CVC & Collectables presents this 1749 Mexico 8 Reales Pillar Dollar, a classic example of Spanish colonial coinage struck at the Mexico City Mint under Ferdinand VI. Graded AU 58 by NGC, this lightly circulated specimen exhibits strong detail, clean surfaces, and rich gunmetal toning—typical of well-preserved silver reales from the era.
The coin features the famed “Pillar Dollar” design: crowned globes between the Pillars of Hercules on the reverse, symbolizing Spain’s dominance “Plus Ultra” (Further Beyond), and a crowned shield on the obverse. This was one of the world’s first truly international coins, widely circulated across the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
Coin Highlights:
- Issuer: New Spain (Mexico) under Ferdinand VI
- Date: 1749
- Mint: Mexico City (Mo)
- Assayers: M·F (Manuel de León and Francisco de la Peña)
- Denomination: 8 Reales
- Metal: Silver (.917 fine)
- Weight: 27.07 g
- Diameter: 39 mm
- Grade: NGC AU 58
- Obverse Design: Crowned Spanish arms flanked by value and assayers
- Reverse Design: Pillars of Hercules with crowned globes and motto “VTRAQUE VNUM”
- Edge: Milled
- Orientation: Medal alignment (↑↑)
- References: KM# 104.1, FC-22, El-29, Gil-M-8-22
Collectibility:
This AU 58 example is just shy of mint state and represents the highest caliber of early Spanish-American coinage. The 1749 date is an earlier issue from Ferdinand VI’s reign and is sought-after for its bold strike, attractive tone, and overall eye appeal. A cornerstone piece for serious collectors of world crowns, Latin American coinage, or colonial-era silver.
