Costa Rica (1846) c/m 2 reales KM-55
The first specimen was lot 1021 in Sedwick Auction 37 (Winter Park, FL, May 2025), where it sold for $3,240. The catalog description[1] noted, "COSTA RICA, 2 reales, 1846 JB counterstamp (Type V) on a Lima, Peru, cob 2 reales, 1706 R, ex-Ponte. Excellent full counterstamp (XF, fully detailed) in center of unusually round cob host (Fine) with clear date below cross, all three assayers and two mintmarks, nicely toned but with small hole near edge. Pedigreed to the Luis R. Ponte Collection." The second specimen was lot 41166 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Oklahoma City, OK, August 2025), where it sold for $2,400. The catalog description[2] noted, "COSTA RICA. Costa Rica - Peru. 2 Reales, 1846. San Jose Mint. NGC FINE-12; Countermark: VF Standard. Type V countermarks: "Radiant sun over mountains" and "Ceiba tree with 2-R" within circular punches on the obverse and reverse of a 1688-L R Peru Cob 2 Reales of Charles II. The countermarks are bold and even on a decently preserved host with a clear date and mintmark on the reverse. A pleasing example displaying rich slate patina in the protected areas with lighter coloration in the high points with a hint of iridescence adding to its eye appeal. A RARE early host that should pique the interest of advanced collectors." The SCWC lists a variety of coins counterstamped by Costa Rica in the early 1840's, from half reales to eight reales, all now very rare. Doubtless they were withdrawn and melted as soon as possible. The first example realized 21 times the catalog value.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: host coin: 6.77 g, 0.931 fine silver, the first specimen 6.07 grams.
Catalog reference: KM-55.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Gurdian, Raul, Contribucion al Estudio de las Monedas de Costa Rica: 100 Años de Colon, 2a Ed., San José, Costa Rica, 1997.
- Stickney, Brian, A Monetary History of Central America, New York: American Numismatic Society, 2017.
- [1]Sedwick, Daniel Frank, Augi Garcia, Cori Sedwick Downing, Connor Falk and Sarah Sproles, Treasure Auction 37, World, U.S Coins and Paper Money, featuring the Almenara Collection of Colonial Peruvian Gold Coins, Winter Park, FL: Daniel Frank Sedwick LLC, 2025.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, August 2025 Global Showcase Auction, World & Ancient Coins, featuring The Richard August Collection and the Richard Margolis Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2025.
Link to:
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- Costa Rica (1846) c/m 8 reales KM-62 on a Mexico klippe 8 reales
- 1846 ½ escudo
- 1848 ½ escudo
- (1848) c/m on a United States bust half dollar
- Coins and currency dated 1846