© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
½ Escudo Type VII Counterstamp ND
| Gold (.875) | 1.685 g | 14 mm |
| Issuer | Costa Rica |
|---|---|
| Period | First Republic (1848-1948) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1849-1857 |
| Value | ½ Escudo (8) |
| Currency | Real (1841-1864) |
| Composition | Gold (.875) |
| Weight | 1.685 g |
| Diameter | 14 mm |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled, Counterstamped |
| Demonetized | 24 October 1896 |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#17161 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 88% |
Reverse
Type VI countermark: Lion inside circle with lettering around. In 5mm circle.
Script: Latin
Lettering: HABILITADA POR EL GOBIERNO
Translation: Enabled by the Government
Comment
Host coin: Central American Republic ½ Escudo KM#13Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the ½ Escudo (Type VII Counterstamp) ND (1849-1857) from Costa Rica is that it was minted during a time of economic and political turmoil in the country. The coin was issued during the administration of President Juan Rafael Mora Porras, who was facing a severe economic crisis and was forced to debase the currency to pay off foreign debts. As a result, the ½ Escudo coin was minted with a lower gold content than previous issues, which caused inflation and devalued the currency. Despite these challenges, the coin remains a valuable collector's item and a piece of Costa Rican history.
