SPAIN. Falsa Época. Gilt Platinum Contemporary Counterfeit 4 Escudos, 1786-M DV. Uncertain Local Mint "Madrid"; Assayer DV. Charles III. EXTREMELY FINE.13.53 gms. cf.Cal-Type 37 (for basic type); cf.KM-418.1a (for basic type). Contemporary counterfeit 4 Escudos struck in imitation of a 1786-M DV Spain 4 Escudos of Charles III. The legends are "CAROL.III.D.G. HISP.ET IND.R. ✿1786✿"; Reverse: "IN.UTROQ.FELIX..AUSPICE.DEO .M..DV.". The style and execution is fairly close, but a bit on the cartoonish side, exhibiting a bold strike with most of the gilding intact and only minor portions on the high points where the platinum underneath is shining through. Clearly an example that would have passed at the time with signs of handling with light circulation. A lightly toned example displaying attractive even honey-gold patina throughout with minor debris amongst the devices adding to its originality.From the John Kraljevich Collection of Contemporary Circulating Forgeries.
