1849 Costa Rica Silver 1/2 Real Counter Stamp NGC F/VF Details Countermark

CVC & Collectables presents the 1849 Costa Rica ½ Real, an officially sanctioned counterstamped coin issued by the First Republic of Costa Rica between 1849 and 1857. This piece features the Type 7 Lion inside circle countermark on a host coin of the Central American Republic (C.A.R.) ½ Real, validating it for continued circulation during a period of monetary transition. Certified Fine Details by NGC, this example preserves a sharp counterstamp and clear traces of the host coin’s design. Coin Highlights: Issuing Country: Costa Rica Ruling Authority: First Republic (1848–1948) Issue Type: Emergency Counterstamp / Necessity Coin Years of Use: 1849–1857 Denomination: ½ Real Composition: Silver (.903 fine) Weight: 1.69 g Diameter: 16 mm Mint: Casa Nacional de Moneda, San José Grade: NGC Fine Details (plugged) Reference: KM# 67 Counterstamp Type: Type 7 – Lion within a circle, with legend “HABILITADA POR EL GOBIERNO” Obverse (Counterstamp): Circular stamp featuring a lion rampant at center, surrounded by the legend: “HABILITADA POR EL GOBIERNO” (Translation: Authorized by the Government) This official validation allowed older Central American Republic coins to remain in legal circulation under the new republic. Reverse (Host Coin): Faint remnants of the original C.A.R. ½ Real design — likely the iconic liberty cap or central legend from KM#20. These host coins were widely used across Central America until demonetized. Collectibility: The Type 7 lion counterstamp is among the most recognized Costa Rican necessity coinage types and is increasingly scarce in solid detail grades. This NGC Fine Details example features a well-preserved countermark and clear diagnostic traits, making it a valuable addition for collectors of: Early Costa Rican coinage Countermarked and emergency issues Central American Republic host coins Latin American transitional-era silver Find more alike here!