Heritage World Coin Auctions
CSNS Signature Sale 3083 24 & 27 Apr 2020
View prices realized
► Sale information
Find similar lots
Grenada
British Colony gold Counterstamped 66 Shillings ND (1798) VF, cf. KM2 (Rare; with stamped plug), Prid-19 (this coin), cf. Gordon-107. 30mm. 11.60gm. Struck over a contemporary counterfeit Brazil Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1771-R (cf. KM172.2 for official issue). Countermarks and host extremely fine. An intriguing piece, apparently double-regulated, first by the island of Grenada and later by the island of Martinique.
Following the proclamation by the President of Grenada on 31 July, 1798, Brazilian and Portuguese 6400 Reis (both authentic and forged) weighing at least 9.33gm were plugged with gold in order to raise their weight to a legal specification of 11.66gm so that they could legally pass as 66 Shillings. A margin of error among goldsmiths gave rise to slight variances, though this example is remarkably close to the mandated weight. The plug was then countermarked with the goldsmith's script initials: "IW," "WS," or "JR." Three incuse "G" countermarks were also spaced along the perimeters to prevent clipping, which may be observed on the present example. However, this particular piece is the only known specimen that lacks a countermark on the plug itself.
The addition of a second countermark below the central plug, that of an eagle below the numeral "20", all within a T-shaped indent, would indicate a later counterstamp under the authority of Martinique, following the regulation of 26 September, 1805 valuing these pieces at 22 Livres (cf. KM35). The relative dating of the the different countermarks is further supported by, upon close inspection, the very slightly finer state of preservation of this countermark in comparison to that of the Grenada countermarks and of the host.
Ex. E. Roehrs Collection, Part I (DNW Auction B7, September 2010, Lot 235); R. Strauss Collection (privately purchased from A.P. de Clermont, March 2000); S.A.H. Whetmore Collection, Part I (Glendining Auction, March 1943, Lot 241)
https://coins.ha.com/itm/grenada/grenada-british-colony-gold-counterstamped-66-shillings-nd-1798-vf-/a/3083-31108.s?type=CoinArchives3083
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 6000-8000 USD
British Colony gold Counterstamped 66 Shillings ND (1798) VF, cf. KM2 (Rare; with stamped plug), Prid-19 (this coin), cf. Gordon-107. 30mm. 11.60gm. Struck over a contemporary counterfeit Brazil Jose I gold 6400 Reis 1771-R (cf. KM172.2 for official issue). Countermarks and host extremely fine. An intriguing piece, apparently double-regulated, first by the island of Grenada and later by the island of Martinique.
Following the proclamation by the President of Grenada on 31 July, 1798, Brazilian and Portuguese 6400 Reis (both authentic and forged) weighing at least 9.33gm were plugged with gold in order to raise their weight to a legal specification of 11.66gm so that they could legally pass as 66 Shillings. A margin of error among goldsmiths gave rise to slight variances, though this example is remarkably close to the mandated weight. The plug was then countermarked with the goldsmith's script initials: "IW," "WS," or "JR." Three incuse "G" countermarks were also spaced along the perimeters to prevent clipping, which may be observed on the present example. However, this particular piece is the only known specimen that lacks a countermark on the plug itself.
The addition of a second countermark below the central plug, that of an eagle below the numeral "20", all within a T-shaped indent, would indicate a later counterstamp under the authority of Martinique, following the regulation of 26 September, 1805 valuing these pieces at 22 Livres (cf. KM35). The relative dating of the the different countermarks is further supported by, upon close inspection, the very slightly finer state of preservation of this countermark in comparison to that of the Grenada countermarks and of the host.
Ex. E. Roehrs Collection, Part I (DNW Auction B7, September 2010, Lot 235); R. Strauss Collection (privately purchased from A.P. de Clermont, March 2000); S.A.H. Whetmore Collection, Part I (Glendining Auction, March 1943, Lot 241)
https://coins.ha.com/itm/grenada/grenada-british-colony-gold-counterstamped-66-shillings-nd-1798-vf-/a/3083-31108.s?type=CoinArchives3083
HID02906262019
© 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
Estimate: 6000-8000 USD