ARGENTINA. La Rioja. 8 Escudos, 1838-R. La Rioja Mint. NGC AU-58. KM-9; Onza-1572 ("rara"); CJ-48.1. Two-year type; variety without bayonet. Wonderfully designed, this charming provincial issues central motif depicts a stylized rendering of the local Famatina Mountains with implements of war below, which together comprise the local coat-of-arms. On the reverse, the familiar arms of Argentina appear, with a radiant sunface at its top. Far better than most seen, this example presents surfaces that are wholly radiant with only faint traces of handling and almost no contact marks. The strike is also fuller than most seen as well. A truly RARE occasion when offered in this near-Mint grade, with a mere five examples certified at the AU-58 level for the type with only two examples (both MS-61s) graded finer. From the Oro del Nuevo Mundo Collection.
