Set Description
Starting in the mid-1760's, Spain pursued a series of mercantile reforms to improve profits from their colonies. One of these reforms was the redesign of Spanish and colonial coins, coupled with a debasement of silver content from 91.7% to 90.3%. The first coins of this new type were minted in 1772 and are chiefly noted for the portrait of the reigning monarch, Charles III, on the obverse. Charles' youthful bust had appeared on the Escudo early in his reign, however the new coin featured a more mature portrait with a courtly wig for coins minted in Spain and a crown of laurel for the colonial image. The reverse design displayed the crowned shield of León and Castile and the colonial version added the Pillars of Hercules, wreathed in the motto "PLUS ULTRA", to either side. The design of the edge of the coin, an innovation meant to deter clipping and counterfeiting, changed from the tulip motif to one of alternating circles and rectangles.
This collection of Charles III Portrait Dollars from Mexico was started in January of 2010 and is almost complete. It features a few rare varieties, such as the 1772 MF and 1784 FF, as well as scarce overdates 1777/6 and 1787/6.
