COLOMBIA. Falsa Época. Sub-Standard Purity Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Escudos, 1803-NR JJ. Uncertain Local Mint "Nuevo Reino", Assayer JJ. Charles IIII (IV). CHOICE EXTREMELY FINE.
26.82 gms. Onza-1499 (same dies); cf.Cal-Type 15 (for basic type); cf.KM-62.1 (for basic type). Contemporary counterfeit 8 Escudos struck in imitation of 1803-NR JJ Colombia 8 Escudos of Charles IV. The legends are Obverse: "CAROL.IIII.D.G. HISP.ETIND.R. .1803."; Reverse: .IN.UTROQ.FELIX. .AUSPICE.DEO. NR..JJ". The style of execution is somewhat crude, but passable, with mis-cut and mis-shapen letters and digits, while the style of the bust and reverse die through quite close are done by an unfamiliar hand. The piece displays a decent strike very similar to genuine examples which commonly exhibit flat spots from lack of pressure coupled with light to modest wear most prevalent on the high points. A bit on the bright side, but with a nice look exhibiting light rose color atop of the devices. A handsome example in fairly high grade certain to add depth to the next collection it enters. The style in which the present example exhibits suggests an area of circulation outside the proximity of where genuine examples would have been issued. Taking into consideration that the closer to the issuing authority the forgers were, the higher the quality of craftsmanship needed to be to go undetected. Clearly the present piece survived the melt and passed in circulation.
From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries.
Estimate: $900.00- $1200.00