Mexico (1812-21) 8 reales
This specimen was lot 70273 in Stack's Bowers Collector's Choice sale (Costa Mesa, CA, November 2023), where it sold for $15,600. The catalog description[1] noted, "MEXICO. VLMP. War of Independence. 8 Reales, ND (1812-21). Ferdinand VII. PCGS Genuine--Damage, Fine Details; Countermark: VF Details. "VLMP" countermark on an 1812-D RM Durango mint 8 Reales. A VERY RARE countermark with few examples cited in any reference, and none on this host coin. The present example bears this elusive countermark quite boldly on its obverse. The host coin exhibits numerous deep file marks and a small drill mark, but it retains far more detail than the other hosts found to carry this countermark. The date, mint, assayer, and other details are easily readable. A deep mottled charcoal tone adds to the appeal of this unique specimen.
Though very few examples of this countermark are known, it has been the subject of some speculation regarding its meaning and origin. Adolfo Herrera lists the stamp under the category of British merchants' countermarks, which seems unlikely. More believable is the suggestion noted by Duffield that "VLMP" stands for "Valladolid Municipia", which could make sense since the city of Valladolid was one of the royalists' major command centers during the War of Independence. Valladolid produced some very rare provisional coinage in 1813 before the city fell to insurgent forces, but this countermark may also have been used by either faction around this time. That is speculative, however, and the true meaning of this mark remains shrouded in mystery. For examples struck on different hosts, see Scott Stamp and Coin Auction 3 (04/1891), lot # 624, Schulman's Howard Gibbs Collection sale (03/1966), lot # 49, and Ponterio & Associates Auction 56 (04/1992), Lot # 977."
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: silver.
Catalog reference: KM-unlisted; cf. Duffield-545.
- 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, November 2023 World Collectors Choice Online Auction - Ancient & World Coins, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers Galleries, Inc., 2023.
Link to:
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- Coins and currency dated 1812
- return to Mexican colonial coinage, 1536-1822