COLOMBIA. Cob 8 Reales, 1633-C E. Cartagena Mint. Philip IV. PCGS VF-35. KM-3.4; Cal-1237; Restrepo-M45.15. Weight: 22.33 gms. The only certified example of the date on either the NGC or PCGS population reports. One of only a couple confirmed examples for this date, all of which used different dies. This charming example exhibits a decent strike with a nearly complete shield, mintmark and assayers letter, though a minor striking shift on the left side slightly obscures the assayers letter and mintmark. The reverse offers a virtually complete cross, one bold castle and one partial castle and partial lions with a four-digit date. The surfaces do show signs of handling as one would expect from the designated grade, but nothing of particular note. Close inspection reveals minor encrustation amongst the devices mentioned for accuracy. Colombian silver from this period seldom appears on the market and is considered rare to extremely rare; while the present example belongs to the latter it is also believed to be unpublished and <strong>UNIQUE</strong>.<p><em>It is interesting to note that the present example offers an interesting characteristic not seen on the other known pieces of this date where the assayers letter and mint mark are transposed with the denomination (C E - VIII). It is also believed to be the first year where the use of the "C" mintmark was utilized. </em> Ex: Lasser Collection (Ponterio - 1/2005) Lot # 766.
