GRENADA. Contemporary Counterfeit Bitt (9 Pence), ND (ca. 1787 or earlier). VERY FINE.
2.13 gms. cf.KM-1; cf.Prid-1. Crude imitation of an incuse "G" with three widely spaced raised lines on a slightly lightweight cut 1/11th of a Spanish colonial bust 8 Reales of Charles III. Countermark deeply impressed and clear. The host coin exhibits nice detail and displays light grey tone atop of the devices with slate patina in the protected areas. According the Fred Pridmore the earliest notice of local coinage for Grenada is contained in the 21 March 1787 Act. It valued the dollar at 8 Shillings 3 Pence (8s 3d) currency or 11 Bitts. The dollar was cut into eleven pieces to make Bitts valued at 9 Pence currency with each being stamped with a letter G. The Act also discusses the results of unscrupulous persons who had cut dollars into a greater number of parts than the stipulated eleven pieces, which was to the detriment of the general public. The above Act also states that from the time of publication of the aforesaid authority that no more Dollars were to be but and valued the cut Bitts at a reduced value of 6 Pence.
From an old South African Collection of a British Colonial family. With NGC "Contemporary Counterfeit" ticket.
Estimate: $200.00- $300.00