Spain 1, 2, 4, 10, and 20 Reales 1808 to 1813

Spain issued large silver 20 reales coins from 1808 to 1863. This pattern, with Napoleon's brother Joseph (IOSEPH NAP), appeared first in the series, known as De Vellon coinage. These coins are quite valuable, especially when in good condition like the coin in our picture. In worn condition, they are worth only a small amount.

Coins in 1, 2, 4, and 10 reales denominations look the same as our 20 reales picture except, of course, for the size and 'X-R' markings on the reverse side stradling the shield, with X = 1, 2, 4, 10 or 20.

The coin pictured comes from Coin House SESAM Basel where it is currently on sale for 600 euros (about $820 US dollars). This shows the high value of these coins when they are in excellent condition.

CoinQuest thanks SESAM Basel for use of their coin image.

Cookie describes her coin as scratched, bent, with nicks or gouges, and corrosion or rust. The value goes way down for damaged coins.

Here are very approximate catalog values for coins in this series:

REAL (14 mm diameter)
worn: $20 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $150
well preserved: $300

2 REALES (20 mm diameter)
worn: $30 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $160
well preserved: $300

4 REALES (25 mm diameter)
worn: $20 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $60
well preserved: $100
4 reales dated 1808 are more valuable
4 reales dated 1810 and 1812 are less valuable

10 REALES (25 mm diameter)
worn: $50 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $250
well preserved: $450
10 reales dated 1809 are rare; values triple over those shown

20 REALES (38 mm diameter)
worn: $80 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated: $250
well preserved: $600
20 reales dated 1810 are rare; multiply values by 5
20 reales dated 1813 are rare; values double over those shown
29 reales dated 1812 with LA initials at 11:00 oclock on the shield side (coin must have LA initials) are rare; values double over those shown

These are catalog values, and you must understand what 'catalog value' means to make sense out of them. Use our Important Terminology page for this purpose.
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