This unusual Brazilian coin, made to honour the coronation of Pedro I, is due to sell as part of a sale of world and ancient coins spanning April 25-May 1, 2012.
 1822 Pedro I 6400 Reis coin |
Noted for both its historic and sentimental value, the 6400 Reis coin was produced at short notice to mark the inauguration of the important leader. It was Pedro I, an exiled Portugese Royal, who founded the Empire of Brazil.
He was famously quoted on September 7, 1822, "As of today our bonds are ended. By my blood, by my honour, by my God, I swear to bring about the independence of Brazil. Brazilians, let our watchword from this day forth be 'Independence or Death!'" Brazilians have celebrated their independence on September 7 ever since.
Considered to be the most important of its kind, the coin is one of only 64 ever minted, following Pedro I expressing his dislike at the initial design.
Christiano Bierrenbach, the auction house's Executive Vice President commented: "It was a coronation piece, made in a hurry to be presented to guests of honour at Pedro's Inauguration Ball on Dec. 1, 1822. It was subsequently redesigned as the Emperor disliked the design of his portrayal on the coin as a 'Roman Emperor'". The unique coin has a pre-sale estimate of $100,000-$150,000.
The auction will also see strong interest from British collectors, with an excellent array of examples from The Marston Collection. A 1643 Charles I gold Triple Unite will feature as a highlight of the collection. Struck at a temporary mint in Oxford during the English Civil War, Charles I was captured and killed just six years after it was produced. The item is estimated to sell for $55,000-$65,000.
Paul Fraser Collectibles is currently offering this Charles I light-weight Unite coin for British collectors. This exceptionally rare example was only minted for seven weeks during 1626.
The auction will feature a huge range of high-end coinage, with over 900 lots to feature over seven days in Illinois, USA.
