COLOMBIA. Falsa Época. Sub-Standard Purity Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Escudos, 1818-NR JF. Uncertain Local Mint "Nuevo Reino", Assayer JF. Ferdinand VII. CHOICE VERY FINE.26.93 gms. Onza-1545 (same dies); cf.Cal-Type 24 (for basic type); cf.KM-66.1 (for basic type). Contemporary counterfeit 8 Escudos struck in imitation of a 1818-NR JF Colombia 8 Escudos of Ferdinand VII with the bust of Charles IV. The legends are Obverse: ".FERDND.VII.D.G. HISP.ET IND.R. 1818."; Reverse: ".IN.UTROQ.FELIX..AUSPICE.DEO. NR..J.F". Somewhat crude and distinct style of the bust of Charles IV, but with decent looking legends. The style of the reverse is quite similar to the contemporary counterfeit 1810-P JF, also in this sale, with minor differences in the placement of design features. The obverse is well struck while the reverse exhibits a weak strike that can be associated with legitimate issues from the time. The smooth surfaces display moderate handling with nice honest wear and lovely light orange to orange-red patina amongst the devices and in the protected areas. An attractive survivor with a somewhat goofy looking bust sure to add depth to the next collection it enters.The interesting stylistic difference of this piece would suggest a location outside the scope of the issuing authority. Though the style of the reverse does resemble the 1810-P JF of high style, the obverse was very clearly done by a different hand. The weight and color would have been good enough to pass in circulation in a foreign land and by comparison does carry the proper legends of correct pieces of the time from this mint. From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries.
