| Stack's Bowers Galleries (& Ponterio) > January 2024 NYINC Auction | Auction date: 12 January 2024 |
| Lot number: 53272 Price realized: 48,000 USD (Approx. 43,771 EUR) Note: Prices do not include buyer's fees. | Show similar lots on CoinArchives Find similar lots in upcoming auctions on  |
| Lot description: GREAT BRITAIN. Great Britain - Spain. Dollar (5 Shillings), ND (1804). George III. NGC MS-62. S-3766; KM-659.2; Bull-1867. Authorized 2 January 1804. Countermark: Bank of England Type II (the famous "head of a fool on the neck of an ass"); Bust of George III right utilized from the then current 6 Pence within octagonal indent. Applied to the obverse of a 1803-S CN Spain bust 8 Reales of Charles IIII (IV) (KM-432.2). The only Mint State certified example of the host type for the countermark issue at either NGC or PCGS, and tied for finest certified for the countermark issue with only two other examples. This magnificent example offers a wholly original looking appearance displaying lovely smokey dove gray patina with areas of slate coloration amongst the devices. When tilted in the light iridescent hues pop out adding to its visual appeal and attractiveness. The countermark is deeply applied, bold and even on a nicely preserved high grade host. Clearly this example was plucked from circulation early on and given great care. This offering is a chance to acquire a seldom encountered host in incredible condition that should be considered EXTREMELY RARE and highly desirable. It is important to note that Spanish mint hosts do occasionally appear with this countermark type, but are nearly all 4 Reales (1/2 Dollar). In fact, when searching auction archives from the last 23 years we were only able to identify three other examples of Spanish 8 Reales, all from Seville Mint, all in vastly inferior condition. The present piece easily sits as the finest certified of a Spanish Mint host type and among the finest of the countermark type for all host coins. Truly an exceptional example of the type worthy of serious consideration by the connoisseur. Ex: A-Tokyo Collection. Estimate: $20000 - $30000 |  |
