ARGENTINA. 8 Reales, 1813-PTS J. Potosi Mint. PCGS MS-61 Gold Shield. KM-5; CJ-4.1.54 (R-2). From the first year of republican coinage for Argentina, this Mint State example is the beneficiary of an even strike over both sides and surfaces that hold very few marks for the assigned grade. Powerful iridescent rainbow tone around the classic sunface design further amplifies the appeal, imparting character unlike any others seen for this date. The reverse, richly toned as well, is more olive-brown colored, with faint glimpses of other iridescence hues. A touch of cabinet friction on the highpoints, although benign in terms of the appearance, limits the grade. A coin that absolutely rivals, and in many cases exceeds, other higher graded examples in terms eye-appeal and overall desirability. From the Matthew Orsini Collection.
