Hi all,
I’m hoping someone here with Latin American coin experience can help me identify and evaluate this unusual silver piece. It doesn’t match anything I’ve found in Krause, Numista, or auction archives so far.
📌 Coin Details:
Obverse:
Crown at top
Bundles of three spears on each side
Central coat of arms (looks like a pillar or scroll in a shield)
Partial legend: letters visible “...A DE ...DO”, likely part of “REPUBLICA DEL ECUADOR”
Reeded edge, partially worn smooth
Reverse:
Beaded outer border
Motto: “PAZ • PROGRESO • I • LIBERTAD” with stars between each word
Inside rope-style border: “10 CENTs” (with a small underlined "s")
A “P” mintmark directly below the “C” and “E” in “CENTS”
Below the denomination: a waving flag or ribbon, above a bow in the wreath
The date is mostly worn off, but something is visible below the bow (likely 1870s–1880s)
Size/Specs:
Diameter: ~17.5 mm
Weight: 2.4 grams
Appears to be silver
🧠 What I Suspect:
Possibly a provisional, pattern, or regional issue from Ecuador, potentially struck at Popayán, Colombia, or under foreign contract during a transitional government. The English-style “CENTS” and unique design don't match typical Ecuadorian decimal issues (like KM#48).
🧾 What I’m Looking For:
Confirmed attribution (Ecuador or another country?)
Any known matches or references
Insights into the mintmark “P”
Rarity or auction precedent
Catalog ID (if any)
🖼️ Photos attached:
(Attach the front and back photos you uploaded here)
Thanks in advance to anyone who can help! This one’s been a real mystery and any insights are deeply appreciated.
— Michael
