Page 116 - Treasure, World & U.S. Coin Auction 17

502. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1715J, cut into heart shape, Pieces of Eight plate coin. S-M22; KM-47; CT-744. 21.39
grams. Bold full date, nearly full but oddly double-struck shield and cross, nicely toned and nearly corrosion-free, but main attraction is the
edge-shaving, done in the 1700s to transform it into “heart” shape, which earned it a spot on a photo-plate in Kip Wagner’s famous book, with
credit to National Geographic Society (dated 1964) below the photo. It is hard to put a price on such a memorable, unique piece! Pictured
(actual size) on the left-hand photo plate between pages 128 and 129 in Pieces of Eight (1966), by Kip Wagner. Estimate: $5,000-up

503. Mexico City, Mexico, cob 8 reales, 1715(J), full date, ex-Bob Johnson (Real Eight). S-M22; KM-47; CT-744. 27.04 grams.
Choice full date (one of the best we’ve seen) and mintmark, some shield and most of cross despite extensive flatness (in which can be seen
lots of original file marks, akin to “adjustment marks” on machine-made coins), no corrosion, with encrustation on reverse, curiously shaped
as is typical for a “cabo de barra” flan (an end-piece that was cut on only one side). Pedigreed to original Real Eight member Bob Johnson, with
certificate signed by him. Estimate: $2,500-up.
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