Old spanish silver

[Mainedigger]

Found this 1785 spanish silver coin in a field near an old steamboat landing and old foundation. I do know it is Spanish and silver and is about the size of a dime, but not sure exactly what it is...half reale?? Any help? Thanks!!!!

 

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[Don in SJ]

Nice Find, Yes, it is a Charles III Bust(Pillar type) Half Real minted at the Mexico City Mint.

 

[deepskyal]

Dont know what it is but...cool find!
Al

 

[Mainedigger]

Nice Find, Yes, it is a Charles III Bust(Pillar type) Half Real minted at the Mexico City Mint.

don...thanks much for the info, I appreciate it!!

 

[ivan salis]

nice find -- had a rough past life that one -- its happy with its new owner now --- Ivan

 

[Mackaydon]

Maine:
You probably already know that "The reason the Spanish Reales are often found at historic sites in the US is that during colonial days in the U.S., the silver Ocho Reales coin, referred to as the Spanish milled dollar, piece of eight, or eight bits, was the principal coin in circulation. This coin and its fractional parts, the half, one, two, and four Reales, were legal currency until February 21, 1857 in the U.S., 1858 in Canada, and 1895 in Puerto Rico. The great majority of these coins were Mexican pesos, due to the geographical proximity to Mexico and the large production of the Mexican mints."

The 1/2 REAL or One-Half "Bit" is equivalent to the American HALF-DIME or 1/16 PESO also called a PICAYUNE, DIAMETER: 16.4 mm - 17.7 mm.

Don.......

Source: http://metaldetectingworld.com/coins_silver_reales.shtml

 

[Rob66]

Nice...find.
RD

 

[Evolution]

Beautiful Spanish silver. I can't wait to find one of those. Hopefully an 8 reale so I can join the big 8 club that romeo started.

 

[hollowpointred]

that M with the little o over it on the reverse is a mintmark that stands for Mexico City. very nice find!

 

[romeo-1]

Nice half! I love Spanish silver! Check out my post in Today's Finds!