Countermarked Bank of England Coin

A silver Charles IV 8 reales coin. The front shows a portrait bust of Charles IV facing right with text and date around the edge. The back shows the Hispanic coat of arms (shield with lions, castles, pomegranate and three centralized Fleurs-de-Lis) between two pillars and surmounted by a crown. The coin has been countermarked with a small portrait of George III, which allowed it to circulate within Great Britain. The coin has been graffitied, with a speech bubble coming from Charles IV's mouth commenting on the restriction of cash payments brought in 27th February 1797.