I found an old coin in Mexico

[Conito@55]

 

[russau]

what a super find !

 

[jewelerguy]

it's been to China and back. very cool find!

 

[The Rebel]

Nice!

 

[bottlebum]

Chop marked, colonial Spanish silver? Nice!

 

[pepperj]

Congratulations on the big silver.

 

[E-Trac-Ohio]

Outstanding find - congrats !

 

[Gare]

Great find Congrats

 

[Crow]

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All coins can tell a you story?

So congratulations on the wonderful coin you found and reminder of a time and place in History. A coin that men lusted, worked, stole for it. Women sold themselves for it. Men have died for it. Many have been killed for it and empires fought for it. A true survivor through the centuries. If only that humble coin could speak? How many hands did it pass through? What stories of trials and tribulation that the coin witness through peoples lives?

A mystery for sure In 1802, "Mexico" was the Viceroyalty of New Spain, a Spanish colonial territory that included what is now Mexico. The primary characteristic of Mexico in 1802 was its production of silver coinage, notably the 8 Reales silver coin, which featured the bust of King Charles IV and was minted in Mexico City under Spanish rule. The year 1802 was a transitional period for Spain. The transfer of Louisiana to France foreshadowed the eventual sale of the territory to the United States in 1803. Spain was also navigating the aftermath of a war with Britain, which highlighted its weakened state and the ongoing threat to its imperial and economic power.

The coin represents was one defining year in the decline of Spanish empire in the Americas. In 20 years the empire would virtually no longer exist. Yet this coin is not just a coin but time capsule and reminder of struggles and conflicts and all the things we experience today 223 years later. A great find and humbling discovery. Makes you wonder how long was this coin lost?

Crow

 

[oldmxrat]

Way to go my friend, I knew you would find something great on your vacation!

 

[Mackaydon]

Chop marks on 8 Reales coins are small, stamped symbols placed by Asian merchants, particularly Chinese merchants, to verify the coin's authenticity, silver content, and weight. As Spanish 8 Reales coins were a widely accepted international currency, merchants in East Asia would punch these marks to certify the coins as genuine and trustworthy, ensuring their value in trade for goods like silk and porcelain. These marks add character and a historical narrative to the coins, making each one unique and often sought after by collectors today. (per AI)
During the years 1801-1803, the "FT" assayer mark on Mexican coins from the Mexico City Mint stood for Francisco Arance y Cobos and Tomás de la Peña.
Don in SoCal

 

[metalman2024]

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totally awesome

 

[cudamark]

Muy bien Miguel!

 

[xr7ator]

Excellent recovery! Thanks for sharing it.

 

[Silvermonkey]

Great coin, and an excellent piece of history. I'm guessing you were thrilled when that popped out of the ground. Congratulations!

 

[Almy]

The punched marks show that it traveled a lot but its condition shows it did not wear very much. Beautiful coin!

 

[unclemac]

where did you find it? what are the circumstances?

 

[PikesPeakCharlie]

I wish I had something real educated to add about your coin ,,,,, but all I can come up with is WOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[ArfieBoy]

A great find! Congratulations! Thanks for posting.

 

[ironhorse]

Lovely old coin with tons of character!
Great find!