$3,495.00 USD
– SOLDThe 1849–1857 Costa Rica Gold 1/2 Escudo with a counterstamp represents a unique period in the nation’s monetary history, reflecting the economic and political challenges of mid-19th century Central America. During this time, Costa Rica, like many Latin American nations, faced difficulties in securing a stable national currency. To address this, foreign gold coins—often from neighboring countries like Colombia or Peru—were counterstamped to validate their circulation within Costa Rica. This practice ensured a reliable supply of high-quality coinage while asserting governmental control over monetary policy.
The obverse of the host coin features the portrait or national emblem of the country where it was originally minted. Since various foreign coins were counterstamped, the exact design can vary. However, the counterstamp itself, often marked with the initials "LM," was applied by Costa Rican authorities to authenticate the coin for legal use within the country’s economy.
The reverse of the host coin retains its original design, with the denomination and issuing country's coat of arms or emblem still visible. The Costa Rican counterstamp does not completely obscure these details but instead serves as an official mark of approval.
The 1/2 Escudo was a small but significant gold denomination used for everyday transactions. The counterstamping process reflects Costa Rica’s reliance on foreign coinage due to its limited domestic minting capabilities. The AU58 grade indicates that the coin saw limited circulation, preserving much of its original detail and making it highly desirable to collectors. This coin is historically relevant as a tangible representation of Costa Rica’s early efforts to establish a stable financial system while navigating economic and geopolitical challenges in the mid-19th century.
