cf.KM-C6; Restrepo-139-1. Struck by direct order of Simon Bolivar and of the highest historical importance. A single year issue in Restrepo, with "AMERICANA" in the obverse legend, and struck over an imitation 2 Reales of Venezuela (Caracas, KM-13.2). No republican coinage was struck in 1817 and 1818 with the Spanish Royalists having temporarily regained the upper hand in those years. When republican coinage was resumed in 1819 the legend had been changed to indicate the coins were struck for "United Provinces of New Granada" rather than just the province of Cundinamarca (Bogota). The decision to strike 2 Reales over the low silver alloy imitative coinage was driven by an acute shortage of any circulating medium. The letters "LV" from the imitative undertype are clearly visible through the forehead of the portrait, with a portion of the cross potent boldly showing through the stem of the pomegranate. This is only the third example we have handled and much nicer then normally seen. Fully original, never cleaned and without repairs, the piece seen here is without question one of the finest extant with excellent execution of the the overstrike nearly obliterating the undertype of this <strong>VERY RARE</strong> and desirable issue. Light attractive grey toning which deepens towards the edges with hints of iridescence.，NGC VF-20.，
