BRITISH HONDURAS. British Honduras - Mexico. Dollar (6 Shillings 1 Penny), ND (1810-21). George III. PCGS AU-50, Countermark: AU Details.
KM-2; Prid-2. Countermark: Raised crowned script "GR" within ovaloid indent, late die state. Applied to the obverse of a 1818-Mo JJ Mexico bust 8 Reales of Ferdinand VII (KM-111). Countermark showing signs of degradation slightly unevenly applied with several die characteristics, a die chip at the base of the left leg of the "R" and another die chip between the "G" and "R" with a faint vertical crack leading to the back base of the upper portion of the "G". This nicely preserved example displays lovely rich old cabinet patina with underlying luster in the protected areas and a slight iridescent sheen. A SCARCE issue found above extremely fine that is sure to see spirited bidding from quality conscious collectors.
According to famous collector and author Fred Pridmore, all of the so-called British Honduras countermarks were applied by merchants to facilitate trade with the local indigenous Indian tribes. However, due to lack of contemporary documentation this is speculative.
Ex: Stack's Bowers Galleries Americana Sale (9/2011) Lot # 856.
Ex: Coin Galleries (7/2005) Lot # 591.
Estimate: $1000 - $1500