ARGENTINA. Mendoza. Imitation Cob 2 Reales, 818 (1823). PCGS VF-25 Gold Shield.

Janson-10.1(Plate coin). EXTREMELY RARE with only a couple of examples known. Similar in design to their contemporary Venezuelan imitative brethren with significant differences. No letters on either side of date or denomination, upside down tear drop stops on reverse flanked by individual larger stops at center of each cross end. As well as several other characteristics which differ significantly. In September of 1823 the mint suffered from a silver shortage. Concerned authorities attempted to address this issue by countermarking all currencies which appear to be silver by decree of December 12, 1823 and continued until April 27, 1824 when all counterfeits were withdrawn from circulation and exchanged for good specie. On January 30 the coinage of Mendoza was prohibited from entering Chile which included these countermarked issues. Author Hector Carlos Janson speculates that these issues were struck in Chile and smuggled into Mendoza where the laws concerning unofficial issues were quite lacks and the pieces could be countermarked and legitimized. He also speculates that the known examples without countermarks are the result of being left in circulation outside of the city in the more rural areas of Mendoza. An interesting aspect of Argentine numismatics which sure to add depth to even the most advanced of collections. Well struck on a large planchet with bold date, letters and denomination. The reverse exhibits a nice full bold cross with clearly defined lions and castles. Attractive old envelope tone with good eye appeal.

From the Fernando Marotta Collection.