Chris B. writes: I recently found (tripped over while walking on a trail near work, actually) a 2 reales piece dated 1752. At least I think so – the 2 looks like an upper-case cursive “Q”; the five is the same squiggle as on the 8 reales.
I have not been able to find any information on that year of the 2 reales, although I did find mention of the 2 reales in your archives. The 4 o’clock mark is “M” and the 7-8 o’clock mark is “M” with a small “o” above it. Is there anything unique about this coin? I’ve looked everywhere online and as I said, I’ve found no mention of those mint markings or that year, not even the CoinSite database. Thanks.
You have a 1752 Mexico (Colonial) 2 reales. The “M” with the small circle represents the Mexico City Mint. The other “M” represents the assayer, Manuel de la Pena.
These small coins not only circulated in Spanish America but in the United States as well, at least up until about 1857. Two reales = 1 U.S. quarter dollar.
Value depends on grade (condition). Range for this date mint: US $5 – $50.
