This pattern was struck as Costa Rica's monetary authorities explored denominations and compositions ahead of formal currency reforms in the early 1850s. The 8 escudos designation placed it within the old Spanish colonial accounting system still in use across Central America at the time, while the "onza" designation reflects the weight standard rather than an official circulating unit — Costa Rica never struck a standard 8 escudos gold coin for general circulation.
Tin was almost certainly chosen for pattern purposes as an inexpensive die-testing medium, not as a proposed circulating composition.
This pattern was struck as Costa Rica's monetary authorities explored denominations and compositions ahead of formal currency reforms in the early 1850s. The 8 escudos designation placed it within the old Spanish colonial accounting system still in use across Central America at the time, while the "onza" designation reflects the weight standard rather than an official circulating unit — Costa Rica never struck a standard 8 escudos gold coin for general circulation.
Tin was almost certainly chosen for pattern purposes as an inexpensive die-testing medium, not as a proposed circulating composition.