AU 1759-Mo MM MEXICO Ferdinand VI Silver 8 Reales, Mexico City Mint.

KM-104.2. Despite the light cleaning, this gently handled example retains great allure and is now starting to re-tone quite handsomely.

This is one of a series struck 1754-60 during the reign of Ferdinand VI (1746-59). No overdates are noted for the year, though there is a rare variety with a recut 9 in the date. The coin is otherwise common. It is distinguished from earlier issues (KM 104.1, 1747-54) of pillar dollars by having different crowns atop the pillars on the date side.

Mexican numismatists hotly debate which side of the coin constitutes the obverse. Gilboy depicts the shield side as the obverse as that side bears the king's name. However, auction catalogs and dealer listings more frequently use the pillars and globes side as the obverse, as that side bears the date.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: 27.07 grams, .917 fine silver, .798 troy oz ASW.

Catalog reference: Cayón-10637, Gilboy M-8-35, KM 104.2.