File:Costa Rica SB118-20106o.jpg

This specimen was lot 20106 in Stack's Bowers 2018 NYINC sale (New York, January 2018), where it sold for $10,200. The catalog description^[1] noted, "COSTA RICA. 2 Reales, 1846. PCGS FINE-12 Secure Holder. KM-unlisted; Gurdian-date not listed; de La Cruz Segura-date not listed; Brunk-1262(for type, Duffield "The Numismatist" 1919-22). Costa Rica Type V countermark; sun over mountains, legend around, date below; Reverse: Ceiba tree flanked by denomination, legend around. All on a United States 1841-O quarter, EXTREMELY RARE on an unlisted host coin. Coinage of the United States of America used as host coins are generally pretty rare as most early issues were struck in limited quantities for local use. Author Oscar de La Cruz Segura lists only 5 examples of USA coins being host for this countermark, 4 Half Dollars (1822, 1837, 1838 & 1843) and a Quarter Dollar (1825). The early works of F.G. Duffield "A Trial List of the Countermarked Modern Coins of the World" published in the Numismatist between August 1919-January 1922 listed only two specimens, 1825 and 1838 both listed as U.S.A. Quarter Dollars, but since the list is lacking in illustrations it is difficult to determine if both were actually Quarters and not another denomination by accident. Thus making this piece a new discovery. Countermark well applied though slightly uneven. Well worn as would be expected from the designated grade suggesting long use after the countermark was applied, but with plenty of detail. Attractive old cabinet tone. Countermark is VERY FINE Details."