Colonial Silver & Minors

Colonial Mexican silver coins and minor denominations are a cornerstone of numismatic history, reflecting the economic dominance of New Spain from the 16th to the 19th century. Silver coins, such as reales and pesos, were minted in various denominations, including 1/2, 1, 2, 4, and 8 reales, and were highly valued for their purity and standardized weight. Lesser denominations, often referred to as “minors,” such as the cuartilla (1/4 real), catered to everyday transactions and ensured accessibility to a wider population.