SANTO DOMINGO. Santo Domingo - Venezuela. 1/4 Real, ND (ca. 1813-20). Ferdinand VII. NGC AU-55. EMO-913.1 (Plate coin); KM-2; Cal-120. Type 1 with "S.D" dividing denomination. Overstruck on 1813 Maracaibo Real (KM-3). A stunning example of this overstruck issue, EXTREMELY RARE in this elite state of preservation. The product of a forceful but uneven strike, it displays a remarkable hybrid of the undertype and overtype. The obverse shows the crown and kings ordinal quite boldly on the right, coupled with a segment of the crisp and unmistakable central "M" for Maracaibo from the host coin. Moving to the reverse, we see the Santo Domingo initials and denomination sharply presented on the left, while the right side preserves an intact image of Ferdinands head. Across both sides, the coin exhibits wholesome uncorroded surfaces with limited wear and glossy brown patina. An ideal representative of the type that showcases generous detail from both of its strikings.<p><p><em>The seldom encountered copper coinage of Maracaibo struck during Venezuelas War for Independence was issued by order of Captain General Fernando Mijares 13 March 1813. Struck for a period of about six months, these issues were immediately met with disapproval by the local populace and were generally unaccepted by the public. These crude necessity issues were plagued by forgeries and coupled with the general dissatisfaction from the citizens were ultimately discontinued in September the same year. Research conducted by Venezuelan numismatic scholar Luis Roberto Ponte in the General Archives of the Indies in Seville revealed that a total of 4,987 pounds was exported to Santo Domingo on 15 January 1815. This piece of information gives an explanation as to why so few survivors known today.</em> <strong>To view all items from the EMO Collection, click <a href="https://auctions.stacksbowers.com/lots?sort=auction_date_lot_number_asc&search=EMO+Collection&limit=96&lots_range=upcoming"> here.</a></strong> From the EMO Collection.
