John M. writes: I have an 1821 8 Reale coin it is in very mint condition. Across the back it says has a dot folowed by Hispan folowed by a dot ET IND, dot, REX, dot, Z:8r, dot R, dot, G dot. On this side there are 2 Pillars with a crown and a shield. On the front side it has a headshot of Ferdinand VII and says DEI, dot, Gratia, dot, 1821, dot FERDIN, dot, VII. Could you value this coin, again it is readable, no wear and tear in great condition. Thanks.
You have a 1821 Mexico 8 Reales struck at the Zacatecas Mint, the assayer’s initials are “RG”. This coin was struck during Mexico’s War for Independence against Spain. Zacatecas was a mining area rich with silver ore, an appropriate place to build a Mint as well as a military prize. Zacatecas changed hands between the Royalist and the Rebels several times during the war. The last Ferdinand VII portrait 8 reales was struck there in 1822.
The coin shows the draped bust of King Ferdinand VII of Spain facing right. The Latin legend, FERDIN*VII*DEI*GRATIA 1821, is around (Ferdinand VII, By the Grace of G-d). The reverse completes the legend around a crowned shield between the Pillars of Hercules, HISPAN*ET*IND*REX*Zs*8R*R.G. (King of Spain and the Indies, Zacatecas Mint, 8 Reales, Assayers initials).
There are two varieties of the Zacatecas 1821RG 8 reales. One showing the lower rear arc of the crown (inside oval). Examples with no trace of wear (mint state) are rare and depending on the quality and variety bring approximately US $250 – $1,000.
