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1/2 Bit
| Issuer | Martinique |
|---|---|
| Year | 1770-1772 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | The obverse retains the legends of the Spanish colonial host coin, a 2 Reales struck for Charles III. A large irregular triangular hole has been cut from the center of the planchet, a characteristic feature of Martinique's countermarking practice to produce fractional currency. The partial Latin legend •CAR•III•D•G•HISP•ET IND•R• (Carlos III, by the Grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies) is visible around the periphery, partially interrupted by the cutout and edge notches. The coin's surface shows the remnants of the original Spanish milled design, now heavily worn and altered by the cutting process. The field surrounding the central void retains traces of the original die work from the host coin. |
|---|---|
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| Reverse description | The reverse displays the surviving partial legend of the Spanish colonial host coin surrounding the large central triangular cutout, characteristic of Martinique's Type IV fractional bit coinage. The inscription VTRA QUE VNUM (Both as One) along with the mint mark Mo (Mexico City), date 1761, and assayer mark M are partially legible around the void. The reeded inner edge of the original coin's milled border is visible adjacent to the cutout, while the outer rim retains notched cutouts consistent with the regulated countermarking procedure applied under French colonial authority. The overall fabric reflects the host coin's original strike quality, significantly altered by the deliberate cutting process. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
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