BOLIVIA. Belzu Proclamation Gold Medallic 4 Escudos, 1852. NGC AU-58.28 mm; 13.52 gms. Fonrobert-9563; Burnett-38. Plain edge. Obverse: LOS EMPLEADOS DE POTOSI / AL PRESIDENTE M Y BELZU, Bolivia, wearing Phrygian cap, seated right, cradling infants and gazing upon rising sun to upper right; Bolivian shield to lower left; Reverse: LA PROVIDENCIA PERSIGUE EL CRIMEN, shame-filled figure, holding torch and covering head with cloak, advancing right toward cliffs edge, being pursued by the Hand of Providence, wielding sword. An exceptionally brilliant and lustrous example of this strongVERY RARE/strong type, offering a pleasing strike and little evidence of any handling. Seen as a type of "propaganda coinage," with the obverse displaying the nations support for Belzu, and the reverse alluding to divine intervention in the pursuit of wrongdoing, this specimen will undoubtedly generate a great deal of enthusiasm.Ex: Eliasberg Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, 4/2005) Lot # 1089.Ex: John H. Clapp Collection.Ex: Waldo C. Newcomer Collection (J.C. Morgenthau and Co. [Wayte Raymond], 2/1935) Lot # 46.
