1764-MO MF Mexico 8 Rreales (KM # 105) NGC MS64 Lively mint luster and light toning characterize this mint state pillar dollar. The upper portion of the obverse is slightly darker than the rest but not unattractive. It shows shades of grey, tan, aqua, and a slight tint of purple. The reverse, toned a bit more evenly, shows colors of grey, tan, and light rose with touches of purple near the edge. The surfaces of the coin are free of distractions as would be expected for a mint state graded coin. Both sides are evenly well struck.

The obverse of this coin shows two hemispheres suspended above a sea. Above them is a crown representing Spains dominion over both worlds. These are flanked by the Pillars of Hercules, which represent the Strait of Gibraltar, gateway to the New World. Each pillar is has a small crown and bears a banner which, between them, reads PLUS VLTR[A], (more beyond). Beneath the sea is the coins date. On each side of the date are duplicate mintmarks. Inscribed around the periphery is the legend VTRAQUE VNUM (both are one). These various elements are separated by quatrefoils. The reverse of each coin shows the Spanish coat of arms. The assayers initials, MF, are to the left of the arms, the coins denomination in reales to the right. Around the obverse periphery is the kings name, CAROLUS (Charles) III, followed by the abbreviated legend DEI GRATIA HISPANIARUM ET INDIARUM REX (by the grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies).

In the United States these coins were legal tender up until the Civil War period. Milled Dollars had a powerful effect on the U.S. coinage system. Our dollar was based on the Spanish Milled Dollar and some of the slang expressions referring to this money still survive today. As an example, the 8 Reales piece was often cut into 8 "bits" to make change. Each bit was worth 12 1/2 cents (100 divided by 8). Though rapidly fading now, the expression 2 bits still refers to a quarter dollar.
Specifications: 27.0674 grams, 0.9170 Silver, 0.7980 ounces ASW.