CUBA. Cuba - Mexico. 8 Reales, ND (ca. 1872-77). PCGS Genuine--Tooled, VF Details. KM-R3; ANS-1916.999.132. Variety B, long and thin key. Countermark applied to the obverse of an 1877-ZsJS Mexican Republic 8 Reales. A <strong>VERY SCARCE</strong> mint for this series and a seldom encountered denomination that appears on the market with much less frequency than the minors. Another interesting facet is that the host date appears to be the latest recorded date for series with few examples bearing this date regardless of mint or denomination. The countermark is boldly applied with clear diagnostics to a moderately worn host displaying rich mottled gray patina. Close inspection reveals numerous scratches on both the obverse and reverse accounting for the details designation. Despite its shortcomings a handsome example of the type sure to add depth the next collection it enters.<p>The Key has long been an icon of Cuba for centuries first being used in the Arms of Havana in the 1580s and used in various forms since that time. The island itself is often referred to as the "Key to the Americas" as well as the "Queen of the Antilles". During Cubas first War for Independence also known as the Ten Years War (1868-78) the Key was used in what would eventually become the arms of the Republic of Cuba. All known examples of these key countermarks are found on host coins from either Mexico or the United States of America dated prior to the end of the Ten Years War. Although the exact origins of these key countermarks are unknown, at this time it is the belief of this cataloger that these are a Cuban issue of some nature and as such are of significant historical value to the island.
