4 Reales - Fernando VI

Fernando VI's reign saw Lima producing cob-style macuquinas alongside the new milled coinage introduced under his father Felipe V. The 4 reales denomination from this transitional decade came from a mint that had been striking silver since 1568, drawing directly on Potosí bullion routed through the viceregal capital. Lima's assayers during this period — identifiable by their initials on each piece — were legally responsible for silver fineness, and discrepancies could result in prosecution.

KM#54 corresponds to the milled issue. The Lima mint's adoption of the screw press for these pieces was part of a broader Bourbon reform effort to eliminate the clipping and fraud endemic to the old macuquina system.