CUBA: AR 2 reales, ND (1872-77), KM-R1, long thin key countermark on Mexico 2 reales 1856-GoPF, Fine. During Cuba's first War for Independence, also known as the Ten Year's War (1868-78), the key symbol was used in what would eventually become the arms of the Republic of Cuba. All known examples of these 'key' countermarks are found on host coins from either Mexico or the United States of America dated prior to the end of the Ten Year's War. Although the exact origins of these key countermarks are unknown, these countermarks were probably used by Cuban revolutionary troops as a fundraising device, according to Krause.

Estimate: USD 100 - 150