Obverse © R. O'Shea Collection – Reverse © O'Shea Collection
Obverse © R. O'Shea Collection – Reverse © O'Shea Collection
8 Reales - Ferdinand VI
| Silver (.917) | 27.0674 g | 35 mm |
| Issuer | Bolivia |
|---|---|
| King | Ferdinand VI (1746-1759) |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Years | 1746-1760 |
| Value | 8 Reales |
| Currency | Real (1574-1825) |
| Composition | Silver (.917) |
| Weight | 27.0674 g |
| Diameter | 35 mm |
| Shape | Cob |
| Orientation | Medal alignment ↑↑ |
| Demonetized | Yes |
| Updated | 2024-10-04 |
| Numista | N#61928 |
|---|---|
| Rarity index | 85% |
Reverse
Pillars of Hercules rise above rising waves with a banner across reading “PLVS VLTRA”. Mint mark P upper left and lower right of pillars, and assayers marks upper right and lower left. Denomination “8” at top between the pillars’ Fluer de Lis, just below the crown. Three digit date between the pillars just above the rising waves. All inside a roped style border, with legend surrounding.
Lettering: •POTOSI•ANO•1747•EL•PERV•
Translation: Potosi, year, 1747, of Peru.
Engraver: Luis de Quintanilla
Edge
Plain with mint shearing.
Comment
Assayer: Luis de Quintanilla, as lower case "q".For 1747, the legend may be with name of Philip V, or Ferdinand VI as news was slow to reach the mints from Spain. 1747 P5 is scarce in comparison to F6.
Kings name and Ordinal is needed to confirm issues of 1747.
Cobs of this period are thick, chunky and typically crude. Deeply sunk and tightly spaced design elements - visible legends are scarcely seen.
Coins with three dates, two with only three numerals, one full, four digit date in the legend at 7-8 o’clock on the reverse. All dates visible on the coin is rare.
Issues of 1750-51, “E”are rare in comparison to his former tenure as assayer of 1733-37.
1754 is unique as “C” (José Maria Caballero) and “q” worked together in joint. The first time this happened at Potosi.
1760, shows both q and Y (Raimundo de Yturriaga) in joint, with q right of cross, upper right of pillars and Y below the banner to the left of pillars. As well as V(José de Vargas y Flor - formally of the Lima mint) and q (Quintanilla) in joint. Issues are known in the 2 reales, but may also exist for the 8 reales - and would be very rare.
Interesting fact
One interesting fact about the 8 Reales coin from Bolivia, minted during the reign of Ferdinand VI (1746-1760), is that it was part of a series of coins known as the "Pieces of Eight," which were widely used in the Spanish colonies in the Americas and Asia during the 18th century. These coins were made of silver and were divided into eight smaller units, known as "bits," which made them easy to use for small transactions. The 8 Reales coin was the largest denomination in this series and was equivalent to one Spanish dollar. Its design featured the image of Ferdinand VI on one side and the Spanish coat of arms on the other. Today, these coins are highly sought after by collectors and can fetch high prices at auction.
Price
| Date | Mintage | VG | F | VF | XF | AU | UNC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1747 q | 1659506 | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| 1748 q | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 1752 q | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| 1755 q | - | - | - | - | - | - |
Values in the table are based on evaluations by sales realized on Internet platforms. They serve as an indication only for 8 Reales - Ferdinand VI 1746-1760 coin.
