MS-64 Gold Shield.KM-A376.2; HO-MO18/MR18. "Hookneck" type. Among the finest strikes that we have ever encountered on a Hookneck 8 Reales from Mexico City, showcasing full crispness within the script Libertad and impressive delineation of the rays that beam from the cap. Similar can be said for the eagle side, as close inspection confirms sharp separation of the feathers up to the highest points of the design on the eagles left leg. The surface quality is also superb, with no marks of any consequence and delicate sunset-amber and gray tone over both sides. The underlying luster remains undiminished, as one might expect from a near-Gem, with a sublime glowing quality on both sides. From a technical standpoint, easily the finest Hookneck from the Mexico City Mint that we recall seeing; its finest graded status at PCGS and NGC seem to corroborate this observation. Truly, an immaculate beauty of this beloved type -- fully worthy of a connoisseurs cabinet of Mexican coins.<p>
