1740 Mo-F Mexico 1 Real Philip V Silver Colonial Coin – VF Raw

1740 Mo-F Mexico 1 Real

Philip V (1700–1746)

Mexico City Mint, New Spain

Country: Spanish Colonial Mexico (New Spain)
Ruler: Philip V of Spain
Denomination: 1 Real
Date: 1740
Mint: Mexico City (Mo)
Assayer: F
Composition: Silver (.917 Fine)
Weight: 3.25 g
Diameter: 20.2 mm
Edge: Plain
Reference: KM 78 / Calicó Pillar Coinage Series

Obverse

Crowned Bourbon shield displaying the arms of Castile, León, Granada, and Bourbon-Anjou, surrounded by the legend:

PHILIP • V • D • G • HISPAN • ET IND • REX

Translated: Philip V, by the Grace of God, King of Spain and the Indies.

Reverse

The famous Pillars of Hercules design featuring two crowned hemispheres representing the Old and New Worlds positioned between the Pillars of Hercules. The surrounding legend reads:

VTRAQUE VNUM

Translated: Both Are One, symbolizing the unity of Spain's European and American possessions.

The date 1740 appears below the central devices, with the Mexico City mintmark and assayer's initials flanking the design.

Historical Background

Philip V was the first Bourbon monarch of Spain, ascending the throne following the War of the Spanish Succession. During his reign, the silver mines of New Spain supplied enormous quantities of silver to the global economy. Pillar coinage such as this 1 Real circulated throughout Europe, the Americas, and Asia, becoming one of the world's first truly international trade currencies.

Minted in Mexico City, this coin was struck during the height of Spain's colonial power and represents the standardized pillar coinage that preceded the famous milled 8 Reales used extensively in international commerce.

Grade Assessment

Very Fine Details

This example exhibits moderate circulation wear consistent with long commercial use. Major design elements, legends, date, mintmark, and assayer remain visible. Surfaces display evidence of an old cleaning that has since retoned, producing an attractive silver-gray appearance. No significant damage or impairment is noted beyond normal circulation wear.

Catalog Description

1740 Mo-F Mexico 1 Real, Philip V, VF Details. Silver pillar-type colonial issue struck at the Mexico City Mint. Features the crowned Bourbon shield and the iconic Pillars and Globes reverse with VTRAQUE VNUM legend. Well-preserved for the type with full date, mintmark, and assayer visible. An attractive and historic example of early Spanish colonial silver from New Spain.