Zs 8 Reales Trio - Coin Community Forum

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Author	Replies: 3 / Views: 1,215
Lucky Cuss Pillar of the Community United States 4883 Posts	Posted 05/17/2015 4:01 pm Three interesting specimens, in that while the die states don't appear in most respects to be especially advanced, nonetheless all exhibit prominent die cracks. In addition, the 1886's show evidence of the dies being scratched and scored. Such consistent flaws suggest that the die preparation techniques at Zacarecas around this time were wanting. In any event, these represent the last issues before Zacatecas began utilizing standardized dies. The dual 1886 configurations stem from Francisco de Zarate (F.Z.) having assumed duties as assayer during that year (he continued in that capacity right up until the closing of the mint in 1905). I'm not certain if the previous assayer (J.S.) has yet been definitively identified, even though he held that position for a decade. 1885 Zs J.S. 1886 Zs J.S. 1886 Zs F.Z. Colligo ergo sum Report this Post to the Staff

swamperbob Pillar of the Community United States 5362 Posts	Posted 05/17/2015 10:28 pm In 1886 Zacatecas increased production of 8 Reales - from 2,224,000 in 1885 to 5,303,000 in 1886. The fact that production rates doubled could also be a reason for increased die failure. Steam powered presses were introduced at Zacatecas in 1881 and 1882 production reflects the use of steam. The coins are more fully struck up typically. Steam driven close collar (not closed collar) presses produce MORE die breaks when pressures are raised. Notice that many of the breaks are roughly circular in nature following the perimeter of the coin. This reflects the close collar which at times does retain pressure. These breaks were rare when open collar presses were in use but become more common after. The same thing happened at Mexico City and the other branches that adopted steam. The 1885 and 1886 dies exhibit features that point toward them having been lapped. The second 1886 does not. Report this Post to the Staff
Lucky Cuss Pillar of the Community United States 4883 Posts	Posted 05/18/2015 12:19 am I appreciate the analysis. Of note also is what would seem to be an expansion crack (perhaps occasioned by a slight planchet flaw) on the periphery of the 1885; this doesn't go quite all the way through, so it's visible only from the eagle side at about the 4 o'clock position. Colligo ergo sum Edited by Lucky Cuss 05/18/2015 12:30 pm Report this Post to the Staff
TJsCoins Pillar of the Community United States 3229 Posts	Posted 05/20/2015 01:11 am Cool coins. Love the die cracks, polish lines, planchet flaws, etc. I may have to start looking into this series. Report this Post to the Staff
	Replies: 3 / Views: 1,215

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