MEXICO. Falsa Época. Mexico - Colombia. Overstruck Contemporary Counterfeit 8 Escudos, 1819-Mo JJ. Uncertain Local Mint "Mexico City", Assayer JJ. Ferdinand VII. VERY FINE DETAILS.26.41 gms. Onza-1549 & 1397 (same dies), 1391 & 1483 (dated 1800, same reverse dies), 1395 (bust of Ferdinand VII dated 1817, same reverse die) & 1396 (same reverse die, possibly same obverse die); cf.Cal-Type 21/24 (for basic type, under Colombia); cf.KM-66 (for basic type, under Colombia). Contemporary counterfeit 8 Escudos in imitation of a 1819-Mo JJ Mexico 8 Escudos of Ferdinand VII, but with Colombian style bust, overstruck on a 1849-RS Bogota, Colombia 16 Pesos. The legends are Obverse: "FERDND.VII.D.G. HISP.ET IND.R. .1819."; Reverse: "IN.UNTROQ.FELIX. AUSPICE.DEO Mo..JJ.". The style and execution are very clearly different then what it was purporting itself to be with a bust style that is no where near what Mexican colonial gold looked like. The obverse shows areas of die rust, though not as much as the other overstruck 1819-Mo JJ also in this sale, and much like the other example the reverse die remained intact. Several digs near the rim from long ago now toned over with old patination at 12 oclock on the reverse mentioned for accuracy. Overall a well struck and nicely centered example with nearly no signs of the underlying host coin. The piece exhibits nice honest wear with nice old envelope tone showing attractive golden-honey color in the open areas and darker sunset hues in the peripherals and the protected areas.These overstruck issues are quite interesting in that many dies were involved in there manufacture. The linking of the reverse dies to different dates with different bust types and legends is indicative of massive output which would also equate to a large profit. From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries.Ex: Daniel Frank Sedwick Treasure Auction # 18 October 28-30, 2015 Lot # 139.Ex: Daniel Frank Sedwick Treasure Auction # 14 October 30, 2013 Lot # 210.
