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 Replies: 30 / Views: 12,472 |
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1849 Posts |
This is in my opinion Chile's most appealing coinage since it became an independent republic in 1817. The obverse shows an erupting Volcano (probably Mount Aconcagua) with Santiago on the reverse, and on the obverse a column with a globe atop. The Volcano coinage was struck in one Peso denomination from 1817 until 1834. It was also struck in 2 and 1 Real denomination in 1834, and as a half real in 1832-1834. The 1 peso coinage is generally scarce, except for coins dated 1817. This year probably account for 70% (in my estimation) of all existing dates. Next in scarcity are probably examples bearing the dates 1822 and 1833. There are some very scarce dates and types among these: for example 1817 w/o the assayers mintmark (ca. 10 examples estimated) as wells as the dates 1824, 1825 and 1830. Coins minted in 1834 are interesting: these are quite available bearing a Spanish Philippines countermark, but virtually unknown without the countermark. I believe I have only ever seen one w/o the countermark. Many examples of various dates where also overstruck for use in Brazil, and the under types are visible to varying degrees. I believe I have seen over the years examples of all dates offered for sale at auction, with the exception of those minted in 1830 and 1821. To my recollection, I have only seen the 1821 and 1830 offered for sale once in close to 25 years. These coins have become very popular with collectors, specially in the last few years. I am fortunate to have a few examples in my collection which I have always eagerly sought, obtained back in the 80's and 90's Here is an 1820 and an 1822 (cleaned but still nice). The recent Lissner offered an 1820 in MS state, which fetched an incredible price. Please post any that you may have, any denomination, or any comments and information on this very appealing coinage from the first years of the Chilean Republic.     |
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Valued Member
Spain
110 Posts |
The last 8 reales from the Santiago ceca (mint) was a 1817. The first chilean not realista peso also has 1817 date but was really minted in 1818 if what I read some time ago is correct. Nice Pesos!!
Edited by moneditis
08/14/2014 2:11 pm
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Pillar of the Community
 Germany
1849 Posts |
That is correct Moneditis, the 1817 peso was likely struck in 1818, and after the battle of Maipu in april of 1818 which gave the chilean patriots final control of Santiago, and the of the mint. I stand corrected.
The very first issue was, as mentioned, the peso w/o assayers initials and with the 'Y' centered over the column. It is estimated it was only struck for one month before an assayer was found, at which time regular coinage started.
Edited by GERMANICVS
08/14/2014 2:52 pm
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Pillar of the Community
France
1591 Posts |
I really love that coin, your first one is excellent :)
It's the only one I'm missing in my "first south-american crown issues in independent countries from south america" set :D
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1849 Posts |
First south american crowns are extremely interesting and historical coinage, Mathieu. Besides the Chile issues, I only collect Peru as far as South America is concerned, and have an 1822 Peru Libre crown counterstamped in 1823 by the royalists who briefly re-took power.
I would really like to add an 1815 Provincias del Rio de La Plata crown to my collection, though!
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Pillar of the Community
France
1591 Posts |
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1849 Posts |
Yes, that is exactly the coin. Very nice coin and originally toned. They have become scarce too. Here is my Peru Libre with counterstamp.   |
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Pillar of the Community
France
1591 Posts |
Hehe, I got the exact same one (well, a year after on the host) :    What about the north and sud peru ? I went a bit further as I loved the SUD Peruana design :D |
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Pillar of the Community
United States
684 Posts |
Picked this up from Stacks Bowers a couple years ago. The reverse is absolutely the coolest design. What you want to look for on these coins is articulation of grooves between ALL the bricks on the castle/arch thing to the left of the volcano and the volcano should have no wear. PCGS says AU55, I would go higher based on the above points.   |
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1849 Posts |
That is a very appealing coin design, Westwood. Amazing how much detail the engravers could achieve. I agree your coin seems to be better than au55. My own example of the type is a damaged EF, (bought at the train station in Cuzco in 1977 whilst visiting Machu Pichu).
The Lissner collection included an 1837 Estado Sud Peruano 8R, like your example, Graded by NGC as MS 65. It sold for the price of a small car (new).
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Pillar of the Community
France
1591 Posts |
Ahh, the Lissner collection ... there was so much incredible coins in there ! That's a catalog I'll keep forever :) Here is mine, of that type (it would grade lower than yours - maybe AU-50 ? ) And guess what, it's not in a coffin so I can admire the rim ;)      PS : I almost have a volcano, I'm having a Chilean friend validate that there is no issue \o/ |
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1849 Posts |
That is a very pretty 8 reales of the Confederacion Peru-Boliviana. I will take photos of mine and post when I get a chance. Lissner was an incredible sale. I just received my catalogue yesterday (after the sale!), and have been having a great time just viewing the pictures. I placed quite a few bids on Chilean and Peruvian lots, but was outbid on every single one, except for an 8 Reales for Pasco. The coin is on its way from the US. The prices achieved for Chilean material was just unbelievable, but so was the quality of the coins. Here is a 1 real Volcano from Chile. (picture is awful, but the coin is in good condition).   |
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1849 Posts |
Mathieu, I would really like to see your Volcano Peso when you get it.
I have never really seen any fakes of the type (besides some really terrible copies once at a flea market in Santiago), but I am sure there are out there so it is wise to double check.
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Pillar of the Community
United States
684 Posts |
The prices realized from the Lissner sale blew me away.
I thought about cracking the Cuzco 8R because I am missing the edge and it is under graded. Also have a Haiti 100c that I've thought about cracking for the same reasons.
Still looking for a volcano peso, those coins have tripled in price in the last three or four years. Mexico States copper has also taken off.
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Pillar of the Community
Germany
1849 Posts |
Here is another Volcano Peso, this one an 1818/7, struck Just one year after independence from Spain. An 1817-dated die was recut to be used again in the year 1818.   |
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Pillar of the Community
France
1591 Posts |
Here it is - it's genuine no worries :D I really like it, nice condition and nice patina / color. The rim overlap is OK (posted the view of one side - same overlap at the opposite, of the same length) The small denomination 1 real is really superb !!    |
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Replies: 30 / Views: 12,472 |
Posted 08/14/2014 2:48 pm
