Ok, I found these while my wife was browsing in an antique mall. I was wandering aimlessly, and happened across this small coin shop in the back. Since I wasn't really looking for coins, I was just killing time browsing at what the guy had in stock - and I came across these. The guy wasn't asking much, but I talked him down a little bit. These are actually my first 8 reale pieces - I tend to like the minors a little more. Still, I think they fit right in with my collection. The first one is from Guatemala, and the second two are Peru - all minted under the spanish crown.
Thanks! I agree with you, there. the 1798 is the pick of the three, although the piece from Guatemala is a little more rare. It shows some wear, but I think it is also partially due to a weak strike. The 1818 looks like it was cleaned at some point, but it must have been a while ago, because it looks to be retoning pretty nicely. He had some other pieces much like these - for the prices, I might go back and clean out what he has left. I didn't want to buy anymore until I could spend some time with these, and make sure they weighed out correctly.
Rick after seeing your coins I am convince that I need to pick up a Krauss on World Silver Coins so I could appreciate the sight of them even more. If I may ask, how large is your Spanish coin collection now and what are your goals for the collection?
I'm not really sure what the goal is. I guess it's pretty much the same as it always was: Buy those coins that appeal to me. I think that the coins that appeal to me have just become far more specific than they used to be. I still have binders full of misc. world coins - because in the beginning that was all it took to get my attention, but now I only purchse in a limited scope. Outside coins of the spanish empire, I'm tinkering with US bust halves and large cents. As far as size goes, I think I have about 40 coins from spain and her colonies. Some are lower grade, while others are more rare and exceptional - at least, in my opinion.
"I have about 40 coins from spain and her colonies" Sounds impressive and it is nice of you to take the time to post your coins. The late 1700's to the 1800's era seems to be my favorite modern time period for collecting so I am always interested in viewing your postings.
