COLOMBIA. Falsa Época. Sub-Standard Purity Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Escudos, 1821-P FM. Uncertain Local Mint "Popayan", Assayer FM. Ferdinand VII. VERY FINE.26.94 gms. cf.Onza-1530 (dated 1812, same reverse die); cf.Cal-Type 21 (for basic type); cf.KM-66.2 (for basic type). Contemporary counterfeit 8 Escudos with a fantasy date of "1821" struck in imitation of Colombia 8 Escudos of Ferdinand VII with the bust of Charles IV. The legends are Obverse: ".FERDND.VII.D.G. HISP.ET IND.R. 1821."; Reverse: ".IN.UTROQ.FELIX..AUSPICE.DEO. P..F.M". The style and execution are quite well done very clearly passing in circulation for an extended period of time. The reverse is shared by the 1818-P FM and 1819-P FM, also in this sale, exhibiting the same characteristics with the "X" in "FELIX" having been re-cut. Somewhat of a weak central strike on the reverse commonly found on legitimate mint products of the time, but with complete designs. Overall a handsome and well produced example with a nice old skin and minor debris amongst the devices lending to its originality. Light rose color is noticed atop of the central high points while a rich honey-gold is in the open fields and atop of the legends all complemented by rich orange patina in the peripherals. A neat representative of a contemporary counterfeit, certainly from the aspect of having a fantasy date after Colombia had gained independence. Another example where the linking of the reverse die to other known pieces, but with different dates and die states. This shows the sophistication of the unofficial minting facility, that they employed skillful hands and significant production runs. Probably well outside the scope of the issuing authority since the date was never produced as an official mint product.From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries.Ex: Eldorado Collection.
