MARTINIQUE. Martinique - Brazil. 22 Livres, ND (ca. 1805). EXTREMELY FINE Details; Countermark: Extremely Fine. Fr-2; cf. KM-37; cf. Prid-pg. 242 Fig. 22; Gordon-Fraud B. Weight: 14.24 gms. Issued by decree of 26 September 1805. Countermarked 22 above eagle within shaped indent with bar between appiled to the obverse of a seemingly genuine 1772-R Brazil 6,400 Reis of Jose I. The countermark is deeply applied with bold details, though a small portion of the first digit is slightly obscured, on a nicely preserved lightly circulated host. The surfaces are relatively smooth with light signs of circulation and even wear displaying a pale golden coloration with richer coloration amongst the devices and protected areas. Inspection of the reverse reveals an "X" on either side of the arms of Portugal from long ago now slightly subdued showing their age accounts for the details designation. Despite its short comings a handsome example of the type from this highly collected and studied area of numismatics. <p><em>Officially, the decree calls for all "Portugueses or Moidores" (4,000 Reis or 6,400 Reis) on the island to be taken to the public treasury for verification and to be marked. If found to be genuine they were to be marked with 22 and an eagle. According to numismatic scholar Ralph Gordon, he lists the present mark in his book "West Indies Countermarked Gold Coins" published in 1987 as Fraud B, a modern concoction. This mark is characterized by a dividing bar between the "22" and "Eagle". More recent scholars such as Bob Lyall and Ken Eckhardt believe that the marks identified as Frauds by Gordon are contemporary. Also, Gordons Fraud B has been identified as early as 1914 on other examples and minor gold issues not specific to the authorizing decree. This cataloger is not convinced that these are indeed frauds, but am unable to definitively say they are legitimate issues. At any rate a charming example of the type that would make a great addition to the academic collection seeking to further their knowledge and understanding of the series. </em>
