Why Invest in 8 Reales & Chopmarked Coins?
✅ Historical Significance – The 8 Reales was the dominant trade coin for over 300 years, influencing the U.S. dollar, Chinese silver trade, and European economies.
✅ Global Demand – Collectors worldwide seek these coins, ensuring long-term liquidity.
✅ Silver Content & Intrinsic Value – Most 8 Reales contain ~27 grams of .903 fine silver, giving them solid bullion value.
✅ Chopmarked Coins Add Extra Appeal – Chinese merchant-stamped coins are unique, scarce, and have a strong collector base.
✅ Steady Appreciation – Key dates, high-grade examples, and rare varieties have consistently increased in value.
Investment Strategy: How to Build a Profitable Collection
A strong 8 Reales and chopmarked coin collection should balance rarity, condition, and historical significance.
- 40% Key Date & Scarce Mint Coins – Rare issues that appreciate over time.
- 30% Mid-Tier Collectible Coins – Strong demand but more affordable.
- 20% Common & Well-Preserved Coins – High-quality examples that hold value.
- 10% Special Varieties & Errors – Unique coins with collector premiums.
Best 8 Reales Coins to Invest In
1. Key Date & Scarce Mint Coins (40% of Portfolio)
These rare and historically important issues are highly sought after:
✅ Early Cobs (1570s-1730s) – Hand-struck, irregular-shaped coins from Spanish colonial mints (Mexico, Lima, Potosí).
✅ 1732-1772 Pillar Dollars – The first milled (machine-made) 8 Reales, featuring two hemispheres and crowned pillars.
✅ 1772-1825 Portrait Dollars – Featuring Spanish monarchs like Charles III, Charles IV, and Ferdinand VII.
✅ 1820-1825 Mexican War for Independence Issues – Scarce overstrikes and emergency issues.
✅ Rare Mint Marks – Coins from Guatemala (NG), Peru (LIMA), and Colombia (NR) are harder to find than Mexico (Mo) and Bolivia (PTS).
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on PCGS or NGC-certified coins in VF or better to ensure authenticity and investment-grade quality.
2. Mid-Tier Collectible Coins (30% of Portfolio)
These coins are widely collected and offer great long-term potential.
✅ 1772-1808 Mexico City 8 Reales (VF-AU condition) – Common but highly liquid investment.
✅ 1810-1825 Ferdinand VII 8 Reales – Transition-era coins during Mexico’s independence movement.
✅ 1820s-1850s South American Republican 8 Reales – Countries like Argentina, Chile, and Peru issued their own versions.
✅ Bolivia & Peru “Sun Face” 8 Reales (1825-1860s) – Beautiful coins featuring the radiant sun.
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on XF or AU examples with strong strikes and problem-free surfaces.
3. Common Yet Desirable Coins (20% of Portfolio)
These coins are more affordable but still excellent investments.
✅ 1800-1825 Mexico City Mint 8 Reales (VG-F condition) – The most widely circulated variety.
✅ 1830s-1860s Republic of Mexico 8 Reales – Features the eagle and snake, precursors to the modern peso.
✅ Low-Grade Pillar Dollars (Pre-1772) – Even well-worn examples have strong demand.
💡 Pro Tip: Buy these in bulk at lower prices, especially for silver stackers looking for historical bullion coins.
Investing in Chopmarked 8 Reales
Chopmarks were merchant stamps used by Chinese traders to verify a coin’s silver content. These marks add historical authenticity and increase the numismatic value for collectors.
Best Chopmarked 8 Reales to Collect
✅ Pillar Dollars with Chopmarks (Pre-1772) – Extremely scarce and valuable.
✅ Late 1700s Mexico & Peru 8 Reales with Multiple Chopmarks – Coins heavily used in Asian trade.
✅ Early 1800s Ferdinand VII 8 Reales with Chopmarks – Common but historically significant.
✅ Silver Trade Dollars with Both Western & Chinese Chopmarks – These hybrid coins appeal to multiple collector bases.
💡 Pro Tip: Chopmarked coins should be authenticated by PCGS or NGC to ensure legitimacy and avoid fakes.
Recommended Collection Plan Based on Budget
$1,000 – $2,500 Budget (Entry Level)
✅ 1800-1820 Mexico City 8 Reales (XF, PCGS/NGC) – $250-500
✅ 1825-1850s Republic of Mexico 8 Reales (AU) – $200-400
✅ Common Chopmarked 8 Reales (VG-F) – $300-600
📌 Focus: Affordable, high-grade coins with solid appreciation potential.
$5,000 Budget (Intermediate)
✅ 1772-1808 Mexico City Pillar or Portrait Dollar (VF/XF) – $1,000-1,500
✅ 1810-1825 Ferdinand VII 8 Reales (XF/AU) – $800-1,200
✅ Chopmarked Late 1700s Mexico 8 Reales (VF) – $1,500-2,000
📌 Focus: Introduce mid-tier rarities and chopmarked trade coins.
$10,000 Budget (Advanced)
✅ Pre-1772 Pillar Dollar (VF, PCGS/NGC) – $3,000-5,000
✅ Mexican War for Independence Overstrike 8 Reales (AU) – $2,500-4,000
✅ Rare Mint Mark 8 Reales (Guatemala, Peru) – $1,500-3,000
✅ Multiple Chopmarked 8 Reales (High Grade) – $2,000-3,500
📌 Focus: Secure low-mintage and historically significant rarities.
$25,000+ Budget (Elite Collector/Investor)
✅ 1732-1760s Pillar Dollar (AU, PCGS/NGC) – $10,000-15,000
✅ 1810-1820s Overstruck War Issue (AU) – $7,000-10,000
✅ Rare Multiple Chopmarked Coin (XF-AU) – $5,000-8,000
📌 Focus: Acquire ultra-key rarities and investment-grade historical pieces.
How to Store & Protect Your 8 Reales Collection
- Buy Only PCGS/NGC-Certified Coins to verify authenticity.
- Use Airtight Holders to prevent oxidation.
- Store in a Safe or Vault to protect against theft.
- Keep Purchase Records for resale and valuation.
Final Thoughts: Build Your 8 Reales Portfolio Today
8 Reales and chopmarked coins are historical treasures with strong investment potential. By focusing on key dates, high-grade examples, and merchant-stamped varieties, you can build a profitable collection that appreciates over time.
📢 At Merak Coins, we specialize in premium 8 Reales and chopmarked coins. Browse our latest offerings and start investing today!