BOLIVIA. Falsa Época. Gilt Platinum (Uncertain) Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Escudos, 1777-IS P. Uncertain Local Mint, Assayer P. Charles III. VERY FINE DETAILS.
26.78 gms. Onza-Unlisted; cf.Cal-Type 18 (for basic type); cf.KM-59 (for basic type). Contemporary counterfeit 8 Escudos with a fantasy date "1777", crude fictitious mint mark monogram "IS" and assayers letter "P" struck in imitation of a Bolivia 8 Escudos of Charles III. Very similar in style and execution with identical fictitious mint mark and letter punches to the contemporary counterfeit dated "1771" also in this sale. The legends are obverse: "CAROL.III.D.G. HISP.ET IND.R. .1777."; Reverse: ".IN.UTROQ.FELIUX. .AUSPICE.DEO. IS..P". File mark on edge at 12 indicating mount removal and showing the depth of the outer copper ring and a "white" metal central core. Some remaining gilding on the obverse somewhat obscured by thick dark patina and minor earthen deposits, while the reverse retains about half of the gilding in the fields and crevasses coupled with rich old patina in the peripherals. An interesting example with much character certain to be a welcome addition to the next collection it enters. A highly interesting survivor showcasing the ingenuity of the manufacturing process used to create this piece. At first glance it appears to be gilt platinum, but upon closer inspection a copper ring around the circumference is noticed with cracks following the rim near the edge on the obverse from about 4 to 6 and on the reverse from about 5 to about 8 indicating that a multi-step process was used in manufacture much like Sheffield plate. It appears that the present piece is a composite planchet where the obverse and reverse were conjoined with a core of a dense soft metal to bring the weight to an appropriate tolerance.
From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries. With collector's ticket.
Estimate: $800.00- $1000.00