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Denomination set (8-4-2-1 reales) of Potosí, Bolivia, cobs of Philip IV assayer Ramirez (late 1640s)

Currency:USD Category:Coins & Paper Money / World Coins - World Start Price:1,000.00 USD Estimated At:1,500.00 - 3,000.00 USD
Denomination set (8-4-2-1 reales) of Potosí, Bolivia, cobs of Philip IV assayer Ramirez (late 1640s)
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This item SOLD at 2009 Oct 16 @ 09:49UTC-4 : AST/EDT
All items are genuine unless noted. Most shipwreck coins and artifacts come with a certificate of authenticity (please check the description for each item.

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Denomination set (8-4-2-1 reales) of Potosí, Bolivia, cobs of Philip IV assayer Ramirez (late 1640s), who was executed for debasement. S-P31. 23.4, 10.4, 5.2 and 2.7 grams. This well-matched set (perhaps the only such set in existence) is a prime example of why Ramirez and his partner in crime, ex-mayor Rocha, were executed for malfeasance, as each coin is far underweight and discolored due to low fineness. Because of the massive recall and devaluation of these coins, specimens with a visible R for Ramirez are among the rarest of all Potosí coins, yet the R is clear on each coin in this set (the 8 reales is actually is R/P, which is unique). Average grade Fine, mostly nicely toned, the 4R with a touch of corrosion and the 2R with several edge-splits. The 8 reales is a Plate Coin on page 104 of The Practical Book of Cobs (4th edition, 2007).