There are many, many coins with Queen Isabel II of Spain, and the inscriptions are all very similar. For the coins on this page, the defining feature is the set of pillars on either side of the crowned coat of arms on the reverse side. They come in 10 and 20 reales denominations, in silver. Nice coins!

We list below some approximate catalog values for these coins. These values apply to all dates, unless noted below. Use our Important Terminology page to convert these inflated catalog values to actual buy and sell values.

10 REALES
worn: $10 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated (like our picture): $60
well preserved: $150

20 REALES
worn: $20 US dollars approximate catalog value
average circulated (like our picture): $100
well preserved: $250

You will also find differing portraits of the Queen. The one in our main picture is when Isabel was young, and it is called young head. The one with leaves in her hair is called laureate head, which honors her great achievements, i.e., crowned with a laurel wreath.

Then, to really get collector juices flowing, look at the small stars below the pillars and count the points. Some have 6 points, some 7, some 8. You'll need magnifier if you are like me.

There are some special dates. The values in the list below are catalog values for coins in average circulated condition (like our picture)

1855 young head 10 reales; $350
1856 young head 10 reales: $2000
1863 laureate head 10 reales: $400
1864 laureate head 10 reales: $450

1847 young head 20 reales with 8 pointed star: $3500
1850 young head 20 reales with 7 pointed star: $1500
1850 young head 20 reales with 8 pointed star: $2000
1851 and 1852 young head 20 reales with 8 pointed star: $1000
1857 laureate head 20 reales with 8 pointed star: $800
1859, 1862, and 1863 laureate head 20 reales with 8 pointed star: $1000