Expert: Brad Swain - 3/16/2010

Question
Hello Brad,

A co-worker brought a Spanish coin to me recently asking what kind of value I thought it might have.  

I found a comparable description and an answer from you to another person, but this coin is slightly different.  If the description looks familiar, I stole their description and modified it to describe this coin...

It is a Spanish coin where the head of the coin depicts a large nosed male in toga style dress with the following wording DEI.GRATIA.1789.CAROLUS.III.'

The flip side of the coin appears to be a coat of arms divided into 4 sections: 2 castles and 2 lions with three arrows pointing up in the center, a crown at the top and 2 pillars, 1 at each side of the coat of arms.  The inscription reads '.HISPAN.ETIND.REX.o over M.2R.F.M.'

It is well worn, to the point that, of the 3 arrows, only one is really distinguishable.  Almost all the lettering on the reverse is readable.  There is no detail visible on the bust on the obverse.  I would grade a U.S. coin as AG in this condition.

Thanks for taking the time to answer....

Michael

Answer
Hi Michael, it seems to be a Spanish Mexican 2 Reales coin. It contains .1949 of an ounce of silver and it may be worth about $5 with that amount of wear.
You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
Brad