COLOMBIA. Silver 50 Centavos Pattern, 1891. Heaton Mint. PCGS SPECIMEN-67 Gold Shield. Restrepo-P50. Reeded Edge variety. Obverse: Christopher Columbus facing left with date below; Reverse: Shield (slightly different than adopted design) at center with denomination above and weight/fineness (punctuated with commas instead of dots) below. A museum-worthy coin in all respects, this EXTREMELY RARE pattern not only exists in infinitesimal quantities (perhaps 2 or 3 extant), but the state in which it is preserved reflects near-miraculous circumstances. Perfectly struck, the designs exhibit pinpoint preciseness, while the rims rise boldly from the fields and square sharply with the edges. Meanwhile, the surfaces show no evidence of past handling, with a glassy, mesmerizing gleam retained in the fields. Perhaps most satisfying is the tone displayed however, which is difficult to adequately describe, but crosses the elite threshold and enters the sublime. Considering the celebratory occasion for which this piece was made, a coin that absolutely possesses it all; topicality, rarity, beauty and quality. From the Matthew Orsini Collection.Ex: Eldorado Collection (8/2018) Lot #42242.Ex: Spink (6/1989).
