Guadeloupe, Escalin, 1802
Countermarked RF - Silver - AU(50-53) - KM:2
Sold
RF countermark on a crown remnant.
Remains of the top of a laurel wreath.
Silver Escalin made in Guadeloupe from 1802 by the French authorities, with an "RF" countermark on a trapezoidal section, cut from an 8 reales coin of Charles IV of Spain, recognisable under the countermark by the crown and on the reverse by the piece of laurel wreath. The purpose of these cuts was to obtain small change, which was invariably in short supply in the West Indies. To do this, the centre of a 'gourde' (generally an 8 reales coin) was first cut out to make an octagonal coin of 4 escalins, then the remaining crown was cut into eight small sections, which were countermarked 'RF' to give them a value of one escalin each. The number of coins cut in this way is estimated to be around 2,000, giving an estimate of around 8,000 of these small divisional coins; however, very few have survived and those that have are considered very rare by collectors and are likely to number in the dozens at best.
RF
2.25 gr
Silver
Silver can fall into your pocket but also falls between copper and gold in group 11 of the periodic table. Three metals frequently used to mint coins. There are two good reasons for using silver: it is a precious metal and oxidizes little upon contact with air. Two advantages not to be taken for granted.
Here is thus a metal that won’t vanish into thin air.
It’s chemical symbol Ag is derived from the Latin word for silver (argentum), compare Ancient Greek ἄργυρος (árgyros). Silver has a white, shiny appearance and, to add a little bit of esotericism or polytheism to the mix, is traditionally dedicated to the Moon or the goddess Artemis (Diana to the Romans).
As a precious metal, just like gold, silver is used to mint coins with an intrinsic value, meaning their value is constituted by the material of which they are made. It should be noted that small quantities of other metals are frequently added to silver to make it harder, as it is naturally very malleable (you can’t have everything) and thus wears away rapidly.
The first silver coins probably date back to the end of the 7th century BC and were struck on the Greek island of Aegina. These little beauties can be recognized by the turtle featured on the reverse.
The patina of silver ranges from gray to black.
The millesimal fineness (or alloy) of a coin indicates the exact proportion (in parts per thousand) of silver included in the composition. We thus speak, for example, of 999‰ silver or 999 parts of silver per 1 part of other metals. This measure is important for investment coins such as bullion. In France, it was expressed in carats until 1995.
An “AU(50-53)” quality
As in numismatics, it is important that the state of conservation of an item be carefully evaluated before it is offered to a discerning collector with a keen eye.
This initially obscure acronym comprising two words describing the state of conservation is explained clearly here:
About Uncirculated(50-53)
This means – more prosaically – that the coin has circulated well from hand to hand and pocket to pocket but the impact on its wear remains limited: the coins displays sharp detailing and little sign of being circulated. The number (50-53) indicates that at least half of the original luster remains. Closer examination with the naked eye reveals minor scratches or nicks.
You might be wondering why there are different ranges of numbers behind the same abbreviation. Well, we’ll explain:
The numbers are subdivisions within a category, showing that the state of conversation is the same but coins may be at the higher or lower end of the scale. In the case of AU, the range (55-58) indicates that the luster is better preserved in than a similar coin described as (50-53).
