Summary

Silver Emergency coin; Denomination: Half-Dollar
George III (1760-1820)

Counterstamped Spanish American 4 Real coin issued by Treasury with a value of 2 shillings 4 1/2 pence to supplement a deficiency in British silver coins (Grueber p. 150). The original coin a 1773 J.R. 4 Real from the Potosi Mint, Bolivia (KM#54)

Obverse Description

At the centre of the original coin obverse a small oval counterstamp bearing a laureate bust of George III facing right. The original coin has a laureate and draped bust of Charles III facing right; around, CAROLUS III DEI GRATIA 1773

Reverse Description

Crowned square topped shield quartered with lions and castles between two pillars; incuse on ribbon draped around pillars, PLUS ULTRA; around HISPAN ET IND REX PTS (monogram) 4R JR

Edge Description

raised circles and rectangles

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