Spanish Colonial Colombian Coins Part 2

Introduction to Spanish Colonial Colombian Coins Part 2

Page 1

1773 Bogota mint, ½ Real. King Charles III of Spain.

Mintmark "NR" (Nuevo Reino). Assayer VJ (for Victoriano del Valle and Juan de Chavez).

Diameter: 17 mm.

This coin was worth 6 ¼ cents in the U.S. at the time. Only a few dates from this mint are known from the 1770's and 1780's during the rein of this King (1760-1788). And only ½ Real, 1 and 2 Reales silver denominations are known from this mint during the reign of Charles III. The tiny amount minted were intended for local commerce in Colombia and circulated until worn smooth. The very few that survived are usually no higher in grade, and frequently lower, than this specimen.

If you look carefully at the portrait of Charles III on this small coin you will see that the King sports a "Mona Lisa" smile. You can make out his enigmatic smile even though the rest of his face is worn away. Combined with his prominent nose it is quite a profile. Charles is probably serenely smiling at the thought that someone is studying such a silly coin.

1773 Bogota mint, 1 Real. King Charles III of Spain.

Mintmark "NR" (Nuevo Reino). Assayer VJ

Diameter: 20 mm.

This coin was worth 12 ½ cents in the U.S. at the time. This is a well-struck specimen and high grade for the series.

Spanish Colonial Colombian Coins Part 2: