Bourbon Real
Spain
1700–1864
Reference data compiled from public catalogs
Estimated Melt Value
$7.90
Based on Silver spot price ($79.27/oz) · 91.7% purity · 3.38g
Updated 6:36 PM
Collector premium not included
Specifications
| Country | Spain |
| Years Minted | 1700–1864 |
| Composition | 0.917 silver |
| Weight | 3.38 g |
| Diameter | 21 mm |
| Shape | Round |
Design
Obverse
Features the bust of the reigning Spanish monarch from the Bourbon dynasty.
Reverse
Depicts the Spanish coat of arms.
History & Notable Facts
The Bourbon Real's most intriguing feature is that it was often restruck from older silver coins, recycling metal from Habsburg predecessors to fund Bourbon wars and expeditions. This frugal approach kept the currency flowing despite Spain's frequent upheavals. Mintage varied by year and mint, with common issues from Madrid or Seville showing the profile of kings like Charles III.
Designs evolved simply: early ones featured a crowned shield, later adding the monarch's bust for a personal touch. Weights hovered around 3.38 grams for a one-real piece, though purity dipped in lean times. I've seen fakes that fool the novice, but the real ones have a distinct edge from colonial techniques.
As for exact numbers, records burned in various archives, so we guess at figures. That's numismatics for you—full of holes, like a coin with a bite taken out of it.
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