ECUADOR. 8 Escudos, 1848-QUITO GJ. Quito Mint. NGC MS-61. Fr-8; KM-34.1; Onza-1768 ("muy rara") Seppa/Anderson-ECG96; CARR-91. A sensational coin, not only does it possess superior technical quality, ranking as the single finest example graded of the date at NGC or PCGS, but it also excels in terms of pure eye-appeal. On both sides, the fields showcase dramatic prooflike qualities, while rich orange-gold tone accompanies the centers and charming reddish-orange accents appear around the edges. Even more stunning however is the strike, which despite being notoriously poor on this type, is full on this coin, with razor-sharp separation of Bolivars hair strands and a pinpoint depiction of the coat-of-arms motif on the reverse. While of no visual significance, we note a small split at the rim above ER of PODER for the sake of accuracy. Very aptly described as a "trophy coin" when it was last offered in our sale of the Eldorado Collection.<p><p>One of only three appearances of this date that we have recorded. Amazingly, when this date was offered as part of our sale of the Eliasberg Collection (2005), this coin inadvertently stole the show! We wrote, "another rare date, one that trades infrequently enough that the brand new Calico book is still using the plate from the 1982 Hammel sale (though that was a superb specimen)." Ex: Eldorado Collection (Stacks Bowers 1/2018) Lot #11373.<p>Ex: Hammel Collection (Stacks 9/1982) Lot #831.<p>
