Catalog
21/4 Pence TBO Countermark on French colonies 1 Stampee
| Issuer | Tobago |
|---|---|
| Year | 1798-1825 |
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| Composition | Billon (.208 silver) |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Reverse of the French Colonies 1 Stampee (2 Sols) host coin, displaying a crowned 'C' royal monogram in the central field, characteristic of French colonial coinage of the late 18th century. The crowned monogram is rendered in relief against a plain field. The host coin's original design elements remain visible, though the surface may show wear consistent with circulation prior to countermarking. |
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| Additional information |
Tobago changed hands repeatedly between Britain and France across the late eighteenth century, and the island's chronic shortage of small change drove colonial administrators to authorize countermarked French Caribbean billon as a stopgap. The "TBO" punch on a French colonial stampee was a crude but practical solution — locally validating foreign coinage rather than waiting on London to supply purpose-struck pieces.
The wide date range reflects how long this improvisation had to last.