MOROCCO. Morocco - Spain. Pistareen (2 Reales), ND (prior to 1814). VERY GOOD.

cf. KM-412.1 (for basic type); cf. Cal-640 (for basic type). Weight: 5.38 gms. This VERY RARE, charming and well-worn survivor exhibits even wear with hints of luster in the protected areas and minor earthen deposits amongst the devices adding to its originality. A small Arabic countermark within shaped indent applied to the obverse of 1788-M M Spain 2 Reales (Pistareen) of Charles III, right of the bust and slightly doubled muddling the script and is illegible, adding a bit character and intrigue. This highly interesting issue is sure to pique the interest of many numismatic scholars and is sure to add depth to the next collection it enters. Trade between Spain and North African and Ottoman rulers increased steadily over the centuries due to the gradual signing of trade agreements. Spain's import of grains, such as wheat and barley, as in past centuries made up the vast majority of the trade commodities. When European harvests yielded poor results, local prices soared causing Spain to focus on the readily available and inexpensive Moroccan grains. Other imported products included livestock, dried peas and beans, oranges, chickens, wax, hides and textiles from the ports of Dar al-Beida (Casablanca), Mogador, and Safi. The chief and most important export from Spain to Morocco was its silver Piaster (Peso) and its subdivisions such as the Pistareen. By 1814 trade between these two countries slowed down quite a bit due to wars with Britain and France, especially while the British were blockading Spain's coasts. The attribution to Morocco for this and the following lot is due to a group of 5,000 Head Pistareens (2 Reales) that contained just two countermarked pieces. Though the meaning is unclear, the marks appear to be purposeful with the stamps being applied to the same location. These interesting issues present a great opportunity for the academic collector seeking to conduct scholarly research.