Espanha. Carlos IV (1788-1808). 8 Reales 1807 Mexico TH

1807, México, Carlos IV of Spain

Reference: 1807-MoTH, KM-109

Obverse: Laureate, draped, and cuirassed profile bust of Charles IV with roman armor right.
Legend: CAROLUS . IIII . DEI . GRATIA . 1807
Translation: "Charles IIII by the Grace of God, 1807."

Reverse: Crowned Spanish* arms between the Pillars of Hercules adorned with PLVS VLTRA motto.
Legend: .HISPAN[IARUM].ET IND[IARUM].REX.Mo[Mexico Monogram].8R [EALES] T.H.[assayer initials]
Translation: "King of the Spains and the Indies, Mexico [mint], 8 reales".

*Details on the Spanish Arms: arms of Castile and Leon, with Granada in base and an inescutcheon of Anjou.


The Spanish dollar (also known as the piece of eight, the real de a ocho, or the eight real coin) is a silver coin, worth eight reales, that was minted in the Spanish Empire after a Spanish currency reform of 1497. It was legal tender in the United States until an Act of the United States Congress discontinued the practice in 1857. Through widespread use in Europe, the Americas and the Far East, it became the first world currency by the late 18th century. Many existing currencies, such as the Canadian dollar, United States dollar and the Chinese yuan, as well as currencies in Latin America and the Philippines peso were initially based on the Spanish dollar and other 8 reales coins.

Charles IV (November 11, 1748 - January 20, 1819) was King of Spain from December 14, 1788 until his abdication on March 19, 1808.