SPAIN. Falsa Época. Gilt Platinum Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Escudos, 1776-M FA. Uncertain Local Mint "Madrid"; Assayer FA. Charles III. CHOICE EXTREMELY FINE.
27.16 gms. Onza-1434 (same dies); cf.Cal-Type 10 (for basic type); cf.KM-409.1 (for basic type). Contemporary counterfeit 8 Escudos struck in imitation of a 1776-M PJ Spain 8 Escudos of Charles III. The legends are "CAROL.III.D.G. HISP.Et IND.R. .1776."; Reverse: 'IN.UTROQ.FELIX AUSPICE.DEO .M. FA.". The style of the bust is pretty fairly close and exhibits slightly rough surfaces from light die rust, while the reverse is fairly close in style also with signs of die rust and other degradation. The piece exhibits a nice bold strike with good definition of the details and is well preserved with much remaining gilding intact. The legends are somewhat crude with slightly misshapen letters with a somewhat goofy date. A couple of minor scuffs are noticed on the reverse, but are hardly distracting, mentioned for accuracy. A nice wholesome example with a couple of areas where the white colored platinum is peeking through. An attractive piece that displays pale golden color on the high points of the obverse coupled with lovely honey-gold tone in the open fields and rich sunset hues in the protected areas of the legends. The reverse displaying more of mottled sunset hues combined with honey-gold color throughout. A pleasant example sure to be a welcome addition to the next collection it enters. A classic date for American collectors of "1776", though the present example was most like produced at a much later time period given that the Assayers letters began being used in 1802 for this mint. An interesting piece with a fictitious mintmark/assayer combination.
From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries.
Estimate: $900.00- $1200.00