Antique Chinese Chopmarked Charles IV Spanish Empire silver dollar “piece of 8” (eight real) coin circa 1804

A rare and collectible chopmarked Charles IV Spanish Empire silver dollar “piece of 8” (eight real) coin issued by the Mexico City Mint circa 1804. Spanish silver coins were used throughout the world during the 16th to 19th centuries, and were used in China and throughout Asia by Western merchants embarking on the Maritime Silk Road from the Americas, Asia and Europe. Silver was the most desired form of currency by many Chinese merchants, so much so that this was eventually codified into law. Chopmarks was a means by which local merchants, having examined the dollars, would make their own mark signifying their acceptance and use of this dollar as a means of currency. These marks and symbols, including Chinese characters as well as pictorial symbols, therefore indicate the long history of trade and are small exquisite pieces of Silk Road history.

Price marked at $380 AUD.

Very good antique condition, some wear to obverse as well as to chop marks commensurate with age and history of use.