1772 2 Reales - Mexico Mint - Overdate?

Worn coins are never the best to establish varieties. The problem I see here is the shape of the curl within the loop of the 2. The 3 in use in 1773 had a flat top and NO curl on the tail. BY 1778 and 1780 there were curls on the numerals 8 and 0 so it is theoretically possible that incorrect punches were already produced and in the die sinker's tool kits before they were needed - but that would be a hard sell.

Also possible, and perhaps an easier sell, would be a numeral 2 with a curl at the upper termination. I think there would be a better case for a 2 over a rotated 2 than for a 2 over 3 in any event.

Perhaps some background information for the series would be helpful. It is generally well known that Spain actually provided a matrix block for each colonial mint. It is also generally believed that there were matrix blocks for each denomination - creating one set of "standard" numbers and letters for each denomination.

This matrix block was a large steel block from which individual die punches were made. The block contained one or more positive impressions of each die feature. The procedure started with a negative master punch being created for each feature. This negative punch was then used to create the positive working punch that cut the individual working dies (negatives).

This procedure allowed literally hundreds of working punches to be created for each element. The King's portrait was the largest individual die punch that was used. Matrix blocks were issued for each new King.

Since the individual punches were made by the mint blacksmith there was slight variation possible based on how deeply it was set. If (and this is conjecture) a punch was set too weakly set for the liking of the die sinker, who was also an engraver, he could modify the punch by engraving it. The die sinker could also "touch up" individual die impressions. So it is theoretically possible that the die sinker could have added a curl to one or more dies or die punches.

My collection is focused on 8R coins only. I have recreated the appearance of the standard 8R blocks for my research but have never done the same for the other denominations. To do so I first located photographs of between 10 and 25 completely identical genuine coins made from different dies for each year of production. By comparing these photos feature by feature I recreated the appearance of each standard letter.

The same could be done for each denomination - but since 8Rs were made in the greatest numbers it was easy to do the project for that denomination for Mexico City.

The number two is used on all 2 reales so it should be easier to determine the shape of the standard 2 than to determine the standard 6.

Good luck in your search.