8 Reales - Ferdinand VII - Sombrerete / Vargas - 1812

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The Sombrerete region, one of the richest districts of Mexico, was discovered by Juan de Tolosa in 1555. It has a large number of mines, and up to 1883 it was estimated that these mines had produced ores valued at not less than one hundred and fifty million dollars.

The Sombrerete mint began operations on October 18, 1810, was closed July 16, 1811, re-opened during 1812 and definitely closed at the end of that year because of the proximity of the Durango and Zacatecas mints. It was not really a mint in the true sense of the word, as the municipal treasurer ordered the coining of silver in the denominations from 8 reales to 1/2 real to meet the need of this mining center. A Spanish civilian, Don Fernando Vargas, superintendent of the mines, had charge of coining operations and used his name on all coins manufactured. These pieces are known as the "Vargas issue." There are two distinct types: (1) the planchets with several counterstamps; (2) those in which both sides were struck simultaneously with crudely made dies.

The first tpe was coined during 1810 and 1811 and consisted of 8 reales pieces only. The striking of these was apparently done in three stages: first, the stamping of a dentelated border on both sides, leaving the center blank; then, the striking of one side with the crowned arms of Spain and R CAXA DE SOMBRETE (sic) within a roped circle; and lastly, the impressing of five punch marks, all incuse panels, on the other side. These punches are: at top, VARGAS; at left, a crowned horse's head over an S between two columns; in center, the date 1810 or 1811; at right, a crowned S between two columns; and below, what appears to be the Arabic numeral 3 but which in some pieces resembles an 8. It is apparent that this side was punched last, as the design on the other side shows bruises from the blows of the several stamps.

The coins of the second type bear the dates of 1811 (rare) or 1812, and were struck from complete dies. The obverse shows a shield and inscription similar to those found on the coins of the first type but with 8-R at left and right, outside of a rope-like circle. The reverse is similar to the earlier type, but the five component parts are not in depressed areas. The word VARGAS appears in large letters and is curved.

There is a four reales piece dated 1812, with 4-R at sides. This also bears the figure 3, meaning of which is not understood. The one and the half-reales are alike in design and show on the obverse two hemispheres crowned; around, SOMBRERETE. (name correctly spelled) FERDIN VII. The reverse has above, VARGAS; in center, the Bourbon escutcheon in oval; below, palm branches; at sides, R-1 or 1/2-R; in exergue, date 1811 or 1812.