SPAIN. Falsa Época. Sub-Standard Purity Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Escudos, 1788-M PJ. Uncertain Local Mint "Madrid"; Assayer PJ. Charles III. ALMOST UNCIRCULATED.
20.23 gms. Onza-1458 (same dies), 1441 & 1463 (dated 1778 & 1789, same reverse dies); cf.Cal-Type 10 (for basic type); cf.KM-409.1 (for basic type). Contemporary counterfeit 8 Escudos struck in imitation of a 1788-M PJ Spain 8 Escudos of Charles III. The legends are "CAROL.III.D.G. HISP.ET IND.R. .1788."; Reverse: "IN.UTROQ.FELIX AUSPICE.DEO .M. PJ.". The style and execution are quite well done in fine style and well struck with sharp details. An attractively toned and well preserved example that displays lovely honey-gold tone throughout with hints of orange amongst the devices. A neat example of this light weight counterfeit. Another example where linking of the dies is suggestive of significant production runs. It is interesting to note that the other examples that share the reverse of the present piece all weigh about the same in the 20 gram range and all bare the effigy of Charles III.
From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries. Ex: Stack's Bowers & Ponterio ANA Auction August 5 & 7, 2014 Lot # 1604 (with lot tag).
Estimate: $900.00- $1200.00