1/4 Real

The Dominican Republic declared independence from Haiti in February 1844, and this quarter real was among the first coins issued by the newly formed state — struck under conditions of extreme administrative and military instability, with Haitian forces actively attempting to retake the island throughout the entire period this type was minted. The new government had no established mint, and production was contracted under improvised circumstances.

Brass was chosen largely out of necessity rather than preference, copper being in short supply during the early republic's chaotic first years.