SPAIN. Falsa Época. Gilt Platinum Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Escudos, 1776-S JN. Uncertain Local Mint "Seville"; Assayer JN. Charles III. EXTREMELY FINE.
27.04 gms. Onza-1438 (same dies), 1468 (dated 1794, same reverse die), 1480 & 1497 (dated 1798 & 1801 with the bust of Charles IV, same reverse die); cf.Cal-Type 29 (for basic type); cf.KM-409.2 (for basic type). Contemporary counterfeit 8 Escudos struck in imitation of a 1776-S CF Spain 8 Escudos of Charles III. The legends are "CAROL.III.D.G. HISP.ET IND.R. .1776."; Reverse: "IN.UTROQ.FELIX..AUSPICE.DEO .S..JN.". The style and execution is fairly well done in fine style and was obviously done by a skilled engraver, clearly this would have passed in circulation at the time. The piece exhibits a bold strike and good definition of the fine details with most of the gilding still intact, only minor area of the high points showing the platinum underneath. Deep mottled patina in the peripherals with minor encrustation amongst the devices. An attractive well made and nicely preserved example sure to complement any collection of 8 Escudos. The linking of the reverse die to multiple "dates", the use of two different bust types and different legends all done in fairly good fine style is suggestive of employment of skilled engravers and massive output by this unofficial minting facility done over an extended period and is suggestive of sophistication not normally associated with counterfeits of this type.
From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries. Ex: Stack's Bowers & Ponterio ANA Auction August 2, 4 & 7, 2017 Lot # 21503.
Estimate: $900.00- $1200.00