Last fall at the Portland show I picked this well-traveled, paper-thin silver coin out of a world coin pick bin for either $1 or $2. I think it was $2. Doesn't really matter. Threw it in with my other world silver coins and kinda forgot about it. So I pulled it out yesterday and thought it looked a bit interesting. The coin is a bit misshapen, which I thought was damage, but as it turns out this was actually just attributable to the quality of the coins at this mint. Also finally made out the Z mintmark for Zacatecas. During the Mexican War of Independence these coins were actually struck by those who allied with Spain, thus the coin keeps the old Spanish design. This coin was also, of course, legal tender in the United States for 12.5 cents until 1857, going well with my recent acquisition of a Capped Bust Dime of the same date! If only this one could talk.
