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

cf. KM-430.1 (for basic type); cf. Cal-609 (for basic type). Weight: 5.83 gms. This VERY RARE and very interesting issue exhibits even wear with hints of luster and minor earthen deposits in the protected areas. A small Arabic countermark within shaped indent applied to the obverse of 1800-M FA Spain 2 Reales (Pistareen) of Charles IIII (IV), right of the bust with slightly muddled script. This wholesome looking survivor is pleasing to the eye and is sure to catch the attention of many academic collectors. 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.