1896 Puerto 40C

 

SKU: 1896Puerto40C

 

Scarce one-year type Puerto Rico 40 Centavos of 1896, a challenging provincial silver issue of Alfonso XIII and a notably desirable survivor despite evidence of earlier jewelry use.

Struck for Puerto Rico under Spanish rule, this 1896 40 Centavos is cataloged as KM-23 and represents the only year of issue for the type. The obverse bears the youthful left-facing portrait of Alfonso XIII with the surrounding legend ALFONSO XIII P.L.G.D.D. REY C. DE ESPAÑA, translated as “Alfonso XIII, by the grace of God, King of Spain.” The reverse displays the crowned Spanish arms between the Pillars of Hercules with banner scrolls, encircled by the inscription ISLA DE PUERTO RICO 40 CENTAVOS, or “Island of Puerto Rico 40 Centavos,” a proud and distinctive statement of the island’s colonial coinage identity.

This example is offered in Very Fine detail, with the central design elements remaining clearly defined despite moderate circulation and handling. The portrait is smooth in the high points, as expected for the grade, while the reverse shield and crown retain enough structure to remain readily appreciable. The piece shows attractive old toning in olive-gold, silver-gray, and deeper charcoal accents around the margins, lending it an appealing cabinet-worn character. As noted, it is an ex-jewelry specimen, with associated rim disturbance and surface impairment, but the coin remains wholly collectible and visually distinctive.

The 1896 Puerto Rico 40 Centavos holds an important place in Spanish colonial numismatics. Issued only in this single year, it forms part of the short-lived coinage produced specifically for Puerto Rico during the final years of Spanish administration. These pieces are avidly pursued by collectors of Puerto Rico, Spanish colonial issues, and world crowns and minors alike, with the one-year type status adding considerable historic and numismatic appeal.

As a one-year type, this issue enjoys persistent demand well beyond its face value and denomination. Problem-free examples are difficult to locate, and even circulated pieces are actively sought by specialists assembling Puerto Rico type sets or broader Spanish colonial collections. This piece offers an accessible opportunity to acquire a genuinely scarce and historically resonant coin from a popular and competitive series.

A compelling representative of Puerto Rico’s late 19th-century coinage, this 1896 40 Centavos combines one-year type status, strong historical interest, and honest collector appeal.

 

PCGS #
Grading Service	NONE
Grade	NONE
Mint Location	NONE
Year	1896
Designation	NONE
Strike	Business
Grade Add On	NONE