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8 Reales - Isabella II Countermark on Philippines 8 Reales
| Issuer | Philippines |
|---|---|
| Year | 1834-1837 |
| Type | Log in to see details |
| Value | 8 Reals |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Diameter | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | The obverse of the host coin features a right-facing laureate and draped bust of Ferdinand VII occupying the central field, with the date 1820 inscribed in the exergue. The circumferential legend reads FERDIN • VII • DEI • GRATIA, interrupted by dot separators. A small Isabella II countermark — depicting a crowned 'Y II' monogram — has been applied over the upper portion of the effigy, near the crown, and a suspension hole pierces the flan immediately above at the rim, consistent with use as a jewelry or pendant piece. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Log in to see details |
| Obverse lettering | Y • II • • FERDIN • VII • DEI • GRATIA • 1820 (Translation: Ferdinand VII by the Grace of God.) |
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| Additional information |
Between 1834 and 1837, the Spanish colonial administration in Manila countermarked circulating 8 reales — mostly pillar-type and portrait macuquinas from various American mints — with the crowned F7 or young head of Isabella II to authenticate them for continued local use. The practice addressed chronic coin shortages in the archipelago, where remittances to Spain and trade outflows perpetually drained the silver supply. Countermarked coins could not legally be exported, which was the point.
The host coin's origin mint matters considerably to value here. Pieces struck at Potosí or Lima carry different collector premiums depending on legibility of the original assayer marks beneath the countermark.