8 Reales - Ferdinand VI 1747-1753 front 8 Reales - Ferdinand VI 1747-1753 back
8 Reales - Ferdinand VI 1747-1753 photo
© Heritage Auctions

8 Reales - Ferdinand VI

 
Silver (.917) 27.0674 g -
Description
Issuer
Guatemala
King
Ferdinand VI (1746-1759)
Type
Standard circulation coin
Years
1747-1753
Value
8 Reales
Currency
Real (1733-1859)
Composition
Silver (.917)
Weight
27.0674 g
Shape
Cob
Technique
Hammered (cob)
Orientation
Medal alignment ↑↑
Demonetized
23 August 1873
Updated
2024-10-05
References
Numista
N#17224
Rarity index
91%

Reverse

Crowned hemispheres flanked by crowned pillars with legend around and date at bottom.

Comment

These coins were officially demonetized by the Guatemalan government in 1873. Individuals only had three days in which to redeem cob coinage for current coinage or promissory notes. Colonial era coinage in El Salvador was also redeemed.

Interesting fact

One interesting fact about the 8 Reales coin from Guatemala, minted during the reign of Ferdinand VI (1747-1753), is that it was part of a series of coins known as the "Pillar Dollars" or "Columnarios." These coins were named after the pillar or column that appeared on the reverse side of the coin, which represented the Pillar of Hercules, a symbol of Spanish power and influence. The 8 Reales coin was a widely used denomination during this time period and was valued at eight reales, or one Spanish dollar. It was made of silver (.917) and weighed 27.0674 grams.