^Lot 1173 PATAGONIA and ARAUCANIA (New France), (Argentina - Chile) copper pattern proof 1 peso

PATAGONIA and ARAUCANIA (New France), copper pattern proof 1 peso, (Argentina - Chile), 1874, small "1 PESO," PCGS PR64 Red, finest and only example in PCGS census. KM-X14 but in copper. Brilliant luster and original red color with mirrored proof fields and sharp strike, faint toning on rims and details. The 1874 issues like this one were fantasy propaganda, struck for Frenchman Orélie-Antoine de Tounens (misspelled as ORLLIE on the coins) for his self-proclaimed Kingdom of Araucania and Patagonia, where he had struck an alliance with the local Mapuche natives, who agreed to his stature under the promise of French arms and assistance against the Chilean army, which soon arrested and deported him to France. Pedigreed to the Val y Mexía Collection.
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