>> Ancient Spanish Coins - #Mexico-11168
1795 Spanish Bust - Half Real
Coin Type: SPANISH BUST Date: 1795
Denomination: HALF REAL Assayer: FM
Ruler: CARLOS IIII Metal: SILVER
Mint: MEXICO CITY Framing: 14 KT WHITE
Country: MEXICO Certificate Number: 11168
CARLOS IIII - 1788-1808
Obverse: Bust of Carlos IIII surrounded by legend, date below.
Reverse: Crowned arms of the House of Bourbon sided by the Pillars of Hercules, legend around.
Carlos IIII was the second son of Carlos III and his wife, Maria Amelia of Saxony. Lacking qualities of leadership and possessing no genuine interest in governmental affairs Carlos entrusted his queen and her lover, Minister Manuel de Godoy to direct matters of state. In time a power struggle developed between Godoy and the king’s eldest son, prince Ferdinand. In 1808, supporters of the prince rioted and demanded Godoy's head. To appease the mob and save his minister, Carlos abdicated on March 19, 1808. He was subsequently forced into exile when Napoleon placed his brother Joseph Bonaparte on the Spanish throne. He died in Rome eleven years later.
Silver coinage for Carlos IIII was issued by New Spain in denominations of 8, 4, 2, 1, ½ and ¼ reales. Gold escudos were issued in values of 8, 4, 2, 1 and ½. |
