© Baldwins of St James Ltd
© Baldwins of St James Ltd
15 Réis - Maria II Countermarked over "15 Réis" ND
| Copper | 7 g | 20 mm |
| Issuer | Portuguese India |
|---|---|
| Queen | Maria II (1834-1853) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1850-1853 |
| Value | 1 Atiá= ¼ Tanga= 15 Réis (1⁄40) |
| Currency | Rupia (1706-1880) |
| Composition | Copper |
| Weight | 7 g |
| Diameter | 20 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-05 |
| Numista | N#48833 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
One interesting fact about this coin is that it was countermarked over an existing 15 Réis coin, which was issued by the Portuguese government in 1850-1853. The countermarking was done by the Portuguese India authorities, who added a small stamp or marking to the coin to indicate that it was valid for use in their colonies. This process was done to help control the flow of currency in the colonies and to prevent the use of counterfeit coins. The fact that this coin has been countermarked makes it a unique and interesting piece of numismatic history.
