1799-PTS PP Bolivia 1 Real – Potosí Mint (Charles IV) | NGC VG 10 – Near-Top Pop Census Rarity

1799-PTS PP Bolivia 1 Real – Potosí Mint (Charles IV) | NGC VG 10 – Near-Top Pop Census Rarity.

Item Overview

An extraordinary, high-rarity minor silver issue from Spanish Colonial America! Struck under King Charles IV (Carlos IV) at the historic Potosí Mint in colonial Bolivia (marked by the famous PTS monogram), this 1799 1 Real is an extreme population rarity in certified holders.

Bearing the PP assayer initials (Pedro Prudencio de Esuchárraga and Pedro de Mazondo), minor denominations like the 1 Real were heavily circulated workhorse coins across North and South American commerce. Certified VG 10 (Very Good 10) by NGC, this piece stands at the very pinnacle of certified survivors on the NGC population report.

Specifications & Certification

NGC Population & Rarity Breakdown

While major 8 Reales silver dollars were frequently saved in hoards or merchant chests, fractional 1 Real silver coins saw continuous daily trade and were typically worn smooth, damaged, or lost. The official NGC census metrics highlight the scarcity of this date/denomination:

• Total Graded by NGC: 2

• Graded VG 10: 1 (This exact specimen)

• Graded Higher: Only 1

Rarity Highlight: This is one of only two examples certified by NGC in any grade, holding the #2 spot overall on the population census. A primary registry-set candidate for collectors of colonial minor silver.

Design & Historical Context

• Obverse: Features the laureate, armored bust of King Charles IV facing right, surrounded by CAROLUS IV DEI GRATIA 1799 (Charles IV, by the Grace of God, 1799).

• Reverse: Displays the crowned Spanish coat of arms flanked by the twin Pillars of Hercules, with the PTS mintmark, 1R denomination, and PP assayer mark.

• Circulation Survivor: Evenly worn across high points with complete, readable legend fragments, central portrait outlines, and clear date/mintmark diagnostics.