Catalogue
| Émetteur | Barbados |
|---|---|
| Année | 1718 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Valeur | 2 Bits (3⁄40) |
| Devise | Pound sterling (1627-1970) |
| Composition | Silver (.833) |
| Poids | 5.55 g |
| Diamètre | |
| Épaisseur | |
| Forme | Round |
| Technique | Countermarked |
| Orientation | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) |
| Description de l’avers | Countermarked Spanish 2 Réales displaying lions and castles. |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers | I |
| Description du revers | Spanish 2 Réales displaying coat of arms. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | |
| Tranche | |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
1718 - - |
| ID Numisquare | 4286052450 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
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