CVC & Collectables presents a historically rich and visually compelling 1866 Culiacán Mint 8 Reales, certified PCGS Genuine – Chop Mark, VF Details. This example not only features the desirable five-pointed star variety, but also carries authentic circulation chopmarks, adding a layer of real-world trade history and character to this already scarce regional issue.
Coin Highlights:
- Country: Mexico
- Denomination: 8 Reales
- Date: 1866
- Mint: Culiacán (C)
- Assayer: CE
- Catalog: KM#377.3, DP-Cn23
- Variety: Five-Pointed Star
- Grade: PCGS Genuine – Chop Mark, VF Details
- Metal: Silver (.903 Fine)
- Weight: ~27.07 grams
- ASW: ~0.7859 oz
- Diameter: ~38–39 mm
- Edge: Reeded
- Obverse: Liberty cap with radiating rays; visible chopmarks from circulation in Asian trade
- Reverse: Mexican eagle on cactus with serpent; multiple chopmarks attest to international use
Historical Significance:
Struck during the waning years of the Second Mexican Empire under Maximilian I, this 1866 issue reflects a nation in political transition. The Culiacán Mint, a lesser-seen regional mint, produced limited coinage compared to Mexico City, increasing the scarcity of its issues.
The presence of chopmarks tells an even deeper story—these coins circulated heavily in Asian trade networks, where merchants applied stamps to verify silver content. Each mark represents trust, commerce, and global movement, transforming the coin into a documented artifact of 19th-century international trade.
Collectibility:
Culiacán 8 Reales are scarce on their own, but examples with clear details and attractive surfaces are even harder to locate. The five-pointed star variety adds collector interest, while the chopmarks significantly enhance historical appeal, especially among collectors of trade coinage.
This piece stands out as a premium VF Details example, offering strong design visibility despite its circulation history—making it an ideal acquisition for collectors seeking both rarity and story.
