4 Reales


Silver (.900) (Copper .100)	12.7 g	31 mm

Description

Issuer	Guatemala
Period	Republic (1841-date)
Type	Standard circulation coin
Years	1873-1893
Value	4 Reales (½)
Currency	Peso (1859-1912)
Composition	Silver (.900) (Copper .100)
Weight	12.7 g
Diameter	31 mm
Shape	Round
Technique	Milled
Orientation	Coin alignment ↑↓
Demonetized	26 November 1924
Updated	2024-10-05

References

Numista	N#49171
Rarity index	90%

Reverse

Seated Justice; in her left hand the balance, on her right a horn of abundance. Her arm supported by constitution. With legend around and value at bottom. Engraver's name in small lettering at right under floor.

Script: Latin

Lettering:
REPUBLICA DE GUATEMALA
30
DE
JUNIO
DE
1871
FRENER F.
CUATRO REALES

Translation:
Republic of Guatemala
30th June 1871
Four Reales

Engraver: Johann-Baptist Frener

Comment

Due to the "Liberal Revolution" of 1871, Guatemala removed itself from the Latin Monetary Union. Real coinage was reintroduced and the Guatemalan Peso was defined as 25.4 grams of .900 silver.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 4 Reales coin from Guatemala is that it was minted during a time of significant political and economic change in the country. The coin was introduced in 1873, just a few years after Guatemala had gained independence from Spain, and it remained in circulation until 1893, a period marked by political instability, civil wars, and economic struggles. Despite these challenges, the coin remained a stable and widely used form of currency, reflecting the resilience and resourcefulness of the Guatemalan people during this time.