Expert: Brad Swain - 5/12/2010

Question
Hi, I have a coin in which I cannot find any information online about. I saw you answer a question about a similar coin, and I'm hoping you can tell me something about this one.
It's about the size of an american half-dollar, and it has HISPANIARUM * REX * 1731 * on the front, on the back, it says PHILIPPUS * V * D * G * with a coat of arms of some kind in the middle- the letters R and a crowned M on the left of the coat, on the right 4 F. Thanks in advance to any answers, I was curois of its value, and to whom would find it of value-if anyone?
Thanks you, Db

Answer
Hi Db, it seems to be a fake half dollar sized Spanish-Mexican 4 Reales (4 R). That design features King Philip V (1700-46). The M and F are the Mexico City mint's assayers' initials. The Mexico City mintmark is an M with a small o over it. It should weigh 13.54 grams and would contain .3992 of an ounce of silver. That date is not not listed for that design and details though.
There are more fakes around than originals. Weighing it may be the best telltale of its genuineness.
Collector value depends on date, number minted and condition of a coin, including amount of wear, any dents, scratches or cleaning. You might also try a library for a copy of the Standard Catalog of World Coins for pictures, values and lots more interesting info.
The “Spanish Milled Dollar” and its fractions were the principal currency through the early 1800s in U.S. everyday circulation and were legal tender as late as 1857.
You might find similar pieces on Ebay.com for comparison.
These sites are also a great info source:
http://carlclegg.com/pillars/design.html .
http://www.coinsite.com/content/faq/8RealesMilledPillar.asp .
Counterfeits and fantasy pieces mass produced in East Asia, the Middle East and Eastern Europe abound of Chinese and U.S. coins, and many other countries'.
Fakes: http://reviews.ebay.com/Fake-8-4-and-2-Reales-coins-from-ASIA-BEWARE_W0QQugidZ10...
Chinese counterfeit factory: http://coins.about.com/od/worldcoins/ig/Chinese-Counterfeiting-Ring/Chinese-Fake... .
Brad