© Heritage Auctions
© Heritage Auctions
4 Reales Type IV Counterstamp
1846 year| Silver (.917) | 13.5337 g | - |
| Issuer | Costa Rica |
|---|---|
| Period | Free State (1838-1847) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1846 |
| Value | 4 Reales |
| Currency | Real (1841-1864) |
| Composition | Silver (.917) |
| Weight | 13.5337 g |
| Shape | Cob |
| Technique | Counterstamped, Hammered (cob) |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | 19 July 1849 |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#78620 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 92% |
Reverse
Reverse stamp: Tree divides value within circle. With legend on outer circle.
Second stamp: 4 inside square.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
HABILITADA EN COSTA-RICA J.B.
1• R•
4
Translation:
Enabled in Costa Rica Juan Barth
1 Real
4 Reales
Comment
Type IV countermark consisted of both Obverse and Reverse aligned dies. For bigger denominations an additional stamp was added with the correct value inside a small square.Host coin: Guatemala 4 Reales 1733 - 1746J KM#5
Interesting fact
The 4 Reales coin from Costa Rica, minted in 1846, has an interesting feature. It bears a counterstamp, which is a secondary stamping that was applied to the coin after it was minted. This counterstamp, known as the Type IV Counterstamp, was used to indicate that the coin had been assayed, or tested, for its silver content. This process was important for ensuring the coin's authenticity and value, and it adds a unique element to the coin's design.
