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Straight Facts
This is an 1849 Zs OM Mexico 4 Reales, struck at Zacatecas — real First Republic silver with enough size to matter. The important stuff is still here: readable date, clear Zs OM, visible denomination, strong cap-and-rays layout, and a recognizable eagle. It’s circulated, dark, and honest, not some polished-up silver pancake trying to cosplay as high grade.
In 1849, Mexico was still dealing with the aftermath of the Mexican-American War, and coins like this were the working silver that kept moving while borders, governments, and everyone’s patience were getting rearranged. This one has old-gray tone, solid bones, and proper Zacatecas workhorse energy — not a museum princess, but absolutely still invited to the silver party.
Condition Statement
Solid Fine example with honest circulation wear and strong overall identification. The cap-and-rays side is the stronger face, with the date, mintmark, assayers, denomination, and fineness readable along the lower legend. The eagle side is more worn through the central devices, but the eagle, snake, wreath, and portions of the legend remain visible. Surfaces show dark gray old-silver toning, scattered circulation marks, and rim wear consistent with a coin that actually did its job.
Coin Details
- KM number: KM#375.9
- Mint / mintmark: Zacatecas, Zs
- Assayers: OM
- Mintage: Not recorded
- Weight / metal: 13.54 g, .903 silver
- ASW: approx. 0.3931 oz silver
Numista lists the Mexico 4 Reales type as KM#375, 13.54 g, .903 silver, with Zacatecas as KM#375.9; NGC also lists KM#375.9 at 13.54 g, .903 fineness, and 0.3931 oz ASW.
Grading Analysis
Obverse: Eagle side shows even circulation wear with the central eagle and snake flattened, though the major outline remains visible. Wreath detail is stronger than the eagle, especially around the lower leaves. REPUBLICA MEXICANA is partially readable, with rim wear and darker toning around the legends.
Reverse: Cap-and-rays side presents better. Liberty cap is smooth but clear, with many rays still defined. Bottom legend remains readable: 4R Zs 1849 OM 10Ds 20Gs. Fields show normal circulation marks and old toning, with no hole, mount, or major distracting damage visible from the photos. Overall Fine, with better reverse readability than average for the grade.
An honest Zacatecas half-dollar from the year after Mexico got carved up — worn, readable, and carrying exactly the kind of history modern bullion wishes it had.
