Azores, Countermarked 1200 Reis ND (1887) on Belgian Congo (Congo Free State) 1887 5 Francs of KM 8.1 from Leopold II (Silver, 25.05 gr, 37 mm) Head left LEOPOLD II R D BELGES SOUV DE L'ETAT INDEP DU CONGO Rev. Crowned arms with supporters within wreath. The edge is inscribed * TRAVAIL * * ET * * PROGRES *. KM (unlisted). Uncirculated.
Dupriez 10, Gomes# L1 31.xx
Now NGC MS62
An unlisted type, featuring the crowned "GP" counterstamp on a Belgian Congo, 5 Francs 1887 from Leopold II. Per the March 31, 1887 decree regarding countermark coinage circulating throughout the Azores, all foreign coins were to be stamped with the crowned "GP" (Governo Protugues) countermark within a circle. Typically these stamps are found on host coins from Portugal or Brazil, and while there are a few other noted examples from additional host countries, it appears that this may be only the second available issue struck upon a Congo Free State coin. An extremely rare and attractive example.
ex. iBelgica Maison de Vente SNC; 25, Apr 2018 - Lot 145
Rue des Soeurs Grises 11/6
B-7000 Mons Belgium
Description: Azores, Countermarked 1200 Reis ND (1887) on 5 Francs 1887 from Leopold II (Silver, 25.05 gr, 37 mm) Head left LEOPOLD II R D BELGES SOUV DE L'ETAT INDEP DU CONGO Rev. Crowned arms with supporters within wreath. The edge is inscribed * TRAVAIL * * ET * * PROGRES *. KM (unlisted). Uncirculated.
An unlisted type, featuring the crowned "GP" counterstamp on a Belgian Congo, 5 Francs 1887 from Leopold II. Per the March 31, 1887 decree regarding countermark coinage circulating throughout the Azores, all foreign coins were to be stamped with the crowned "GP" (Governo Portugues) countermark within a circle. Typically these stamps are found on host coins from Portugal or Brazil, and while there are a few other noted examples from additional host countries. Rare and attractive example.
ex. Numismática Leilões Auction 23; 10, Oct 2017 - Lot 774
Rua D. Luíz de Noronha nº 26 – 6º Esq
1050–072 Lisboa Portugal
Description: (25.0000 g., 0.9000 Silver 0.7234 oz. ASW - 37mm)
~ Azores: Counter-stamped (Portugal - decree of March 31, 1887) ~
This is only the second example known, the other being graded NGC MS63 and sold in a Heritage auction (Jan 2017) and thought to be unique, but obviously not. The countermark looks like an earring on Leopold II, and the strike on the countermark is somewhat stronger and fuller formed on this example than the Heritage example.
Unlisted in "Moedas Portuguesas e do território que hoje é Portugal" by Alberto Gomes/"Portuguese Coins and the Territory that Today is Portugal", by Alberto Gomes
https://coins.www.collectors-society.com/WCM/CoinView.aspx?sc=558920 
Topic: Extremely Rare 1887 Azores Countermark (gelezen 3036 keer)