1813-PTS Argentina "Sunface" Silver 8 Reales - NGC VF25! Very Rare "Rio de la Plata" Type! Choice Original, PQ Eye Appeal!

Very Important Issue, Key Date minted at Potosi! This was the First coin issued by the revolutionary government of what would become Argentina. It is a landmark in Latin American numismatics and a powerful symbol of the early independence movement. Mint: Potosí (Upper Peru, now Bolivia).

1813 was just a one-year type for this specific design and mint control; 1815 issues exist with different assayer marks.
Assayer: J (José Antonio de Sierra is often credited with engraving work). This was a short-lived issue struck under temporary patriot control of the historic Potosí mint (one of the world’s great silver producers for centuries). Production was limited by the shifting fortunes of war.
  • Obverse: A large, central radiant sun with a human face (eyes, nose, and mouth depicted — the classic “Sunface” or Sol de Mayo). Numerous straight and often slightly wavy or jagged rays emanate outward in a dramatic burst, filling much of the field. The sun symbolizes enlightenment, a new dawn, and indigenous cultural roots (linked to the Inca sun god Inti). A new era dawning after the May Revolution (1810). It asserts cultural depth (indigenous Andean roots alongside European influences) and Enlightenment ideals. This sun later became central to the Argentine national flag.
  • Reverse: The national arms (or seal of the Constitutional General Assembly of the Year XIII) appear in a central oval shield or medallion, surrounded by plant sprigs or a wreath (typically laurel and/or olive branches symbolizing victory and peace). The arms themselves feature: Two clasped hands (or forearms) holding or upholding a vertical pole/spear. Atop the pole sits the Phrygian cap (red liberty cap, a potent French Revolutionary and classical symbol of freedom from tyranny).
Historical Context of this 1813 Issue:
After the May Revolution of 1810 created the Primera Junta in Buenos Aires, the patriots needed to finance wars against royalist forces and assert economic independence. Spanish colonial coinage (with royal portraits) remained in circulation, but the revolutionaries sought their own symbols. The Constitutional General Assembly of the Year XIII (Asamblea del Año XIII), a key legislative body meeting in Buenos Aires, authorized the new coinage on April 13, 1813. The goal was to replace Hispanic emblems with designs representing the revolution and to support the war effort economically.

General Manuel Belgrano’s Northern Army achieved important victories at Tucumán (September 1812) and Salta (February 1813). These successes allowed patriot forces to advance into Upper Peru and briefly control the strategically vital Potosí mint (a massive silver producer). Coins were struck there in 1813 (and again briefly in 1815 under General Rondeau) before royalist counteroffensives forced retreat after defeats at Vilcapugio and Ayohuma (late 1813). The 1813 issue was thus a short, triumphant moment of control — both financially and symbolically. Production was limited, and quality varied due to wartime conditions.

1816 Independence: The Congress of Tucumán formally declared independence on July 9, 1816, creating the United Provinces of the Río de la Plata. San Martín then organized the Army of the Andes, crossing into Chile (1817) and contributing to the liberation of Chile and Peru.

Aftermath: Wars continued against remaining royalist strongholds until the 1820s. Internal divisions between unitarians (centralized power in Buenos Aires) and federalists (provincial autonomy, led by figures like José Gervasio Artigas in the Banda Oriental/Uruguay) led to decades of civil conflict. Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia eventually became separate nations. The 1813 coins remain iconic artifacts of the hopeful, turbulent birth of the Argentine nation.

This coin is highly prized by collectors as the inaugural issue of Argentine national coinage — a “key date” with strong historical and symbolic resonance.









Thank you for Viewing our Listing and Visiting our Store! Please Check out our other Listings! If you ever have any Questions, Just Send us a Message!

 

*Combined Shipping Available ON ALL Items, Request an Invoice or we will send you one after one business day. Items over 16 oz. or $750 in value must be shipped Priority Mail with Signature Confirmation in order to be Fully Insured. Items over $1,000 will be sent Priority Mail with Signature or USPS Registered Mail if higher than that amount.

 

We Ship on Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays Every Week! Excluding Federal Holiday Dates.

 

Payment on all items is expected within Five Business Days to ensure a timely delivery. Please contact us directly if you need more than Five Business Days to send payment. BUYER is Responsible for ANY Import Fees or Customs, No Exceptions!

 

ALL Precious Metals are tested with our own Sigma Metalytics Precious Metal Tester and guaranteed genuine. We Offer A 30-Day No-Questions-Asked Return Policy on Most* items to all our customers! Please message us if you have any questions about our items and we are happy to answer them, as returns can be an inconvenience to both parties. The only exception is when items are damaged, tampered with, or removed from holders. All Bullion or Silver Sales are final as market conditions are constantly changing.

 

 Feedback is crucial to us here on EBAY and we kindly ask you to contact us if there are any unforeseen issues before leaving negative feedback and we will be happy to resolve them with you. We pride ourselves on having outstanding customer service.

 

Shipping is by USPS Ground Advantage/First Class unless package is Fragile or Over $750 in value. All packages over $750 will be sent Priority Mail with Signature in order to be fully insured. International Shipping is through Ebay's Global Shipping Program by default, which may get expensive in some foreign countries. International Shipping is also through USPS First Class International Package Service or Priority Mail depending on the value. If items are shipped internationally, it is the Buyer's Responsibility to pay ANY import duties or taxes. All Declared Values for International Orders must be accurate and matching the invoice. All International Shipments over $400 in Value must be shipped USPS Priority Mail International. No Shipment of Items over $750 Internationally due to Insurance Policy Restrictions, no exceptions.

 

Coin grading is subjective and all coins can be interpreted differently, so we try to post very large, up close shots of each item we list. And remember to buy the coin and not the holder! Be sure to take a close look and come up with your own opinion! All ungraded coins we offer are authentic and genuine as we ONLY buy from reputable dealers and shows, if there are any discrepancies, we are happy to address them and always offer our 30-Day return policy to all our buyers. We are a family-owned small business and appreciate your business and feedback.