CHILE. 8 Reales, 1781-So DA. Santiago Mint. Charles III. NGC VF-35.KM-31; FC-19; EL-28; Cal-Type-110 # 1019. Mintage: 105,000. A strongVERY RARE/strong date with pleasing moderate-to-dark gray toning that deepens along portions of the obverse edges, but is fairly consistent on the reverse. Sharply struck, this wholesome circulated example shows honest wear over the highpoints of the design, with several ancient marks that blend well into the coins "fabric". While acknowledged as a rare issue by scholars in the fields, perhaps underrated compared to some dates that have acquired legendary-rarity status. Evidence pointing to this fact is the appearance of only this coin in the combined NGC and PCGS population reports. Furthering this assertion, no examples of the date appear in digitally archived auction records that, in many cases, span the last two decades. As such, an immense opportunity for the specialist, as the next chance to the acquire the date might not come for ages.From the Santa Fe Collection.Ex: Johnson Collection (Freeman Craig 5/1983) Lot # 109.
