An original 1869-H Uruguay 4 Centésimos, issued by the República Oriental del Uruguay and catalogued as KM#13. This is the H mintmark variety, produced by Heaton & Sons in Birmingham, England, rather than the Paris-minted A variety.
Struck in bronze, the obverse features the distinctive radiant Sun of May with a human face at the centre, surrounded by rays. The inscription REPUBLICA ORIENTAL DEL URUGUAY appears around the perimeter, with the date 1869 below.
The reverse displays a large numeral 4 within a lined circular field, surrounded by an attractive tied laurel wreath. The denomination CENTESIMOS appears on the ribbon above, while the H mintmark is positioned beneath the wreath. The name TASSET identifies the engraver, French medallist Ernest Paulin Tasset.
Interestingly, although dated 1869, historical mint records indicate that the H-mintmarked Uruguayan 1, 2 and 4 Centésimos were actually struck by Heaton in 1870, with Uruguay retaining the 1869 date associated with the legislation authorising the coinage.
A substantial and attractive 19th-century South American bronze coin with strong appeal to collectors of Uruguayan, Latin American and Heaton Mint coinage.
BOB 142
Condition VF
Very Fine condition overall. The coin retains good definition to the Sun of May, surrounding rays, denomination, wreath and legends, with moderate circulation wear to the higher points. The 1869 date and H mintmark remain clearly visible. General surface marks, light scratches, toning and age-related wear are present. Please examine the photographs carefully for exact condition.
Please Note:
All item descriptions and condition gradings are provided in our opinion only. We strongly encourage buyers to carefully review all photos before placing a bid, as the pictures form part of the description. All items are securely packaged for shipping; however, they may not be individually wrapped unless of higher value or particularly fragile. Shipping is at the buyer's risk. Collection can be arranged from Midlands Books & Collectables in Howick, KZN.
