8 Reales - Isabella II Countermark on Philippines 8 Reales
| Issuer | Philippines |
|---|---|
| Year | 1834-1837 |
| Type | Emergency coin |
| Value | 8 Reals |
| Currency | Real (1700-1857) |
| Composition | Silver (.896) |
| Weight | 27.06 g |
| Diameter | 39 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled, Countermarked |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#B139 |
| Obverse description | Countermark on hole. Right facing bust of Ferdinand VII. |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
Y • II • • FERDIN • VII • DEI • GRATIA • 1820 (Translation: Ferdinand VII by the Grace of God.) |
| Reverse description | Countermark on hole. Coat of arms of Spain. |
| Reverse script | Latin |
| Reverse lettering |
Y • II • • HISPAN • ET • IND • REX • LIMAE • 8R • J • P • PLUS VLTRA (Translation: King of Spain and the Indies. Further beyond.) |
| Edge | |
| Mint |
LIMAE Lima, Peru (1565-date) |
| Mintage |
ND (1834-1837) LIMAE - Host coin 1810-1824. - |
| Numisquare ID | 1218038660 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context:The 8 Reales countermarked for Isabella II in the Philippines (1834-1837) reflects a turbulent era of Spanish colonial rule. Isabella II ascended the throne in 1833 as a minor under her mother's regency. Spain's First Carlist War caused profound political and economic instability. The countermark officially revalidated existing 8 Reales coinage—older Spanish or colonial issues—asserting the new monarch's authority and stabilizing currency supply in the distant Philippine islands.
Artistry:The primary artistry lies in the host coin's original design, typically a Neoclassical bust of Ferdinand VII or a Pillars of Hercules motif. The countermark, applied by a punch, is functional rather than artistic. It commonly features the royal cypher "Y II" (Ysabel II) surmounted by a crown, sometimes dated. The countermark's design is stark, authoritative, intended solely to re-legitimize currency, often partially obscuring the host coin's original motifs.
Technical/Grading:Grading this countermarked 8 Reales demands attention to both the host coin and the applied mark. For the countermark, key high-points prone to wear include the crown details and raised portions of the "Y II" cypher. A well-struck countermark exhibits clear, sharp details without excessive flattening or doubling; weaker strikes are common. Host coin high-points vary by type. The host coin's original strike quality and the countermark's impact significantly influence its overall grade.