St. Martin (1817-20) 18 stuivers
The first specimen was lot 25936 in Heritage sale 3032 (Chicago, April 2014), where it sold for $2,820. The catalog description[1] noted, "Dutch Administration 18 Stuivers ND (1817-20), VF20 NGC. A cut fifth segment of a Spanish Colonial 8 Reales countermarked ST MARTIN within a shaped segment, and seven bonded arrows within a shaped indent. A tad lightweight as usual (official weight is ca. 54.4 grams) but a rather choice specimen of this rare countermarked issue. Ex: Baldwin's (b. 1964 with ticket)." The second specimen was lot 2448 in Stack's Bowers NYINC sale (New York, January 2022), where it sold for $4,560. The catalog description[2] noted, "SAINT MARTIN. 3 Reaals (18 Stivers), ND (ca. 1817-20). NGC GOOD-6; Countermark: F Standard. 'S MARTIN' within shaped indent and bundle of arrows countermarks applied to the obverse of a cut 1/5 Spanish colonial bust 8 Reales presumably of Charles IV (IIII). Both countermarks are well applied, though slightly uneven, on a well-worn and attractive host. The surfaces are smooth exhibiting even wear displaying lovely rich cabinet patina with minor earthen deposits in the protected areas adding to its originality. This cut type occasionally appears on the market and is usually highly contested for by West Indies and world countermark collectors alike. According to Pridmore these issues were a joint venture of the French and Dutch administration authorizing an increase in value of the Dollar from 12 to 15 Reaals. Also, this indicates a later issuance period of 1817-20." St. Martin is an island in the Caribbean long divided between France and the Netherlands. During one of its chronic coin shortages, Spanish colonial dollars were cut into fifths and traded as 18 stuiver pieces. They are today rare; this specimen sold for five times the catalog value.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: The host coin was 0.896 fine silver before it was punched. The first specimen is 4.644 grams, the second specimen 3.63 g.
Catalog reference: KM 12, Sch-1416; Prid-Fig. 37.
- 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]Bierrenbach, Cristiano, Warren Tucker and David Michaels, Heritage World and Ancient Coins Auction 3032, Dallas, TX: Heritage Auction Galleries, 2014.
- [2]Orsini, Matt, Kyle Ponterio and Jeremy Bostwick, The 2022 NYINC Sale: World and Ancient Coins, featuring the Mark and Lottie Salton Collection and the Pat Johnson Collection, Costa Mesa, CA: Stack's Bowers LLC, 2021.
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