2 Reales - Philip IV (Provisional countermarked coinage) ND (1663) front 2 Reales - Philip IV (Provisional countermarked coinage) ND (1663) back
2 Reales - Philip IV (Provisional countermarked coinage) ND (1663) photo
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2 Reales - Philip IV Provisional countermarked coinage ND

1663 year
Silver (.931) 6.77 g -
Description
Issuer
Guatemala
King
Philip IV (1621-1665)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Year
1663
Value
2 Reales
Currency
Real (1733-1859)
Composition
Silver (.931)
Weight
6.77 g
Shape
Cob
Technique
Countermarked, Hammered (cob)
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#75030
Rarity index
94%

Comment

Provisional coinage; before Guatemala was able to mint their own coins they had a steady supply of currency from Bolivia, Mexico and Peru. These coins were then stamped by the local authority to ensure people would accept them for trade as they would be backed up by the regional authorities. These coins were stamped around the middle of the 17th century. Most of the coins weren't even stamped and just circulated as they were.
And this was enough for the region for a while, until later the commerce grew and a local mint became a necessity and their own coins started mintage in 1733.

Type II Crown counter-mark on:

KM#B1.1 - Host coin Peru 2 Reales
KM#B1.2 - Host coin Potosí (Bolivia) 2 Reales
KM#B1.3 - Host coin Potosí (Bolivia) 2 Reales
KM#B1.4 - Host coin Potosí (Bolivia) 2 Reales KM#14
KM#B1.5 - Host coin Potosí (Bolivia) 2 Reales KM#14a

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was part of a provisional countermarked coinage issued during the reign of Philip IV of Spain, who ruled from 1621 to 1665. The countermark was a stamp or symbol added to the coin to indicate its authenticity and value, as there was a shortage of official coinage during this time. This coin, in particular, was issued in Guatemala and made of silver with a weight of 6.77 grams. Despite its age, it remains a valuable piece for collectors and historians, offering a glimpse into the economic and political history of the time.