1/2 Real Cartagena

Historical Context: This 1/2 Real copper coin was issued by the City of Cartagena during a pivotal period in New Granadan history, 1811-1814. On November 11, 1811, Cartagena declared its absolute independence from Spain, becoming one of the first regions in Spanish America to do so. These emergency issues were necessitated by a severe shortage of circulating currency and served as a powerful symbol of the city-state's nascent sovereignty amidst the tumultuous "Patria Boba" (Foolish Fatherland) era. This period was characterized by intense internal conflicts among independent factions and constant threats from royalist forces, underscoring Cartagena's strategic importance as a major Caribbean port.

Artistry: Specific engraver names for these early Cartagena independence issues are generally not recorded, reflecting the urgency and provisional nature of their production. The artistic style is typically rudimentary, functional, and utilitarian, prioritizing clear denomination and issuer identification over elaborate design. These pieces often feature simple patriotic or civic motifs, or merely the denomination and date, executed with varying degrees of crude craftsmanship. The lack of sophisticated minting infrastructure during this wartime period meant that local artisans, rather than classically trained engravers, were responsible for die production, resulting in a distinct, often provincial aesthetic devoid of known signatures.

Technical/Grading: As a 21mm copper emergency issue from a period of conflict, these coins are frequently encountered with significant planchet imperfections, uneven strikes, and heavy circulation wear. Key high-points for grading include the clarity of the legends (e.g., "CARTAGENA" or "LIBERTAD"), the definition of any central device (often a sun or shield), and the date. Full details on the highest points of any design elements are rare. Expect weak strikes, particularly at the center and edges, and common evidence of environmental damage or corrosion typical of copper coinage from this era. Higher grades will exhibit sharp legends and minimal planchet flaws.