Collecting Charles and Johanna Coinage in the Philippines

SPANISH COLONIAL EARLY COINAGE

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This guide focuses on the technical and observable features collectors use to identify and evaluate Charles and Johanna coinage, including key design elements, physical characteristics, and distinguishing details.​​

For a broader historical overview of this series, visit its related history page in the Philippine Currency Timeline.

Quick Reference

• Coin Type: Charles and Johanna

• Minting Period: 1536–1572

• Primary Metal: Silver

• Common Denominations: 1/4 Real (rare), 1/2 Real, 1 Real, 2 Reales, 3 Reales (rare), 4 Reales, 8 Reales (rare)

• Major Mints: Mexico City, Lima, and Potosí​

Specifications​

The earliest silver coins of this series were struck in denominations of 1/4, 1/2, 1, 2, 3, and 4 reales. The alloy was approximately 93% silver and 7% copper. 

Denomination	Expected Weight (grams)
1/4 real	.858
1/2 real	1.716
1 real	3.432
2 reales	6.865
3 reales	10.296
4 reales	13.731

Physical Characteristics​ 

• Hand-struck coinage

• Undated issues

• Hammer-struck with no fixed relation between obverse and reverse

• Irregular shapes due to hammered production

• Crude or uneven strikes are common

Identification Features 

Obverse

• Crowned heraldic shield of Castile and León

• Mintmark “M” for Mexico on the early series example

• Legend in a variation of CAROLVS ET IOHANA REGES

​​Reverse

• Two crowned columns representing the Pillars of Hercules

• Banner or motto with PLVS VLTRA / PLUS ULTRA

• Legend in a form of HISPANIARVM ET INDIARVM

Denomination Indicators:

​The denomination was indicated by dots or numerals. One dot represented 1 real, while four dots or the numeral 4 / Roman numeral IV indicated 4 reales.

Diagnostics by Series

Early Series (1536-1542)

• No waves under the pillars

• Early issues are quite uncommon or extremely rare

• Mintmark appears beside the shield

• Banner appears between the pillars

Late Series (1542–1572)

• Assayer’s initial appears on the obverse, opposite the mintmark

• Waves appear at the bases of the pillars

• Pillars are shown in water

• PLVS VLTRA appears on the background instead of on a ribbon or panel

Authentication Notes 

• Because the coins are undated, identification relies on the mintmark, assayer’s initial, legends, and reverse design

• Larger denominations display fuller legends, while smaller denominations show abbreviated legends

• Variation in mintmarks, assayers, and strike quality is common

• Scarce denominations include the 1/4 real, 3 reales and 8 reales

• Many known examples come from shipwreck recoveries

Market Note:​

Due to the rarity of Charles and Johanna coinage, replicas are known to exist in the market. Caution is advised, particularly when listings do not clearly disclose this information and the intent is to acquire an original piece. These replicas may or may not be made of silver, and their appearance often lacks the natural characteristics of genuine examples.

References & Sources:​

Nesmith, Robert I. "Coinage of the First Mint of the Americas at Mexico City, 1536-1572." American Numismatic Society.

University of Notre Dame. "Spanish Coinage Circulating in the Colonies."

Hubbard, Clyde. "Coins of Charles & Johanna Struck in the First Mint of The Americas in Mexico City 1536-1572."

Selected numismatic articles, auction archives, and collector references used for comparative study

​Continue Your Collecting Journey

• Collecting Philippine Coins

• Philippine Numismatics Collectors Hub

• Philippine Currency Timeline