MEXICO. VTIL. War of Independence. 2 Reales, ND (1810-21). Ferdinand VII. PCGS F-12; Countermark: VF Details.

KM-Unlisted. Royalist "VTIL" countermark on royalist (1811) Zacatecas LVO 2 Reales (KM-186). A VERY RARE example of this countermark used alone, unaccompanied by a prior insurgent countermark. As it is believed to have been used by royalists to revalidate coins countermarked by the insurgents, it is unclear why this example was produced. While the undertype lacks a date due to the crude off-center reverse strike, its use of the normal castles-and-lions iconography on the shield indicate a mintage date of 1811. The surfaces display undeniable circulation throughout but are pleasingly free of damage or cleaning. Highly interesting and unlikely to be offered again any time soon, this piece is a tempting opportunity for specialists in War of Independence countermarks.

Estimate: $400.00- $800.00