COLOMBIA. 2 Reales Struck over Venezuela Imitative Cob, 1819-JF. PCGS VG-10 Secure Holder.Restrepo-139.1. Rosenman Plate Coin (pg. 62). 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-C13.2). 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 letter "L" from the imitative undertype is clearly visible by the pomegranate, with a portion of the cross potent boldly showing through the bust. A fully original and pleasantly toned item, entirely fit for an advanced collection of early Republic Colombian coinage.PCGS VG-10 Secure Holder.
