Charles III portrait 8 reales span from 1772-1789. In 1785 KM reports a reduced fineness, from .917 to .896.
However, on Numista, it reports 1875 onwards in both .917 and .896:
In 917:
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces15059.htmlIn 896:
https://en.numista.com/catalogue/pieces74914.htmlIs this correct? Are there really 2 finenesses for the same dates?
If so, what is the biggest "tell" between the two? Numista reports a diameter reduction from 40mm to 39mm, but that doesn't seem to be super reliable as these weren't as precisely made as, say, 19th century
US coinage. At a show inspecting raw coins I doubt I'll have a set of calipers with me either.
Anyone have any thoughts?