Guatemala (1839) 8 reales KM-111.5
This specimen was lot 41065 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2026), where it sold for $31,200. The catalog description[1] noted, "GUATEMALA. Guatemala - El Salvador - Peru. 8 Reales, 1839. PCGS MS-62; Countermark: UNC Details. Type 2 Guatemala sun over mountains countermark and Type 2 El Salvador "Zig-zag" countermark on 1839-LIMA M B 8 Reales. In intriguing specimen bearing not one, but two distinctive countermarks, both Guatemalan and Salvadoran, highlighting rather extensive trading within Latin America, all while not displaying any signs of circulation or drawdown. The countermarks are bold and deep, and the surfaces of the host are sparkling with luster, with a few spots of deeper tone. A piece with a unique story that demands much attention at auction." This is a foreign eight reales counterstamped in Guatemala in 1840. It is a 'Type II', meaning that only the obverse was stamped. This particular method was used only in 1839. Foreign crowns were counterstamped from 1839-1841, during a time at which the Central American Republic was in a state of collapse and the country of Guatemala was emerging as an independent entity.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: host coin 27.07 g, 0.903 fine silver.
Catalog reference: KM-111.5.
- 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.
- Raymond, Wayte, The Coins of Central America, Silver and Copper, 1824-1940, New York: Wayte Raymond Inc., 1941.
- Robinson, Charles, The Coins of Central America, 1733-1965, San Benito, TX: 1965.
- Stickney, Brian, A Monetary History of Central America, New York: American Numismatic Society, 2017.
- [1]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, January 2026 NYINC Showcase Auction, Ancient and World Coins, featuring the Kazmier Wysocki Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2025.
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