Bolivia 1867 FE 1 Boliviano "REPUBLICA BOLIVIANO" (11 Estrellas) - NGC MS64 Finest Known
Ronyradzevicius
Posts: 7 ✭
Bolivia 1867 FE 1 Boliviano, the famous “REPUBLICA BOLIVIANO” variety with 11 stars.
This variety is recognized by NGC and is one of the most interesting and elusive errors of 19th-century Bolivian coinage. Finding any example can be challenging, but locating one in Mint State is exceptionally difficult.
This specimen is graded NGC MS64 and currently stands as the Finest Known example.
After years of researching auction archives, population reports, and advanced collections, I have not encountered another specimen that combines this level of rarity and preservation.
I would be interested in hearing the opinions of fellow collectors and specialists in Latin American coinage.
Rony Radzevicius
Collector of rare Latin American silver coinage.
Specializing in Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia & Guatemala.
Top Population • Finest Known • Rare Varieties
Instagram: @R4586.coins
Comments
We’d love to see a picture of your coin!
Sorry, I already posted the photos...
Rony Radzevicius
Collector of rare Latin American silver coinage.
Specializing in Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia & Guatemala.
Top Population • Finest Known • Rare Varieties
Instagram: @R4586.coins
My opinion. I LOVE IT! Congratulations!
I'm new to this site, this is my first post, I hope you like it... I'm still figuring things out, haha... but I'm getting there little by little. Greetings to all!
Rony Radzevicius
Collector of rare Latin American silver coinage.
Specializing in Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia & Guatemala.
Top Population • Finest Known • Rare Varieties
Instagram: @R4586.coins
Awesome coin! Thank you for sharing!
I like your coin and welcome to the forum. Thank you for posting.
This error is fascinating. How could this happen? Foreign born engraver? Any other ideas? Have you done any research you can share with us?
🇧🇴 Bolivia 1867 FE – “REPUBLICA BOLIVIANO” Error Variety
One of the great rarities of 19th-century Bolivian numismatics. Instead of the correct inscription “REPUBLICA BOLIVIANA,” the die was engraved with the word “BOLIVIANO,” creating a remarkable and officially recognized mint error.
The mistake is believed to have occurred during the hand-engraving process at the historic Potosí Mint. One theory suggests that the engraver, working with Bolivia’s newly introduced monetary unit known as the “Boliviano,” unintentionally repeated the word in the national legend. The error was likely discovered and corrected quickly, explaining its extreme rarity today.
After years of research through auction archives, certification censuses, and public records, only a handful of publicly documented examples are known. Confirmed appearances include specimens offered by Heritage Auctions and Río de la Plata Numismática. My coin is believed to be among the finest known examples of this legendary variety, making it a true trophy piece of Bolivian and Latin American numismatics
Rony Radzevicius
Collector of rare Latin American silver coinage.
Specializing in Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia & Guatemala.
Top Population • Finest Known • Rare Varieties
Instagram: @R4586.coins
I collect Bolivian decimals and saw that coin on eBay. I liked the coin but didn't buy it due to the ask price. I own a pretty nice AU-58.
I used to own the 1875 MS-64 which I sold to my regret, still own the 1868 MS-64, and also own an 1869 which I think has a shot at the same grade. Also an 1870 MS-64 but it's more common and this coin is untoned.
I wouldn't read too much into the availability. Several of the dates are reasonably or quite scarce, but I wouldn't expect this to be reflected in old auction catalogs. It's not a series very many are trying to collect.
My personal ranking of this series is as follows from scarcest to most common:
1887
1893
1877
1879
1869
1875
1865, 1866
1864
1868
1867
1874
1873
1870
1871
1872
Attractive coin.
Experience the World through Numismatics...it's more than you can imagine.
Welcome to the forums! You and I have conversed on Instagram. Nice to see you here!
Great coin!
Latin American Collection
Thank you for your comments and for sharing your experience with the series.
I understand your point regarding date rarity. What attracted me to this coin, however, was not simply the 1867 date, but the combination of the 11 Stars “Boliviano” variety, the MS64 grade, its Top Pop status, and the fact that very few comparable examples seem to appear publicly.
Whether one considers it undervalued or not, I believe it is a remarkable coin and I am very happy to have added it to my collection.
Rony Radzevicius
Collector of rare Latin American silver coinage.
Specializing in Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia & Guatemala.
Top Population • Finest Known • Rare Varieties
Instagram: @R4586.coins
Completing the series, at least from 1864-1875, is my intent, but I have never prioritized it.
Welcome and that's an awesome first coin to share! I wonder if the original die was corrected and re-used - perhaps there's an undiscovered A/O variety hiding out there?