Watch List notes:

BOLIVIA. Falsa Época. Gilt Platinum Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Escudos, 1771-IS R. Uncertain Local Mint; Assayer R. Charles III. EXTREMELY FINE.
26.82 gms. Onza-1429a (same dies); cf.Cal-Type 18 (for basic type); cf.KM-59 (for basic type). Contemporary counterfeit 8 Escudos with a fantasy date "1771", crude fictitious mint mark monogram "IS" and assayers letter "R" struck in imitation of a Bolivia 8 Escudos of Charles III. The legends are obverse: "CAROL.III.D.G.HISP.ET IND.R. .1771."; Reverse: ".IN.UTROQ.FELIX. .AUSPICE.DEO. IS..R.". The obverse die shows signs of die rust in several locations indicating prolonged use. Most of the gilding remains intact with areas of the high points where the platinum is showing through. A well struck and executed example done in fine style and certainly good enough to pass at the time. The piece exhibits smooth bright surfaces and appears to have been lightly cleaned long ago, but has since dulled down and is quite attractive. A neat piece with lots of character certain to pique the interest of even the most advanced collector.

It is interesting to note that prior to 1778 the Potosi Mint did not strike bust 8 Escudos. In fact, the Potosi Mint had not issued gold of any type previous and was solely producing silver specie under the Vice-royalty of Peru. This simple fact is a point in favor of the current survivor being accepted in circulation at the time and in the area it is purporting itself to be from. It is also possible that these were produced in Colombia with fictitious mint marks/assayers letter as gold found in that region is quite heavy in platinum which was a bi-product from the refining process and could be found in abundant supply.

From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries.

Ex: Daniel F. Sedwick Treasure Auction # 19 May 18-19, 2016 Lot # 232 (with lot ticket).

Estimate: $900.00- $1200.00