Hi all, I take it the countermark refers to Ferdinand VII and the date is the last year of his reign. But, is it genuine and if so any ideas on what its worth? Thanks
These formed part of the counterstamped coinage of the Philippines which was instituted in 1828 with a decree from the Spanish Gov. General for coins made in the "insurgent" colonies. The F7 countermark was used from 1832-1834 and the date of your coin is within that period. In order of rarity the peruvian host coins which in your case minted in Lima or LIMAE(the mintmark is a contraction of these letters) from 1828-1834 were the most common. Peruvian host coins minted in Cuzco or those with dates earlier than 1828 will fetch a higher premium. Your coin looks genuine and in that condition I would say you can get $50-$60 for it.
Thanks for that Dos Mundos, I wasnt sure if it was genuine or not. As I live and work in Southeast Asia its almost impossible to buy the genuine thing!! Such a problem with counterfeits here........
No problem . There are some things of note that seem peculiar, like the weak strike of the 7 in F7 but we must remember that these dies(counterstamp) were struck by hand at the Casa Moneda de Manila and the dies were said to wear quickly or even chip in some places so that would explain that. I would be more concerned with counterfeits if the host coins were more rare or when the oval F7 counterstamp was used which fetch a higher price.
Dos Mundos, I dont know if you seen the pics of this Spanish coin? GDJMSP told me it was counterfeit. I was wondering what exactly to look for with these coins? (Is it what looks like a number 8?) The link: (Click on the photo to get a blow-up) http://photobucket.com/albums/b126/coinsandsuch/?start=20
If you're referring to the 1741 Pillar Dollar or "Dos Mundos" as it is referred to here in my country I would have to agree that it seems like a fake. I'm no expert and have no claims of being one but here are my observations. The edge and rim is too flat. The Pillar dollars have "Laurel leaf" edges and each leaf set is raised somewhat making the edge a little more "bumpy". The fake ones I've seen have the laurel leaves engraved on the edge making it appear flat. There's nothing wrong with the "8". What's suspect about it is the granular surface which looks like it's a cast copy(then again some sea salvaged or corroded specimens sometimes look like that). The Letters also aren't as distinct as is usually seen in these coins which aside from being one of the most beautifully designed are also one of the most nicely struck.
Mulligan - The give away with your coin are the denticles - the little things around the inside of the rim that look like teeth. Take a look at your coin - then look at these. See the difference ?