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4 Reales Type II Counter-mark
| Issuer | Guatemala |
|---|---|
| Year | 1839 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | Log in to see details |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| In circulation to | Log in to see details |
| Reference(s) | KM#85 |
| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Reverse of the hammered silver cob host coin displaying the characteristic cross design typical of Colonial Spanish macuquina coinage, with a bold flared cross dividing the field into four quadrants, each containing partial castles and lions from the arms of Castile and León. The quadrants show remnants of the crowned royal arms, though details are partially legible due to the irregular striking and worn surfaces inherent to cob coinage. A hole is visible at the right, consistent with that observed on the obverse. The flan edges are jagged and uneven, conforming to the irregular shape typical of this emergency issue type. |
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| Additional information |
Guatemala's early republican coinage was plagued by inconsistent silver fineness from the Central American Federation mints, prompting local authorities to implement counter-marking programs to authenticate and revalidate circulating pieces. The Type II counter-mark on this 4 Reales dates to 1839, the year Guatemala formally withdrew from the dissolving Federation — making these marked coins among the first monetary instruments issued under the newly independent Guatemalan state.
The specific punch used for Type II is distinct from the earlier Type I application and is documented in KM#85 as a separate catalogued variety.