Patzcuaro 1/8 real

from the Mountain Groan Collection

This is an example of a copper eighth real from the town of Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacan. While the central government of Mexico reserved for itself the right to strike gold and silver, the states were permitted to strike the base metal coinage, a right which they exploited to the utmost. Both state and federal officials discouraged local and municipal issues but they exist in great profusion. They are poorly made and even more poorly documented. The SCWC lists a few, including this one, which depicts a local holding fish netted from the lake located next to the town.

Recorded mintage: unknown.

Specification: copper.

Catalog reference: KM L60.

Source:

• Michael, Thomas, and Tracy L. Schmidt, Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1801-1900, 9th ed., Iola, WI: Krause Publications, 2019.

Links to:

• Jalisco 1832 1/8 real
• Uruapan 1859 1/8 real
• return to Mexican imperial and republican coinage, 1822-1905