MEXICO. Falsa Época. Sub-Standard Purity Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Escudos, 1805-Mo FM. Uncertain Local Mint "Mexico City", Assayer FM. Charles IIII (IV). VERY FINE DETAILS.26.54 gms. Onza-1501 (same dies), 1512 (dated 1808, same reverse die) & 1521 (armored bust type of Ferdinand VII dated 1810, same reverse die); cf.Cal-Type 8 (for basic type); cf.KM-159 (for basic type). Contemporary counterfeit 8 Escudos struck in imitation of a 1805-Mo TH Mexico 8 Escudos of Charles IIII (IV). The legends are Obverse: "CAROL.IIII.D.G. HISP.ETIND.R. .1805."; Reverse: "IN.UTROQ.FELIX..AUSPICE.DEO .Mo..FM.". The style and execution is pretty good and clearly passed in circulation for a long period escaping the melting pot. The legends are fairly neat and well spaced done in good style. Several light pin scratches from long ago appearing to having been acquired in circulation are noted on the kings shoulder and behind the bust mentioned for accuracy. A decently struck survivor with somewhat soft centers on the reverse which is common for legitimate issues. An attractively toned example with pale gold color on the high points with golden-honey in the open fields and butterscotch and orange patina in the protected areas. A neat piece sure to add depth the next collection it enters.Obviously a skilled engraver was employed in the manufacturing of this piece as the style is close to legitimate Mexican issues of the time. Its also interesting to note the sharing of the reverse die to other dates, such as the 1808-MoFM also in this sale, and subsequent bust types. The style is close, but the assayers letters are incorrect for all dates involved. The FM assayer for Mexico was last used in 1801 when new letters "FT" for the assayers began being used. From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries.
