Mexican 8 Reales Zacatecas Mint Basic Set, Circulation Strikes (1825-1897)

The Zacatecas Mint was located in the capital city of the Mexican State of the same name. Zacatecas issued Cap and Rays 8 Reales from 1825 to 1897, with minor interruptions. Thanks to high mintages, most dates from the Zacatecas Mint are common. However, high grade examples are often quite difficult to locate, more so than from any of the other Mexican Mints. In fact, authors J.B. Parker and Mike Dunigan state in "Resplandores" (their wonderful book on these coins), "If high grade and aesthetics are what you seek...avoid Zacatecas." How's that for a challenge?