4 Shillings 1½ Pence (Type II countermark on Mexican 8 Reales of Carl III) ND (1802-1805) front 4 Shillings 1½ Pence (Type II countermark on Mexican 8 Reales of Carl III) ND (1802-1805) back
4 Shillings 1½ Pence (Type II countermark on Mexican 8 Reales of Carl III) ND (1802-1805) photo
© Dix Noonan Webb

4 Shillings 1½ Pence Type II countermark on Mexican 8 Reales of Carl III ND

 
Silver (.917) 11.92 g 40 mm
Description
Issuer
Tortola (British Virgin Islands)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1802-1805
Value
4 Shillings 1½ Pence
Currency
Dollar (1801-1825)
Composition
Silver (.917)
Weight
11.92 g
Diameter
40 mm
Shape
Half circle
Technique
Countermarked, Cut
Demonetized
Yes
Updated
2024-10-08
References
Numista
N#157385
Rarity index
100%

Reverse

Cut Mexican 8 reales piece, which has a crowned shield surrounded by legend.

Script: Latin

Lettering: [HISPAN · ET · IND · REX · Mo · 8R · F · M]

Translation: [King of Spain and the Indies, Mexico City 8 Reales]

Comment

Countermark on a 1/2 cut of Mexican 8 Reales; the countermark may either appear on the obverse or reverse.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about this coin is that it was created as a form of currency for the British Virgin Islands during a time when the islands were facing a severe shortage of coinage. The British government authorized the production of these coins, which were made from silver and featured a unique countermark on the Mexican 8 Reales of Carl III. This coin is a rare and valuable piece of numismatic history, highly sought after by collectors today.