8 Reales Oaxaca - Insurgent Coinage

The 8 Reales coin from the State of Oaxaca, minted in 1812, is an interesting piece of history because it was created during a time of political and social upheaval in Mexico. The coin was minted by the insurgent government of Oaxaca, which had declared independence from Spain in 1811. This coin was used as a form of currency to finance the insurgency and was minted in secret, as the Spanish colonial authorities had outlawed the production of independent currency. The fact that this coin was made of silver, a valuable and durable metal, speaks to the resourcefulness and determination of the Oaxacan insurgents in their fight for independence.