Spain Spanish Colonial 1/2, 1, 2, 4, and 8 Reales (Fakes are possible) 1732 to 1771

These old Spanish Colonial coins are great collectibles. Lots of people lump these coins together under a generic term 'pillar dollar,' but there are other designs with pillars also, so be careful you are looking at the right coin. The denominations are 1/2, 1, 2, 4, and 8 reales, which are predecessors of America's 5, 10, 25, 50 cents, and one dollar.

The coins have different Spanish kings during different periods of time. For coins with this pattern, the kings of Spain were Philip (Phs), Ferdinand (Ferd, Ferdnd, Frdnd, Frd), and Charles (Carlos, Carolus, Carolvs, Carol, Car). Look for the name on the side with the shield and crown. The coin in our picture has King Charles (Carolvs) III name on it.

Likewise, these coins have different mint marks for different Spanish countries in the New World. Mint marks are found on the VTRAQUE VNUM side with the globes and pillars:

PTS - Bolivia (Potosi)
So - Chile (Santiago)
N, NR - Colombia (Bogota)
G - Guatemala (Antigua)
M, Mo, MX - Mexico (Mexico City)
L, LM - Peru (Lima)

Go to this CoinQuest page for a comprehensive summary of coins like this one.

Be sure you understand what 'catalog' means. Use our Terminology page.

The first 1732 8 reales was issued in Mexico City and is very rare. Modern reproductions of it are common and are worth a few US dollars, depending on silver content. Please view our appraisal page for the modern replicas at this CoinQuest link.

Beware also of coins dated 1752. There is a well-known counterfeit of this date, shown here. See below for more info on counterfeits.

Here are typical catalog values for coins like our picture between 1732 and 1771. These values apply (approximately) to all dates except as noted *better dates* below the listings. Be sure to check the Terminology page to interpret these catalog values properly.

1/2 REAL, 16 mm diameter 0.050 troy ounces silver
worn: $30 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $120
well preserved: $180

1 REAL, 21 mm diameter 0.100 troy ounces silver
worn: $35 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $100
well preserved: $160

2 REALES, 26 mm diameter 0.200 troy ounces silver
worn: $45 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $140
well preserved: $200

4 REALES, 33 mm diameter 0.399 troy ounces silver
worn: $120 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $280
well preserved: $600

8 REALES, 39 mm diameter 0.798 troy ounces silver
worn: $100 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $200
well preserved: $300

There are *better dates* in these series. We have cited the important examples below with catalog values for coins in worn condition. Coins in better condition are worth more. Coins marked 'very rare' are just that (or counterfeit): see a professional.

1/2 REAL
Chile 1756: very rare
Chile 1760: very rare
Mexico 1732: $400
Mexico 1733: $300

1 REAL
Chile 1758: very rare
Mexico 1732: $500
Mexico 1733: $150
Peru 1751: very rare

2 REALES
Chile 1758: very rare
Chile 1760: very rare
Mexico 1732: $800
Mexico 1733: $450
Mexico 1750 PHS V D G HISP ET IND R: $500 (must have Philip)
Peru 1752: $150

4 REALES
Chile 1760: very rare
Mexico 1732: $2000
Mexico 1733: $1500
Mexico 1764: $400
Mexico 1765: $350
Mexico 1766: $350
Peru 1752: $250

8 REALES
Bolivia 1767: $650
Chile 1751: very rare
Chile 1753: very rare
Chile 1757: very rare
Chile 1758: very rare
Chile 1760: very rare
Chile 1762: very rare
Chile 1764: very rare
Chile 1765: very rare
Chile 1767: very rare
Chile 1768: very rare
Chile 1769: very rare
Chile 1770: very rare
Colombia 1759: very rare
Colombia 1762: very rare
Colombia 1770: very rare
Guatemala 1754 with Arabic 5 not Spanish 5: $700
Guatemala 1760 with Carolus not Ferdinand: $500
Guatemala 1764: $350
Guatemala 1765: $1200
Mexico 1732: extremely rare, beware of counterfeits, see below
Mexico 1733 MF: $700
Mexico 1754 MM: $250
Mexico 1762 MF: $500
Mexico 1763 MM: $400
Peru 1751: very rare
Peru 1752: $350
Peru 1766: very rare
Peru 1768: very rare

Be sure to use our Important Terminology link to interpret these values.

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