COSTA RICA. Central American Republic. 1/2 Real, 1846-CR JB. San Jose Mint. PCGS MS-63 Gold Shield. KM20a. CRESCA spelling variety. A RARE date, this compelling minor issue displays designs that remain as close to the full as are seen on the type, yet its its other attributes that really stand out. Despite its deep tone, an unquestionably vibrant coin, with a magnificent blend of vivid red, gold, green and blue tone that swirls atop highly reflective, virtually prooflike surfaces. Close inspection shows evidence of some recutting of the legends and subtle die clashing, but little handling is observed. Certainly among the finest known, this coin is currently unsurpassed in grade at either PCGS or NGC, and with the aforementioned attributes, it would be easy to consider this coin unrivaled. From the Matthew Orsini Collection.
