macuquinas

The term "macuquina" refers to a type of hammered coin, often of rude mintage, produced in Spanish America during the colonial period. These coins were typically made of silver and were part of the Spanish currency system, which included gold and silver reales. The mints in Spanish America, such as those in Mexico and Potosí, produced these coins, which circulated throughout the Spanish Empire. The coinage often featured characteristic elements like the Pillars of Hercules and the monarchy's coat of arms. A "macute," on the other hand, was an old copper coin, equal to 50 reis, issued by Portugal for its African colonies.123