1808 PTS PJ Bolivia 8 Reales Silver Coin – Carlos IV “Carolus IIII” | NGC MS61

The 1808 8 Reales Silver Coin, struck at the famed Potosí Mint (PTS) under assayer PJ, is a remarkable surviving relic from the closing moments of the reign of King Carlos IV of Spain, known on coinage as Carolus IIII. This large silver coin, known colloquially as the "piece of eight," was used extensively across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, forming the basis of international trade and even influencing the development of global currency systems.

Certified Mint State 61 by NGC, this specimen is notable for its crisp details, historical context, and well-preserved surfaces—making it an exceptional piece for collectors of colonial Spanish-American silver.

Historical Context

By 1808, the Spanish Empire was facing immense political instability. Napoleon's invasion of Spain would force King Carlos IV to abdicate, and the coinage from this year marks the end of an era. In the Americas, colonial mints like Potosí (modern-day Bolivia) continued to strike coinage bearing the monarch’s portrait—even as political control was slipping.

This coin, therefore, stands at the historical intersection of:

• The collapse of the Spanish monarchy under Napoleonic pressure

• The end of official Carlos IV coinage

• The transition to revolutionary independence movements throughout Latin America

Design & Symbolism

• Obverse:

  • Laureate bust of Carlos IV facing right

  • Legend: CAROLUS IIII DEI GRATIA (Charles IV by the Grace of God)

  • Date: 1808

• Reverse:

  • The crowned Spanish shield, flanked by the Pillars of Hercules, symbolizing Spain's maritime power and control over the New World

  • Mintmark: PTS for Potosí

  • Assayer's initials: PJ

  • Legend: HISPAN ET IND REX (King of Spain and the Indies)

  • Denomination: 8R

This elegant design embodies the imperial majesty and global reach of the Spanish Empire during its height.

Specifications

• Country: Bolivia (Colonial Spanish Empire)

• Year: 1808

• Mint: Potosí (PTS)

• Assayers: PJ

• Denomination: 8 Reales

• Metal: Silver (.903 fine)

• Weight: ~27 grams

• Diameter: ~38 mm

• Grade: NGC MS61

• Ruler: Carlos IV (Carolus IIII)

Mint State Appeal – NGC MS61

Coins from this era are often seen in circulated grades due to widespread use. Finding one in Mint State is notably rare, especially from the Potosí Mint. This MS61 piece showcases:

• Sharp strike and strong legends

• Natural silver brilliance and subtle toning

• Minimal contact marks or wear, appropriate for the grade

• Pleasing eye appeal, making it desirable to type and date collectors alike

Why Collect the 1808 8 Reales from Potosí?

• Transition Year: 1808 marks the end of Carlos IV’s reign and the beginning of the Napoleonic era

• Popular Series: The 8 Reales is one of the most iconic silver coins in world numismatics

• Colonial Heritage: Issued from Bolivia’s Potosí Mint—one of the most prolific and important mints in the Spanish New World

• Global Currency: Used in Asia, the Americas, and beyond, this coin served as the model for many modern currencies

• High Grade: Mint State coins from this year are far scarcer than circulated examples

Ideal For Collectors Of:

• Spanish colonial coinage

• 8 Reales & silver crown series

• Bolivian or South American issues

• Carolus IIII reign type sets

• Coins of political transition or historical upheaval

Comparison & Context

This coin fits perfectly alongside:

• Mexico City 8 Reales of the same era

• Lima and Guatemala Mint silver coinage

• Later issues under Ferdinand VII

• Early Latin American republic coinage post-independence

It also precedes the famous "countermarked" Spanish-American coins used during the revolutionary period.

Conclusion

The 1808 Bolivia 8 Reales PTS PJ Coin, struck during a pivotal moment in Spanish and Latin American history, remains one of the most coveted entries in colonial silver collections. With a mint state designation, attractive visuals, and undeniable global significance, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the “piece of eight.”

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