The Fall 2024 World Collectors Choice Online Auction contains many interesting and collectible numismatic treasures from the next installment of the S.P. Rutherford Collection, but also includes Ancients, World and other Latin American issues. The sale takes place October 28 through November 1, 2024, in our very own Griffin Studios and will be available for lot viewing on our website as well as our California offices (by appointment only). The Latin American portion of the auction will be available for viewing during the 12th Annual U.S. Mexican Numismatic Convention at the Hilton Scottsdale Resort in Scottsdale Arizona October 17-19, 2024.
Those acquainted with Mr. Rutherford, knew he was a dedicated collector who welcomed comradery and had a real passion for numismatics and history. He spent the better part of six decades assembling his expansive collection with a focus on Mexico, Bolivia and Peru, but without limiting himself to these areas. He actively sought to acquire rare and unusual pieces with attributes that many collectors appreciate and are searching for themselves. An area that Mr. Rutherford had a particular affinity for was Spanish Colonial Cobs. He was particularly interested in examples with good strikes, dates (partial or in full) and clear design features. There are many items from his collection which encompass these attributes, but here are just a few.
Lot # 72013 – BOLIVIA. Cob 4 Reales, ND (1578-95)-P B. Potosi Mint. Philip II. PCGS AU-50.
And
Lot # 72047 – BOLIVIA. Cob 8 Reales, 1636-P T. Potosi Mint. Philip IV. PCGS Genuine–Salt Water Damage, VF Details.
These pieces offer bold shields with clear mintmarks and assayers’ letters with partials of the legends. While the 8 Reales offers a complete cross with a partial date, the 4 Reales does exhibit a multiple struck reverse somewhat muddling the design features with overall strong devices.
Lot # 72256 – MEXICO. 4 Reales, ND (1548-56)-M L. Mexico City Mint. Carlos and Johanna. PCGS MS-62.
One of the more available assayers from this series, the present piece presents well with bold central design features and strong legends.
Lot # 72296 – MEXICO. Cob 8 Reales, 1648-Mo P. Mexico City Mint. Philip IV. PCGS EF-40.
And
Lot # 72307 – MEXICO. Cob 8 Reales, 1668-Mo G. Mexico City Mint. Charles II. PCGS Genuine–Cleaned, VF Details.
Mexican coinage struck during the 17th century is largely very crude with subpar quality of manufacture. Desirable features such as dates and other prominent design elements are very difficult and sought after. The 1648 exhibits a complete shield, bold mintmark and assayers’ letters, partial date and bold complete cross. Issues of Charles II are notoriously poor quality, so examples that bear complete dates, such as the 1668, are highly coveted.
Lot # 72665 – PERU. Cob 2 Reales, ND (1577-88)-P Do *. Lima Mint. Philip II. PCGS AU-50.
This handsome minor coin presents incredibly well with bold design features and minimal strike doubling offering lovely, mottled patina.
These are just a few pieces among the many interesting items from the S.P. Rutherford Collection featured in our Fall Collectors Choice Online Auction. To view these and many other items please visit https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/.
We are always seeking coins, medals, and paper money for our future auctions, and are currently accepting consignments for our January 2025 NYINC and spring 2025 Hong Kong auctions. Additionally, we are accepting consignments for our Collectors Choice Online (CCO) auctions, the next for which we are currently accepting consignments will be in February 2025. If you would like to learn more about consigning, whether a singular item or an entire collection, please contact one of our consignment directors today and we will assist you in achieving the best possible return on your material.
