1/4 Real - Fernando VII

Struck in Santiago during one of the most turbulent decades in Chilean history, these coins were issued in the name of Fernando VII while Spain's king sat imprisoned by Napoleon — meaning the authority invoked on the coinage was, for much of this period, entirely fictitious. The First and Second National Government Juntas nominally produced coin in his name while simultaneously moving toward independence, a political contradiction minted in silver at roughly 0.85 grams a piece.

The Santiago mint had only been operating since 1743 and was still refining its production consistency through this period. Planchet irregularities are common across the series.