ARGENTINA. La Rioja. 4 Reales, 1849-R B. La Rioja Mint. NGC MS-66. KM-20; CJ-60. Three-year type. Spectacular quality, this pure white premium Gem exhibits dazzling radiance over surfaces that have been carefully preserved throughout. The strike, which almost always lacks portions of detail on this type, displays sharp features within the primary design -- the Famatina mountain range -- while in other areas, a touch of the typical softness appears. Undoubtedly a special coin, it currently holds the distinction of being the single finest graded of any denomination from the La Rioja province at NGC or PCGS.Struck during an interesting period in Argentine history when Juan Manuel de Rosas ruled the Argentine Confederation, earning himself the nickname "Restorer of the Laws" as a result of his totalitarian style. Numismatically, several coins from this period were struck baring his bust, although none were struck in the 4 Reales denomination. This type does make multiple mentions of him however, as the obverse legend reads ETERNO LOOR AL RESTAURAD - ROSAS (English: Eternal Praise to the Restoration - Rosas). Also, the scroll above Famatina mountain, which reads C - del G - R -, can be interpreted as "Caudillo del General Rosas".</em> From the Matthew Orsini Collection.Ex: D. Moore Collection.
