also noticing a possible mint error on the reverse right on and around the 8R denomination? Might be simply damage but looks more like a crack in the planchet to me.
So I'm reading up on how these were faked a lot historically and in modern day. Does anyone have any info about my coin based on what is seen in these photos? Posting edge here as I know that can be one determining factor.
Doesn't seem to match either of he 1815 Mexico fake 8Rs in Bob Gurney's 'Counterfeit portrait eight-reales' which is a good thing! Although new counterfeits are being discovered all the time - I tend to focus on the smaller reales because of this although there seems to be plenty of fake 2 reales too.
This is a wonderful thing to hear haha, I know this type of coin is heavily counterfeited. Very happy with this purchase!
The reverse seems to have a die break around 8-10 o'clock. This is not terribly unusual since dies generally were used until they nearly fell apart. Your coin was produced in Mexico City in the midst of the War of Independence, which ended in 1821. Given those turbulent times, necessity probably dictated the extended use of dies. I'd say that coin grades about VF. It is nicely toned, with an even strike and generally good detail - just a fair amount of honest wear.