Pattern coins from Bolivia at the turn of the century were rarely produced for circulation trials — they were more often diplomatic or presentation pieces, struck to demonstrate technical capability or to pitch a proposed design to the mint authorities. This gold striking of what would otherwise be a minor silver denomination is almost certainly a presentation piece rather than a practical production sample; minting a 50 centavos piece in gold .900 makes no economic sense as a circulation test.
The Paris Mint handled much of Bolivia's coinage production during this period, and KM#Pn53 almost certainly originates there rather than at any domestic facility.
Pattern coins from Bolivia at the turn of the century were rarely produced for circulation trials — they were more often diplomatic or presentation pieces, struck to demonstrate technical capability or to pitch a proposed design to the mint authorities. This gold striking of what would otherwise be a minor silver denomination is almost certainly a presentation piece rather than a practical production sample; minting a 50 centavos piece in gold .900 makes no economic sense as a circulation test.
The Paris Mint handled much of Bolivia's coinage production during this period, and KM#Pn53 almost certainly originates there rather than at any domestic facility.