VENEZUELA. Provisional Imitative 2 Reales, 800 (ca. 1813-17). PCGS EF-45 Gold Shield.KM-unlisted; Rosenman-pg.34 (Plate coin). Overstruck on a siege of Cartagena 1814 copper 2 Reales. <strong>SCARCE</strong> date host coin. Similar in design to the other imitative cobs of Venezuela with a crude rendition of the pillars on the obverse and lions and castles on the reverse. These issues also bare the "L - M" flanking the shield as is common from this series. According to Richard Rosenman these were struck under the direction of Viceroy Francisco Montalvo. A number of fictitious dates exist including 100, 88o, 8oo, 777, 111, ooo, 444 and 8o8 with other possible dates. An interesting series which deserves further in depth research. Minor encrustation amongst the devices. Overstrike well applied nearly obliterating the under type, but slightly uneven leaving remnants of the host. Attractive mottled patina.
