TIMOR. Timor - Mexico. Pataca, ND (1900). PCGS Genuine--Chopmark, AU Details Gold Shield.KM-8; Gomes-C1.01.01; Vaz-TI.01; BES-01.00. Issued by Decree of 13 June 1900. Cross of Christ countermark applied to the obverse at 12 oclock between the rays on an 1884-MoMH Mexico Republic 8 Reales. strongSCARCE/strong. Three small well placed and unobtrusive chopmarks on the reverse account for the details designation. Rich old slate tone throughout with charcoal patina in the peripherals. The Cross of Christ is the insignia of the Order of Our Lord Jesus Christ, founded by Dinis I of Portugal circa 1317-19 and is the symbol of all Portuguese discoveries overseas. In the closing years of the 19th Century Timor, under the authority of Macau, saw a large influx of false coins. In an attempt to mitigate this problem, the above decree was issued and all incoming coins were to be brought to the local government for inspection. If found to be correct, they were marked with the Cross of Christ and placed back into circulation. From the Kyle Ponterio Collection.
