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Item Description
This item is part of a Special Collection
(see end of listing for more information)
1858 Medal
Spain
Queen Isabel II
Commemorates official inauguration of the
Canal de Isabel II bringing fresh water to Madrid.
Designer: José Pérez Varela
Engraver: Francisco Coromina
obv: Laureate Head Left - no ribbon; legend surrounds: ISABEL 2A REINA DE LAS ESPAÑAS.
rev: Six pointed star at top center above inscription: “INAUGURACION / DEL CANAL / DE ISABEL 2A / 24 DE JUNIO / DE 1858.
PCGS MS65RD
The finest known example.
AE 5.2g 23mm Edge: Plain
Madrid mint O’Connor p.261 M1858AE-Canal
(this is the exact medal pictured in book)
ex O’Connor Collection
The definitive book on the coins and medals of Queen Isabel II of Spain, The Coins of Queen Isabel II of Spain, features a photograph of this exact medal in the catalog entry of this medal type. This is a rare opportunity for a collector of Isabel II coins and medals to obtain a piece with this interesting provenance.
This medal commemorates the inauguration of the Canal de Isabel II which delivers water from the Lozoya River into Madrid. In 1848 engineers Juan Rafo and Juan de Ribera approached Juan Bravo Murillo, the Minister of Commerce, Education, and Public Works with plans to construct a canal from the Lozoya River to Madrid. With Murillo’s recommendation the government of Isabel II issued a Royal Decree in 1848 directing engineers Juan Rafo and Juan de Ribera Rafo to begin work on the project. In 1851 the King Consort, Francisco, set the first stone for the canal that would eventually extend 70km from Lozoya River to Madrid. In 1858 a ceremony was held to celebrate the arrival of water from the Lozoya River to San Bernardo street in Madrid. Today, the Canal de Isabel II continues to provide water service to 21st century Spain.
Medallas Españolas (RAH) identifies José Pérez Varela as the designer of this medal and Catalogo de la Colleccion de Medallas Españolas del Patrimonio Nacional - Volume II (EPN) mentions an old Madrid mint inventory of medals signed by Félix Sagau that identifies the engraver as Francisco Coromina. This obverse design was taken from the pattern 20 reales and 100 reales designed by Varela in 1855.
These medals are readily available in circulated condition, but are very challenging to find in problem free uncirculated grades.
This item is part of a Special Collection we are offering:
The author of the book The Coins of Queen Isabel II of Spain is selling their collection (the O’Connor Collection).
This collection of rare and exceptional coins and medals of Queen Isabel II of Spain and the Philippines and other coins and medals featuring real and mythological women will be offered by Aurora Rarities LLC through our ebay store beginning July 2022. This collection will be offered in multiple phases:
• Medals of Queen Isabel II 1833-1868 [ONLINE NOW]
• Other Exceptional Medals featuring Real & Mythological Women [ONLINE NOW]
• Kingdom (Pre-Decimal) Coins of Queen Isabel II 1833-1848 [ONLINE NOW]
• 1st Decimal Coins of Queen Isabel II 1848-1853 [ONLINE NOW]
• 2nd Decimal Coins of Queen Isabel II 1854-1864 [ONLINE NOW]
• 3rd Decimal Coins of Queen Isabel II 1854-1864 [ONLINE NOW]
• Philippine Coins of Queen Isabel II 1861-1868 [ONLINE NOW]
• Coins of Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands [ONLINE NOW]
Many of these pieces are of such exceptional rarity and quality as to be once in a lifetime opportunities.
You will receive the exact lot shown in the photos.
Please scroll down to view images of the item.
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Additional details may be found below and in the payment, shipping, and returns sections of this auction.
Guarantee of Authenticity
Numismatics is a wonderful hobby inhabited primarily by knowledgeable and helpful people who enjoy the hobby as much as you and I do. However, in recent years forgers have made the hobby, especially online, something of a minefield. Aurora Rarities LLC takes significant precautions, aided by decades of experience, to ensure that our inventory contains only authentic items. Aurora Rarities LLC offers a lifetime guarantee that every item we sell is authentic as described. Should any item that we sold as authentic be deemed not authentic by an Authenticator (defined as NGC, PCGS, or other authentication service designated by Aurora Rarities LLC as an authoritative expert) simply submit to us the document from the Authenticator which identifies the item as "counterfeit", "forgery", or "not genuine" along with the Aurora Rarities LLC receipt (or receipt provided by ebay when you ordered) and the item in question. Upon confirmation of these items we will refund 100% of the original purchase price to the original purchaser. For items we sell which are already certified by an Authenticator, that company's guarantee of authenticity applies and they will honor their guarantee directly.
Shipping
This lot will be shipped within the USA via USPS and price stated in the Shipping section of this listing. The indicated method is the only shipping method available for this lot. Some listings may require signature on delivery.
We work hard to ensure your order is well packed and promptly shipped. Once shipped, it typically takes 5 business days to be delivered. However, due to challenges faced by USPS beyond our control, some shipments may take as much as 20 days to arrive. If you have not received your order after 21 days please notify me promptly and I will work with you to resolve it.
All items subject to prior sale.
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