Obverse: Armored bust right Obverse Legend: FERDIN• VII • DEI • GRATIA Reverse: Crowned shield flanked by pillars Countermark: T at left, pillars at right, pomegranate below |
Ruler: Ferdinand VII Circulated - Rare Cast Silver Countermarked Chihuahua 8 Reales Silver Crown Mexico War of Independence Royalist Insurgent Coinage T & Pomegranate Countermark You Will Receive Coin in Photos Please Pay within 3 Days of Purchase !!! Low Shipping to USA !!! Shipping Always Combined to USA - Request Invoice !! $ 7.50 International - Up to 5 Oz - Will Have Tracking ! $ 5.00 to Canada - Up to 5 Oz - Will Have Tracking !! Mexican War for Independence Coinage: The Mexican War for Independence coinage is one of the most fascinating, diverse and complex series in all of Latin American numismatics. This short series is rich in history and can provide a rewarding experience for collectors at all levels. But beware; it is poorly cataloged, so a learning curve and some bumps along the way should be expected. 1810-1814 - Necessity Issues From 1810 to 1814 both Royalists and Insurgents issued necessity coinage and counter-stamped issues. Prior to the start of the WFI in September of 1810, Provincial capitals shipped bullion to Mexico City, which was coined and then returned. But during this early period, Insurgents controlled large parts of Mexico, effectively severing these local mining centers from the Royal Mint. Out of necessity, local authorities resorted to casting or minting coinage for commerce and to pay the troops. Most branch mints started by either (1) issuing a Provisional coinage of local design or (2) casting coins from Mexico City hosts and then applying a validation stamp. Near the end of 1812 it appears that the authorities in Mexico City forbid the use of Provisional designs. To comply, the branch mints of Durango, Guadalajara, Guanajuato and Zacatecas began minting the Ferdinand VII draped bust design. The rarity of all these draped bust issues dated 1812 attests to this timing. Valladolid and Chihuahua were laggards, making the transition in 1813 or shortly thereafter. In 1811 Insurgent groups also began producing their own coinage for commerce. Coined silver was much more useful than silver bars for purchasing supplies or paying soldiers. Both the Royalist and Insurgent necessity issues of this early period were crudely produced and of generally poor quality. Both weight and fineness could vary considerably. Because of this poor quality, the local inhabitants, who for generations had been accustomed to the excellent Mexico City coinage with its’ reliable silver content, were reluctant to accept these necessity issues. This led both Royalist and Insurgent authorities to counterstamp the necessity issues as official verification of their value. |