MEXICO, First Republic. 1823-1863. German Silver(?) 4 Reales (33mm, 12.45 g, 12h). Contemporary counterfeit. Zacatecas mint. Dated 1831 Zs OM. AU.

Electronic Auction 580
Lot: 968.
Closing Date: Feb 5 2025 10:00 ET

World, Silver

Estimate: $ 200

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MEXICO, First Republic. 1823-1863. German Silver(?) 4 Reales (33mm, 12.45 g, 12h). Contemporary counterfeit. Zacatecas mint. Dated 1831 Zs OM. Eagle standing facing on cactus, head right, wings spread, grasping snake in beak and right talon; all atop laurel and oak wreath / Liberty cap; glory of rays in background. Edge: plain. Cf. BW 205.10; cf. KM 375.9 (for official issue). Lustrous, diagnostic die break in obverse legend. AU. Extremely rare.

From the Alexander Christopher Collection.

Mexican silver was the de facto currency of North America throughout the early 19th century and as such saw a host of counterfeits made in Mexico, the United States, and Europe. Most commonly seen are the 8 Reales counterfeits of the colonial period, followed by the 2 Reales. Counterfeits of the Mexican Republic are also known in these denominations, though remain mostly unstudied by numismatists. The 4 Reales, followed by the 1 Reales, are the least commonly counterfeited. On the present example, the collector recorded it as being struck in white metal, though to this cataloger the warmly toned and slightly lustrous surfaces suggest either German silver or a thin silver wash over a similar alloy.

Closing Date and Time: 5 February 2025 at 15:22:20 ET.

All winning bids are subject to a 20% buyer’s fee.