BRITISH HONDURAS. British Honduras - Mexico. Dollar (6 Shillings 1 Penny), ND (ca. 1818-20). PCGS EF-40 Gold Shield; Countermark: EF Details.KM-stamp not listed; Prid-stamp not listed; Roehrs Collection Pt.1-Lot # 7(same stamp); Gibbs Collection-Lot # 1559(same stamp); Levy-Fig.XII.19-RG.10 (same stamp on host coin). Incuse crowned block letters "GR" countermark on an 1818-MoJJ Mexico 8 Reales of Ferdinand VII. strongSCARCE/strong countermark variety. Countermark somewhat crude in style and boldly applied to the obverse, small die crack in top of crown from left in an upward arc terminating at the raised portion of the right side. A lovely example of the type with rich old envelope tone displaying attractive slate grey patina throughout highlighted by golden, blue and red iridescent hues.The fact this type shows up as host coins for Brazilian 960 Reis undoubtedly proves that these countermarks are contemporary to the period. Famous collector and author Major Fred Pridmore speculates that the merchants of the settlement applied the various crowned "GR" countermarks to dollars for trade with the indigenous Indian tribes between 1810-1818. Prior to 1810 the primary barter item with the Indians were cutlass blades stamped with "GR" and in an attempt to continue trade applied a similar mark to dollars continuing the accustomed unit of value. Stamping coins in this manner would not require official authority since it wouldnt have affected their currency value in the settlement. Unfortunately, due to the lack of official contemporary documentation the attribution to British Honduras is uncertain.From the Kyle Ponterio Collection.
