Watch List notes:

GREAT BRITAIN. East Asia - Great Britain - Mexico. Dollar (4 Shillings 9 Pence), ND (1797). George III. PCGS Genuine--Chopmark, VF Details, Countermark: EF Details.
S-3765A; KM-632. Authorized 9 March 1797. Countermark: Bank of England Type I; Raised bust of George III within oval indent. Applied to the obverse of a 1781-Mo FF Mexico bust 8 Reales of Charles III (KM-106). This highly interesting and well traveled survivor exhibits not only the official Bank of England oval countermark, but numerous small and medium chopmarks on both sides indicative of heavy circulation in the far east. The countermark, amazingly unscathed by the chops, is bold and complete on a technically moderately worn host with remaining luster in the protected areas. A light gray tone offers this sophisticated numismatic relic a pleasing appearance that is sure to add depth the next collection it enters.

It is interesting to note that aside from the later Trade Dollars, British coins are seldom encountered with chopmarks. Occasionally coins bearing a British countermark such as the Bank of England or Merchant issues can be found coupled with other markings, usually consisting of official government issues of foreign nations. To our knowledge very few British issues appear to have circulated in the Orient, but since the Spanish 8 Reales was the preferred form of specie it makes sense that the present example was accepted and chopped while in commerce. A real treat for the specialist seeking interesting and unusual items relating to international trade.

Estimate: $800 - $1200