1862 Mexico 8 Reales “Cap and Rays” - Zacatecas Mint (Zs VL)

1862 Mexico Silver 8 Reales “Cap and Rays” – Zacatecas Mint (Zs VL)

This is a classic Mexican Republic “Cap and Rays” 8 Reales, one of the most iconic silver crown-sized coins of 19th-century Latin America. Struck at the Zacatecas mint during a turbulent period in Mexican history, these heavy silver pieces circulated widely and were a staple of international trade (often called “Mexican Dollars” in Asia).

Key Details:

•  Issuer: United Mexican States (First Republic)

•  Mint: Zacatecas (Zs)

•  Assayer: VL (Vicente Linares)

•  Date: 1862

•  Catalog References: KM#377.13, Davenport 294 or similar

•  Composition: .903 silver

•  Weight: Approx. 27.07 grams

•  Diameter: 38.9 mm

•  Obverse: Radiant Phrygian cap (liberty cap) with “LA LIBERTAD” inscribed, surrounded by rays of light. Legend includes denomination, date, fineness marks, and assayer “VL”

•  Reverse: National coat of arms featuring a Mexican eagle with serpent on a cactus, within a laurel wreath. Legend: “REPUBLICA MEXICANA”

The Cap and Rays design symbolizes liberty and the ideals of the Mexican Republic following independence. Coins from the Zacatecas mint are popular among collectors due to their often bold strikes and historical significance. These pieces saw heavy use in both domestic commerce and international trade, particularly with China (where many examples acquired chop marks).

This raw example displays honest wear and signs of handling. A solid representative of this popular type for collectors of Mexican, Latin American, or world silver crowns.

Coin pictured is the exact one you will receive.