AR 8 Reales

Struck: 1786
Mint: Lima
Size: 40mm
Weight: 26.98g
Die Axis: 0°
Grade: VF
Ref: KM 78a

Obv: CAROLUS III DEI GRATIA 1786. Laureate, draped bust right.
Rev: HISPAN ET IND REX M 8R M I. Crowned Spanish arms between the Pillars of Hercules adorned with PLVS VLTRA motto.
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Charles III was born on January 20, 1716 and was the King of Spain from 1759 to 1788. Charles III tried to rescue his empire from decay through far-reaching reforms such as weakening the Church and its monasteries, promoting science and university research, facilitating trade and commerce, modernizing agriculture and avoiding wars. His reforms proved short-lived and Spain relapsed after his death. But his legacy lives on to this day.

It was under Charles' reign that Spain began to be recognized a nation rather than a collection of kingdoms and territories. His efforts resulted in creation of a National Anthem, a flag, and a capital city worthy of the name, and the construction of a network of coherent roads converging on Madrid. It was also Charles who chose the colors of the present flag of Spain; red and yellow. He died on December 14, 1788 at the Royal Palace of Madrid.