CHILE. 8 Reales, 1779-So DA. Santiago Mint. Charles III. NGC AU-58.KM-31; FC-17a; EL-26; Cal-Type-110 # 1017. Mintage: 99,000. Though this coin has been holdered and cataloged as a clean date, it gives the appearance of a 9/6 overdate (or perhaps a "1779 over 1778 over 1776" as the variety was cataloged in Freeman Craigs sale of the Ray Johnson collection). Points of evidence are a strong knob at the upper right and a faint curve within the lower loop of the "9". In any case, this is a strongVERY/strong strongRARE/strong and desirable issue, especially so in the condition seen; in fact, it may be the most desirable example of the date extant! While NGC has graded one example finer (a MS-62; sold by CNG 8/2014 at $15,000 hammer), that coin shows significant central softness from the strike and several planchet fissures run through the back of Charles IIIs bust. By contrast, this piece was struck on a solid planchet, featuring designs that are entirely crisp, with surfaces that retain bright luster and limited noteworthy handling. A whisper of gray and gold tone helps to confirm absolute originality and contributes to the overall appearance. We suspect these differences will be noted by astute collectors who vie to own this museum-worthy item.From the Santa Fe Collection.Ex: Tarapaca Collection (Heritage 9/2011) Lot # 23793.Ex: "One Hundred Classic Latin American Rarities" (UBS 1998).Ex: Garcia Collection (Chile).
