1/4 Real - Carlos IV bust of Carlos III, CAROL IV
| Issuer | Chile |
|---|---|
| Year | 1790-1791 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Value | 1/4 Real |
| Currency | Real (1541-1817) |
| Composition | Silver (.896) |
| Weight | 0.8458 g |
| Diameter | 13 mm |
| Thickness | |
| Shape | Round |
| Technique | Milled |
| Orientation | |
| Engraver(s) | |
| In circulation to | |
| Reference(s) | KM#43 |
| Obverse description | Bust of Charles III facing right, date below |
|---|---|
| Obverse script | Latin |
| Obverse lettering |
• S̊ • CAROL • IV • D • G • HISP • RX • 1790 (Translation: Carlos IV, by the grace of God, King of Spain) |
| Reverse description | Oval with three fleur-de-lis in center, two towers and rampant lions in alternating quadrants, wreath around |
| Reverse script | |
| Reverse lettering | |
| Edge | Chained |
| Mint |
(So) Casa de Moneda de Chile,Santiago, Chile (1743-date) |
| Mintage |
1790 So - - 322 000 1790 So - Inverted 0 - 1790 So - Inverted mintmark - 1791 So - 1791/0; Includes KM# 46 - 253 000 |
| Numisquare ID | 1685412180 |
| Additional information |
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Historical Context: This 1/4 Real from Chile, dated 1790-1791, is a numismatic "mule," featuring the laureate bust of Carlos III alongside the legend of Carlos IV. Carlos IV ascended in 1788, but vast imperial distances and slow communication delayed new effigy dies reaching colonial mints like Santiago. This necessitated using older designs with updated inscriptions. The coin records imperial logistical challenges and delayed royal authority transmission in the late 18th century, marking a unique transitional period in Spanish colonial coinage.
Artistry: The coin's artistic style blends Baroque and Neoclassical elements, typical of the late Bourbon era. Engravers for colonial issues are largely unknown; dies, from Madrid or copied locally, adhered to established royal iconography. The obverse features a dignified, classical profile bust of Carlos III. The reverse displays the crowned Spanish arms, flanked by