Disclaimer: I’m not a world coin collector. However, this was in a flip with a collection of old silver that I bought. After just a touch of research, I think it might be real. A majority of these that I’ve ever came across have been fake. Interested to hear some diagnostics from people more educated in this type.
Can you show us a picture of the opposite edge. Real 8 reales were made using a parallel edging mill that would show an overlap in the design exactly 180 degrees from the overlap shown in your edge photo.
I will attempt to get a picture, but I did look and 180 degrees on the other edge was indeed another overlap.
nice one - I've got a 1795 Mexico 8 Reales - it's more worn, but has a few vintage 'chop' marks - most old reales are not worth a lot of money, but they're interesting coins with some cool history
Portrait 8 reales, especially Charles IIII with the Mo (Mexico City) mintmark, are a numismatic conundrum. On one hand you have the argument by Bob Gurney that very well made, full weight and correct silver content counterfeits were made in large quantities during the late 1800s up to the 1930s for the China trade where they would get significant premium over other types of silver trade dollars. And on the other hand you have many collectors, dealers and TPGs that will make a judgement on authenticity based on appearance and weight -- which may be adequate to detect modern forgeries or contemporary counterfeits. Bob's argument is well researched (get his book or at least read this thread) and he has second-hand knowledge of the "Boston" ring. I am convinced and would be a real true believe if I could get affordable, lab quality, XRF results on some of the 8 reales in my collection. However, we seem to be in a period similar to the Morgan Micro O counterfeits before they became widely acknowledged. My personal conundrum is what to do with the 8 reales that I purchased as genuine that I now believe to be of this type of counterfeit. Note: I am not offering an opinion on the OP's coin at this time other than I am in agreement with most that it appears to have the correct design.
jgenn has largely answered the query. Just a brief non-expert answer. It is a Spanish-Mexican silver coin, which has been selling for USD $250."Carlos 4th by the grace of God." The reverse is a Spanish shield of arms.
That's what I enjoy about reading this forum from time to time. I find myself scratching my head and thinking to myself, "How do these guys know all these little facts?!" Hats off to you! Amazing!
JeffC. I see you're a new member. Welcome ! One of these days, when you've gained some more experience, you may well become one of the "amazing" guys that we could all take out hats off to !!!
A few extra titbits about Charles IV of Spain. He ruled from 1788 - 1808. Allegedly, he was an inept and passive ruler, being more interested in hunting than affairs of state. France, in 1796 declared war on Spain. That, and much more, we will find in Spanish history.
