Cuba (1872-77) 50 centavos KM-R5.3
This specimen was lot 22248 in Stack's Bowers ANA sale (Anaheim, CA, August 2016), where it sold for $1,410. The catalog description[1] noted, "CUBA. 50 Centavos, ND (1872-77). PCGS VF-20. Short and thick key countermark on a 1866 United States Half Dollar. Far more scarce than Mexican coinage with similar countermarking. A significant piece and sure to incite heated pursuit." This countermark was applied to various Mexican and U.S. coins during the Ten Years War (1868-78), the first major revolt against Spanish rule. The second revolt, beginning in 1896, attracted American support, leading to the Spanish-American War of 1898. Cuba received her independence in 1903 at the cost of becoming an American client state.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: host coin 12.5 g, 0.900 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-R5.3.
- Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.
- Byrne, Ray, Coins and Tokens of the Caribees, Decatur, IL: Jess Peters, Inc., 1975.
- [1]Ponterio, Richard, The August 2016 Anaheim ANA Auction: Ancient Coins, World Coins & Paper Money, Santa Ana, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2016.
Link to:
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- (1872-77) 50 centavos, key countermark on a U.S. bust half dollar
- (1872-77) 8 reales, key countermark on a Mexico republic 8 reales
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- (1872-77) peso, key countermark on a Mexico "balance scale" peso
- Coins and currency dated 1872
- return to coins of Cuba