MEXICO. War of Independence. Guadalajara. 8 Escudos, 1821-Ga FS. Guadalajara Mint. Ferdinand VII. NGC AU-53. Fr-53; KM-161.1; Cal-Type-20#62. Plain Bust type. An elusive and extremely popular type that is especially desirable when located in a state as attractive as the present piece. Upon immediate inspection, ones eyes are drawn to strong reflective qualities that enliven the fields. A second glimpse confirms that no sizable marks have marred the surfaces and as a result of this careful handling, light apricot-golden tone adorns the obverse, strengthening ever-so-slightly on the reverse to shadow the raised surfaces. Better than perhaps 95% of the examples weve seen, the strike is just short of complete, with the most visible softness appearing in the typical location, at the top left quadrant of the reverse shield. All considered, one of the most collectible examples weve seen of this type, regardless of grade; for this reason, a coin that is sure to be hotly contested by specialists and type collectors alike.
