EAST ASIA. Indonesia (Uncertain). Contemporary Imitation 8 Reales, ND (ca. 1820). Local Mint; Assayers letters JJ. VERY FINE.25.82 gms. cf.KM-111(for basic type). Struck in imitation of a Mexico city bust 8 Reales of Ferdinand VII. The portrait of Ferdinand is very reminiscent of the crude bust styles found on a number of War for Independence issues with completely blundered legends "IIID-VIIII- -DEI-GIAIA- -8-280"; Reverse: Crude arms of Spain with completely blundered legends "-III8I-I-I-XEI-:DNIIF-I-I-8I-I-I-". Both the obverse and reverse contain letters in retrograde, inverted or sideways. Very interesting and strongRARE/strong displaying attractive rich old envelope tone.Placing this issue to East Asia is speculative, but was done so because of the crude style closely resembling the imitative 8 Escudos found in East Asia in the style of Charles III with similar style letters, see our auction Stacks Bowers & Ponterio ANA Auction August 8, 2012 Lot # 40206. From the Kyle Ponterio Collection.With PCGS "Contemporary Counterfeit" ticket.
