Crossing the Block: A Probably Unique Struck Silver 1812 Supreme National Congress 8 Reales

In our upcoming Stack’s Bowers and Ponterio January 2012 auction, being held January 6^th , 7^th and 9^th, in conjunction with the New York International Numismatic Convention, we feature many exciting and interesting coins and paper money from around the world. 

An interesting highlight from the sale is an 1812 8 Reales struck in silver from the Supreme National Congress (Supreme National Council). This is extremely rare, totally unpublished and probably a unique discovery. The coin is 22.78 grams, Ferdinand VII (1808-21). The KM is unlisted, but similar to 208 although in silver, and the EL is unlisted as well. The coin has a Jose Maria Liceaga countermark.

Rarely does Mexican numismatics offer collectors new discoveries that are entirely new type coins, especially  an 8 Reales.  Previous to the discovery of this coin, this type was only known struck in copper. Much like the copper “SUD” coinage of Oaxaca, this type was intended to be struck in copper as a necessity issue or promissory type, with the intention of being redeemed for gold or silver once it became available. Although this type was previously unknown produced in silver, it is entirely reasonable that such a coin should exist. Like the “SUD” coinage of Oaxaca, although rare, some examples were produced in silver. It is reasonable to assume that during these turbulent times, some entities would not accept the copper promissory issues, and required that payment be made in silver for goods or services. Although somewhat light in weight, this piece is clearly made of good silver and would be considered favorable to many of the debased and/or copper issues circulating during this time. To add to its rarity,at some point this coin changed hands to the forces of Jose Maria Liceaga, at which point it was countermarked. Interestingly enough, Jose Maria Liceaga was a present participating party at the Suprema Junta Nacional Gubernativa.