1783 Mexico 8 Reales

The 1783 Mexico City 8 Reale is the coin that funded trade across two hemispheres, and it circulated as legal tender in the United States for decades after the US Mint opened. Struck under Charles III at the busiest mint in the Spanish Empire, these Pillar-era portrait dollars moved from Veracruz to Manila to Canton in the holds of treasure fleets. Most saw heavy use and came back worn smooth or were melted for their silver, so pieces that keep this much detail are worth seeking out. We acquired a small group during a recent estate liquidation, and multiple examples are available.

The obverse carries the armored and draped bust of Charles III facing right, with CAROLUS III DEI GRATIA around the rim and the date 1783 below. The engraving shows crisp curls in the royal wig and clear folds in the drapery, while the legend stands bold from rim to rim. On the reverse, the crowned Spanish royal arms sit between the Pillars of Hercules, each wrapped with the PLUS ULTRA banner that once meant there was more world beyond the known map. The quartered shield shows the castles of Castile and lions of Leon in strong relief, flanked by the Mexico City mint mark and the 8R denomination.

Each coin in this group was handpicked for eye appeal, with even gray surfaces, honest circulation wear and no distracting marks or problems. The silver retains a pleasing natural patina that frames the devices, and the central details on both sides remain readily legible. Struck in .903 fine silver at roughly the size of a modern silver dollar, these pieces carry real heft in the hand. Detail of this caliber on a nearly 250-year-old colonial dollar is the exception rather than the rule, and each coin arrives sealed in a hard plastic capsule for protection. A welcome addition to any collection of Spanish colonial silver or early American circulating coinage.

For questions about this coin or to confirm availability and pricing, call us at 800-928-6468.