CUBA. Cuba - Mexico. 8 Reales, ND (ca. 1872-77). PCGS AU-58+ Gold Shield.KM-R3. Variety B, long and thin key. Countermark applied twice to the obverse of 1873-MoMH Mexico Republic 8 Reales. strongEXTREMELY /strongstrongRARE/strong in this state of preservation and the finest example we have ever seen. First countermark slightly unevenly applied while the second is quite strong. A beautiful representative of the type with lovely mottled multi-colored patina highlighted with luster in the protected areas. A magnificent survivor of this normally well circulated and problematic issue destined for an advanced collection of Caribbean issues. Countermark UNCIRCULATED. The Key has long been an icon of Cuba for centuries first being used in the Arms of Havana in the 1580s and used in various forms since that time. The island itself is often referred to as the "Key to the Americas" as well as the "Queen of the Antilles". During Cubas first War for Independence also known as the Ten Years War (1868-78) the Key was used in what would eventually become the arms of the Republic of Cuba. All known examples of these key countermarks are found on host coins from either Mexico or the United States of America dated prior to the end of the Ten Years War. Although the exact origins of these key countermarks are unknown, at this time it is the belief of this cataloger that these are a Cuban issue of some nature and as such are of significant historical value to the island.From the Kyle Ponterio Collection.
