The Lyall Collection of Cut and Countermarked Coins

Dominica, Issues c. 1816-1818, Three Bitts (presumed, authority not traced), a Charles III, 2 Réales, 1774fm, Mexico City, centrally pierced with a hexagonal hole, 4.60g/71.3gr (cf. Prid. Not Attributed 35 [not in Sale]). Fair, extremely rare
£200-260

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Lyall Collection of Cut and Countermarked Coins.

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Collection

Provenance: Bt 1987.

Several specimens of this type (contemporary counterfeits occur on pistareens) have been noted in Dominica which almost certainly indicates this is a Dominica issue. It is logical to identify the Spanish-American 2 réales with the hexagonal piercing to be a 3 bitt denomination and the Spanish 2 réales (pistareen) with the circular piercing to be a 2 bitt denomination