1805-PTS PJ Bolivia 8 Reales – Potosí Mint (Charles IV) | NGC XF Details – Cleaned

1805-PTS PJ Bolivia 8 Reales – Potosí Mint (Charles IV) | XF Details – Cleaned.

Item Overview

An iconic classic of global trade and Spanish Colonial numismatics! Known worldwide as a "Piece of Eight" or Spanish Silver Dollar, this 1805 8 Reales was struck at the legendary Potosí Mint (denoted by the famous PTS monogram) in colonial Bolivia under King Charles IV (Carlos IV).

This coin carries the PJ assayer initials (Pedro Prudencio de Esuchárraga and José de Vargas) and exhibits sharp, Extremely Fine (XF) relief detail on both King Charles IV’s laureate bust and the crowned royal shield. Certified as XF Details – Cleaned, it provides exceptional, crisp structural detail at an accessible price point compared to problem-free straight-graded specimens.

Specifications & Certification

Design & Symbolism

• Obverse: Displays the laureate, armored bust of King Charles IV facing right, encircled by the Latin legend CAROLUS IV DEI GRATIA 1805 (Charles IV, by the Grace of God, 1805).

• Reverse: Features the crowned Spanish coat of arms flanked by the twin Pillars of Hercules draped with banners reading PLVS VLTRA (Further Beyond). Surrounded by HISPAN ET IND REX (King of the Spains and the Indies), the PTS mintmark, 8R denomination, and PJ assayer mark.

Historical Significance & Collector Appeal

• The Silver Giant of Potosí: Mined from Bolivia's famous Cerro Rico ("Rich Mountain"), Potosí silver fueled world commerce for centuries and served as legal tender in the United States until the Coinage Act of 1857.

• Pre-Napoleonic Era: Struck in 1805, the exact year of the Battle of Trafalgar, capturing Spanish colonial wealth at its apex just prior to the Spanish American wars of independence.

• Sharp Visual Relief: High-grade 8 Reales pieces from Potosí are heavily sought after by type collectors. The sharp XF details on the hair strands, crown jewels, and heraldic lions give this coin great visual presence in hand or on display.