 CENTRAL AMERICAN REPUBLIC (COSTA RICA). 8 Escudos, 1828 CR F. Costa Rica. Radiant sun over five volcanoes, REPUBLICA DEL CENTRO DE AMERICA. Rv. Ceiba tree, LIBRE CRESCA FECUNDO. Fr.1, KM 17, Calicó Onza 1746. Here is a spectacular example of the largest Gold denomination of the star-crossed Central American Republic, offering the jewel-precise detail in the leaves of the Tree of Liberty, the mountains and the sun. A glass finds a hairline or two and a few trivial tics that have minimal effect on the coin's overall robust orange-gold beauty. Most of the surviving examples of this highest denomination in collections today are Extremely Fine or lower in grade and are still properly sought after. This example compares nicely with Stack's 1982 Mortimer Hammel coin, an About Uncirculated which realized $9,500 in 1982. This is a literally world-class Onza, important both as a Central American Republic issue and as one of the first coins struck in Costa Rica. Brilliant Uncirculated with solid claims to the Choice category and as coin sure to attract lively bidder interest. (Est. $20,000-$25,000)
Ex Louis E. Eliasberg Collection (American Numismatic Rarities, April 2005, lot 1658); previously in the John H. Clapp Collection.
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