Moeda, Honduras, 1/4 Réal
ND (1872 ?) - Paris - Essai uniface - MS(60-62)
Mountainous landscape with a castle and two boats, flanked by two flags. Signed BARRE in exergue.
Very rare uniface essai of the 1/4 real for Honduras by Barre, struck on an aluminum flan. VG: 3784 var.
REPUBLICA DE HONDURAS / AMERICA - CENTRAL
Aluminum
This common metal’s name comes from the Latin alumen meaning alum. Aluminum is a light metal with a bright and silvery appearance. Its use in its natural form is actually a recent development, as the procedure for extracting aluminum from bauxite was only perfected in the 19th century.
It is not frequently used for coins, with the exception of small denominations (centimes and other cents), because it is easier to find during periods of shortages or crisis. It is also used for tokens, emergency money, small coins, and certain medals.
A malleable medal, it has a great affinity towards oxygen and forms a protective layer of oxide on the surface when exposed to air.