960 Réis - João Prince Regent Counterstanped Mexico 8 Reales, KM#105

发行方 State of Minas Gerais (Brazil)
年份 1808
类型 Standard circulation coin
面值
货币
材质 Silver (.917)
重量 27.07 g
直径 39 mm
厚度
形状 Round
制作工艺 Counterstamped
方向
雕刻师
流通至
参考资料 KM#245
正面描述 Circular counterstamp with reeeded border containing crowned arms and value. On host coin Mexico 8 Reales KM# 105.
正面文字 Latin
正面铭文 960
背面描述 Circular counterstamp with reeded border containing armillary sphere. On reverse of host coin.
背面文字
背面铭文
边缘
铸币厂
铸造量 ND (1808)
Numisquare 编号 3811540135
附加信息

Historical Context: The 1808 960 Réis marks a critical juncture in Luso-Brazilian history. Following Napoleon's invasion, the Portuguese Royal Family, led by Prince Regent João, relocated to Brazil. This necessitated a stable, high-denomination currency. Instead of new minting, foreign silver 8 Reales, primarily Mexican, were counterstamped to 960 Réis. This pragmatic act affirmed Portuguese monetary sovereignty in its new imperial capital, ensuring economic continuity during a period of profound geopolitical shift.

Artistry: The aesthetic significance of this issue lies in the functional artistry of the counterstamp. The host coin, a Mexican 8 Reales (KM#245), typically featured a Spanish monarch's bust and the Pillars of Hercules. The Brazilian counterstamp (KM#105) usually presents a crowned "J" or "JR" monogram and the value "960" within a cartouche, often applied over the original bust. This concise mark served as a powerful declaration of the coin's revalidated legal tender status and value under the Portuguese crown.

Technical/Grading: The technical qualities of the 960 Réis are inherently tied to its counterstamped nature. The host Mexican 8 Reales, with its .917 silver purity, 27.07 gram weight, and 39 mm diameter, provides a robust canvas. For grading, clarity and completeness of the counterstamp are paramount. High-points include the crown's details, the monogram's serifs, and the "960" numerals. Counterstamps often exhibit varying strike depths, sometimes causing ghosting. The underlying wear of the host coin significantly impacts overall appeal, with sharply impressed counterstamps on well-preserved hosts being highly prized.

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