Rare 1598-1603 Potosi Bolivia 8 Reales Cob NGC AU-53 – Kempen Hoard

Item #CC-0191 | 1598-1603 Potosi Bolivia 8 Reales graded by NGC as AU-53 – From the Kempen Hoard
Mint: Potosi, Bolivia
Assayer: B
Ruler/Period: Philip III
Grade: AU-53

For details on this coin from NGC, click on the serial number here: 2876570-002

Description: This stunning example was recovered among a large hoard of coins known as the “Kempen Hoard”.  In our opinion, this coin is premium quality and under graded by a long shot. With brilliant original luster, strong strike, and beautiful details, this cob is a choice example for any collector.

The Kempen treasure is one of the largest gold and silver coin treasures found in the Netherlands. It was discovered by a Dutch treasure hunter using a metal detector.  Just like the Serooskerke find in 1966 and the Randwijk find in 1987, the Kempen Hoard is an assemblage of an impressive variety of currencies. Spain, England and the Netherlands are the most strongly represented, but specimens of Portugal, France, the Spanish possessions in South America, the German states, the Italian states and Hungary are also present.

The find gives a good picture of the flourishing international connections and trade between the 16th and 17th century powers. The most recent coin in the find was a Dutch coin dated 1616, which gives some indication of about the time when the treasure was buried. Given the high monetary value of the find, the original owner was most likely a wealthy merchant. In 1621 the Twelve Years’ Truce ended and hostilities between Spain and the rebellious Netherlands resumed. A wealthy merchant probably hid this coin along with his other possessions to protect them!

In stock

$3,750.00