31403: British Colony Countermarked Bitt ND (1770-1772)

British Colony Countermarked Bitt ND (1770-1772) VF30 PCGS, KM17.1 (under Martinique), Prid-19 (under Dominica). Displaying type IV, heart-shaped countermark cut from a Philip IV Real 1749 Mo-M from Mexico (cf. KM76.1). An issue traditionally attributed to Martinique (as in the Standard Catalog of World Coins) and Dominica (Pridmore pp. 308-309 describes an act of 1798 raising the value of the "Old Spanish milled dollar with a hole in the shape of a heart" from 10 to 11 bits), heart-shaped pierced coins of Pridmore Types I and II are now solidly attributed to Gibraltar following Bob Lyall's research. It is probable that the Type IV cut, as upon the present example, also originated from Gibraltar. In any case, a most attractive example of this charming issue. Very pleasing, the base coin displaying even, mark-free evidence of circulation and a wholesome slate-grey tone. HID03101062020 © 2020 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved