Cuba (1841) 2 reales KM-2
This specimen was lot 73187 in Stack's Bowers Collectors Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, September 2023), where it sold for $168. The catalog description[1] noted, "CUBA. Cuba - Spain. 2 Reales, ND (1841). Isabel II. PCGS Genuine--Scratch, Good Details. Countermark: Lattice with sun in center. Issued by decree of 22 March 1841. Applied to the obverse of an 1806-M Spain (Madrid) 2 Reales (KM-430.1). A lovely example of this countermarked type, struck on a Spanish host coin that is well-worn, as is typical, but still easily identifiable and nicely toned. The noted scratch on the obverse is a minor distraction and within the expected handling found on this widely-circulated type." This countermark is fairly common in low grade. The countermark was also used to validate 4 reales on various hosts. While the mainland colonies were struggling to obtain independence from Spain, Cuba held aloof. The elite there, largely slaveholders, wanted no part of any social upheaval which might threaten their position. The explosion came later, after the Civil War ended slavery in the United States.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: host coin: 6.77 g, 0.812 fine silver, .176 troy oz ASW.
Catalog reference: KM-2.
- Byrne, Ray, Coins and Tokens of the Caribees, Decatur, IL: Jess Peters, Inc., 1975.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, September 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
Link to:
- (1841) lattice countermark on a Spanish 2 reales of Charles III
- (1841) lattice countermark on a Spanish (Seville) 2 reales of Charles IV
- (1841) lattice countermark on a Cadiz 2 reales of Ferdinand VII
- (1841) lattice countermark on a Seville 2 reales of Ferdinand VII
- (1841) lattice countermark on a Madrid 2 reales of Ferdinand VII
- (1841) lattice countermark on a Valencia 4 reales of Ferdinand VII
- (1841) lattice countermark on a Spanish 4 reales of Jose Napoleon
- (1841) lattice countermark on a Spanish 4 reales of Ferdinand VII
- Spain 1806-S CN 2 reales
- Coins and currency dated 1841