Louisiana--New Orleans. (ca. 1811-1815) Planters Bank Counterstamp on a cut down 1/4 section of a Spanish-American 8 reales. HT-124, Low-82A. Rarity-6. AU-53 (NGC). 5.54 grams. A superior example of this prized Louisiana issue, and one with a fascinating backstory. Warm steel and dove-gray toning throughout, with no post-production blemishes of consequence. The host has a crudely reeded edge, applied after it was cut down. The countermarks are nicely executed and sharply detailed. The border of the NOUVELLE ORLEANS punch is soft from 3 oclock to 9 oclock due to the curvatures in the plane of the host. The PB punch is evenly and deeply impressed. The Garrett specimen brought $15,600 in its most recent appearance in our March 2020 Auction, lot 344; it was certified AU-55 at the time. This piece is nearly its equal in terms of quality, and with a rich provenance it is surely deserving of a strong price. It was discovered by our consignor while metal detecting in southern Louisiana, near New Orleans, on the site of an 18th century sugar cane plantation. A number of War of 1812 era military buttons were discovered at the same time, which provides further evidence for the ca. 1811-1815 date range that Rulau gives for this types production. Found by our consignor while metal detecting in south Louisiana near New Orleans, at the site of a sugar cane plantation dating to the 1700s. Also found on the site were several War of 1812 era military buttons.
