Colin H. writes: I had a collection of old coins as a kid. Looking at them again the other day, I found one that had always interested me. It is a Mexican coin, dated 1843, silver coloured, pretty large and heavy. It isn’t clear what the denomination is, but it has the figure 10 D (perhaps 10 dollars?). There is some sort of eagle I think on one side. Any ideas what it is and if it is worth anything? Thanks.
You have a Republic of Mexico 8 Reales (10 decimos). The coin weighs 27.07 grams and is .903 fine silver (.7859 troy ounce pure silver). The obverse features an Eagle with open wings holding a snake in its mouth, perched on a cactus. A wreath is below. The legend is, REPUBLICA MEXICANA. The reverse shows a liberty cap and the word (LIBERTAD) over sun rays. The legend is arranged to show the denomination – mint mark -date -assayer and the silver content. For example: *8R.Ca.1843.RG.10 Ds.20Gs.
The Mexican Republic continued the Spanish Monetary system until the establishment of a decimal system under the Empire of Maximilian (1864 – 1867)
The value of Republic 8 reales depends on the variety, mint mark, assayer, date and grade (condition). Based the above factors the value range is approximately: £7 – £170 (US $10 – $250).
