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1/2 Real - Carlos III
| Issuer | Mexico City Mint (Viceroyalty of New Spain) |
|---|---|
| Year | 1760-1771 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
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| Composition | Log in to see details |
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| Obverse description | Log in to see details |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
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| Reverse description | Central device depicts the crowned Arms of Jerusalem — two hemispheres represented as crowned globes flanking a central crowned shield bearing the castle and lion of the Spanish monarchy, all set above stylized waves symbolizing the sea between the Old and New Worlds. This composition, known as the 'mural crown and globes' or Pillars-and-Globes type, embodies the motto of Spanish imperial unity. The circular legend VTRA QUE VNUM encircles the upper portion, meaning 'Both as One,' referencing the union of the Old and New Worlds. Below, the date and mint mark appear: •1761•M•, identifying the Mexico City Mint. The reeded rim borders the entire design. |
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| Additional information |
Carlos III inherited the Spanish throne in 1759 after his half-brother Ferdinand VI died without an heir, bringing with him reforms that would reshape colonial minting. The Mexico City cob-style coinage — the macuquina — was already being phased out in favor of milled coinage by this period, and the half real occupied the lowest denomination in silver, used heavily in everyday market transactions where fractional change was essential.
Dies for this denomination wore quickly under the volume demanded, and minor varieties across the eleven-year run are common. The assayer initial present on a given piece pins it to a specific officeholder, which narrows the date range considerably within the 1760–1771 window.