860 | Spanish Monarchy

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FERNANDO VII (1808-1833). 8 Reales. (Ar. 26.04g / 42mm). 1816. Chihuahua. RP. (Cal-2019-1168). Laureate bust. Very Fine. Rare specimen coined over another.

The Mexican War of Independence brought with it an important contribution to 19th century Spanish numismatics. This contribution was none other than the appearance of various mobile or temporary mints that, given the danger of moving precious metals from the provinces to the capital, where the Viceroyalty Mint was located, obtained the royal privilege of minting currency. Durango, Chihuahua, Guadalajara, Zacatecas ... are just some examples of it. And they are really special mints of undoubted value, made in most cases with a poor raw material as well as with rudimentary technical procedures; Poorly defined busts that border on surrealism, poorly beaten silver and sometimes cast pieces instead of minted give these pieces a truly unique personality. From a purely historical point of view, the study of these coins and their mints seems fundamental to verify the evolution of the Mexican independence conflict.