Shirley D. writes: I am wondering about a 8 reales coin and know you can answer my question. The coin is a 1810 with a portrait-inscribed: .FERDIN.VII.DEI GRATIA.; 1810 at the base. Reverse side; coat of arms; three circled crosses center with lions and castles; flanked by pillars, draped with banners inscribed PLUS (left side) VI.TRA (right side). The Coat of arms is adorned with a crown. The perimeter is inscribed starting upper right; HISPAN.ET IND.REX.(symbol of zero or omega over M).8R.H.I. I read many of your archived answers, but failed to find the 1810. I was wondering if this one might be rare and make me a millionaire? If not I’d like a little history if it’s different from other 8R coins and an approximate value. Many thanks, Shirley
You have an 1810 Spanish Colonial 8 reales struck at the Mexico City Mint (°M). H.J. are the assayers’ initials of Henrique Buenaventura Azorin and Joaquin Davila Madrid. The obverse shows the bust of King Ferdinand VII of Spain, the date 1810 is below. The legend around is, FERDIN. VII. DEI GRATIA (Ferdinand VII By the Grace of G-d). The legend continues on the reverse and includes the mint mark and assayer initials (HISPAN.ET IND.REX (King of Spain and the Indies).
Collectors value coins on their rarity and condition (grade). There are also minting varieties that add additional value. Approximate range in average circulated grades: US $35 – $150. Uncirculated examples bring far more.
