Catalog
| Issuer | Barbados |
|---|---|
| Year | 1718 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Value | 2 Bits (3⁄40) |
| Currency | Pound sterling (1627-1970) |
| Composition | Silver (.833) |
| Weight | 5.55 g |
| Diameter | |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Countermarked |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) |
| Obverse description | Countermarked Spanish 2 Réales displaying lions and castles. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering | I |
| Reverse description | Spanish 2 Réales displaying coat of arms. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | |
| Mint | |
| Mintage |
1718 - - |
| Numisquare ID | 4286052450 |
| Additional information |
Historical Context: The 1718 Barbados 2 Bit Countermark emerged under King George I, amidst acute currency shortage in British West Indies colonies. Barbados, a vital sugar producer, urgently required coinage for trade. Lacking a mint, the island utilized diverse foreign silver, predominantly Spanish-American reales. This '2 Bit' countermark was a crucial government initiative, validating foreign coins for local circulation, assigning a fixed value, and preventing their export, thus stabilizing the colonial economy.
Artistry: The 'artistry' of this countermark is purely functional; no specific engraver is attributed. The punch was a utilitarian tool. Its design typically features a simple numerical '2' or 'II,' often with an