 Republic. 10 Reales, 1863 A. Paris. Head of President José Antonio Páez l., CIUDADANO ESCLARECIDO (Illustrious Citizen). Rv. Value and date in wreath. Fonrobert 7953, Y.A11. A fascinating and extremely rare piece. A touch of obverse toning. Very Choice About Uncirculated, just a whisper away from Mint State. (Est. $7,000-$9,000)
On April 29, 1862 a contract was executed between F. Sourdis y Cía and the representative of the Venezuelan government for pieces of ½, 1, 2, 4 and 10 Reales. A delayed shipment of 150,000 10 Reales was refused by a new government in Caracas (minus General Páez). All but 300 pieces were melted by the Paris Mint. These ''vanished'' from the contractors or the Consulate, presumably about 200 pieces surfacing in later years.
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