Brazil: , João Prince Regent silver Proof Pattern 960 Reis 1809-R PR63+ NGC,...

João Prince Regent silver Proof Pattern 960 Reis 1809-R PR63+ NGC, Rio de Janeiro mint, KM-Pn8, Gomes-E2.01 (Rare), LMB-E012, Bentes-E10.01 (R3). Plain edge. A key Pattern within the Brazilian series in general and the emissions of João VI in particular, with only a handful of specimens purported to exist, of which this is the single finest certified. With the transfer of the Portuguese Crown to Brazil in 1808, an act was passed to enable a monetary authority in the states of Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Bahia to buy Spanish 8 Reales and other foreign crowns of a similar size in order to mint 960 Reis. Later in the same year, Manuel Antonio de Paiva sent a letter to the English company Boulton & Watt, requesting an estimated cost for supplying the necessary equipment to produce the new coinage, an endeavor which almost certainly led to the creation of sample patterns such as this. Emblazoned with a rolling champagne backlight beneath antique dove-gray fields, it is hardly a challenge to see that the coin more than earns its Choice Mint State designation from NGC, with an added plus for its splendid allure. To date, this is only the third example we have had the pleasure to offer, and similarly just the third to come to auction in decades. Ex. Irving Goodman Collection (Goldberg Auction 15, June 2002, Lot 200)

HID10510052018

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