1 Real Bolivia Silver

BOLIVIA. Real “Heart”, 1698-PF. Charles II (1665-1700).

KM-unlisted; Laz-unlisted; Cal-unlisted. EXTREMELY RARE and unpublished date for a “heart” 1 Real. The exact reasoning as to why these specially made pieces were produced is unknown. The current belief is that these were specially commissioned pieces produced for ceremonial purposes or special events. Unlike traditional cobs that were produced from cutting silver blanks form the end of a bar, special care was taken in the manufacture of hear coinage. The planchets were specially cut into the heart shaped form, resembling the Sacred Heart of Jesus Christ prior to being struck. Unlike conventional cob coinage where the weight was very specific, heart coinage is often found to be heavy in weight, as is the case with he coin offered here weighing 3.6 gms. Special care and precision was also taken when struck as in most cases they are found with medallic die axis. Pierced as usual, presumably for suspension. Bold and very attractive.