GUATEMALA. 16 Pesos, 1867-R. Nueva Guatemala Mint. NGC MS-61. KM-188; Fr-39 ("rare"). Mintage: 467. Two-year type. While there are only a handful of examples known of this date (we count 9 that have appeared at auction dating back to 2005), this example is easily the finest seen, as all others have displayed evidence of circulation that ranges from slight to extensive. This example however has escaped such a fate, as the highpoints of the designs remain without circulation friction, solidifying it as the only example to surmount the Mint State grading tiers at NGC and PCGS. Stunning in appearance, this piece showcases vibrant canary-yellow colored surfaces, while the fields border on fully prooflike. Like virtually all larger Guatemalan gold, a few scattered marks appear here and there to account for the grade, but no instance commands the eyes attention. While admittedly only a minor nuance in the scheme of things, the fancy 7 in the date really stands out, as its style, to our knowledge, is without replication, not only within Latin American numismatics, but also on the coins of any other country. From the Oro del Nuevo Mundo Collection.Ex: Richard Stuart Collection.
