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Trying to ID 1863 silver real.

coinportcoinport Posts: 4 ✭✭
in World & Ancient Coins Forum

Diameter 2.0 cm, weight 3.3 grams, .9 Ag. i.e. one real. Question is - who made it? I am leaning toward Mexico. Without being an expert, my guess is that the lettering indicates Por Libertad Y Reforma / Moneda Provisional/ Departmenta/somewhere?, maybe Real de Catorce, maybe Real de Catorce and Chihuahua?

Tom Pesacreta
901 East Butcher Switch Rd.
Lafayette, LA 70507

Comments

  • TwoKopeikiTwoKopeiki Posts: 9,929 ✭✭✭✭✭

    I'm at work right now, but perhaps check in Tokens of Mexico by Frank W. Grove

    Instagram: 8 Reales Numis
  • coinportcoinport Posts: 4 ✭✭

    Thanks for the suggestion. I do not have the Grove book in hand but I think I was able to look through a copy some time ago. Honestly, I am not even sure this is Mexican. In 1863 there were several conflicts in South/Central/North America.

    Tom Pesacreta
    901 East Butcher Switch Rd.
    Lafayette, LA 70507
  • threefiftythreefifty Posts: 142 ✭✭✭

    https://auction.sedwickcoins.com/Latin-America-silver-1-real-token-dated-1863_i44824607

    Looks like one sold at Sedwick in 2022 for $220, but was still unidentified. The search continues...

  • coinportcoinport Posts: 4 ✭✭

    Yes, very similar design! But heavier, and wear marks are different.
    Thanks for pointing it out to me!

    Tom Pesacreta
    901 East Butcher Switch Rd.
    Lafayette, LA 70507
  • SimonWSimonW Posts: 1,341 ✭✭✭✭✭

    Interesting. The weight differences are significant. Probably not an official currency, at least not from a stable government. I wonder if it’s a mining community or something.

    I'm BACK!!! Used to be Billet7 on the old forum.

  • coinportcoinport Posts: 4 ✭✭

    In 1863 French troops entered Mexico City and Benito Juarez took the legitimate government north. Minting fell off at most mints. Por Libertad Y Reforma / Moneda Provisional were phrases used on several copper coins made in mints in the north of Mexico. So, ready for speculation? This silver coin looks like something made in a hacienda as a substitute currency during the evacuation of the government. Obviously, not many were made.
    I just wish I had better luck contacting Mexican historians or mint officials for their input. Juarez left a lot of written material and some of it could tell me what I want to know.
    I thank everyone for their inputs.

    Tom Pesacreta
    901 East Butcher Switch Rd.
    Lafayette, LA 70507
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