8 Reales - Charles I ND
1538 year| Silver (.850) | 27.18 g | 38 mm |
| Issuer | New Spain (Mexico) |
|---|---|
| King | Charles I (1535-1556) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Year | 1538 |
| Value | 8 Reales |
| Currency | Real (1535-1897) |
| Composition | Silver (.850) |
| Weight | 27.18 g |
| Diameter | 38 mm |
| Shape | Round (irregular) |
| Technique | Hammered |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-06 |
| Numista | N#118386 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 97% |
Reverse
Crowned columns with assayer's mark (R) below and small cross at the top in place of the denomination.
Script: Latin
Lettering:
PLVS
:ℵ:hISPANIE:ℵ:ET:ℵ:INDIARVM:RE
Engraver: Anton de Vides
Comment
Assayer: Francisco del RincónNote: The ℵ symbol in the legends above is an approximation of the symbol used on the coin.
This was the first crown-sized coin in the New World. There are three known examples salvaged from a shipwreck in 2000. The coins were too difficult to produce due to their size, so they were only minted a short time.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 8 Reales coin from New Spain (Mexico) is that it was used as a form of currency in the 16th century to facilitate trade between Mexico and other Spanish colonies, as well as with other countries. Its silver content and standardized design made it a reliable and widely accepted form of payment, and it played an important role in the early global economy.
