Eight reales

A Spanish dollar of British currency. Obverse: Bust of King Charles IV of Spain in a tie-wig, laureate, armour and mantle (right) a small bust of King George III (right) stamped upon the neck. Legend: 'CAROLUS . IIII . DEI . GRATIA.' Below: '1795.' Reverse: The royal arms of Spain crowned within columns entwined by a scroll, bearing the words PLUS / ULTRA. Legend: 'HISPAN . ET IND . REX . M . 8R . F . M.' (Mexico City). During the run on gold in 1797, the Bank of England put into circulation these Spanish coins (held for their bullion value). They were countermarked with the head of George III.

Object Details

ID: MEC1600
Collection: Coins and medals
Type: Coin - eight reales
Display location: Not on display
Creator: Unknown
Date made: 1795
People: King Charles IV of Spain; King George III
Credit: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Measurements: Overall: 38 mm