Spanish Colonial Cob Coin |
Spanish Colonial Coin |
Spanish Colonial Coins - Cob of 2 Reales Silver coin - mint period: 1598-1605
Coins of Spain, Spanish silver coin, Spanish coinage, Spanish silver coins, Numismatic Collection, silver coins, old coins, coin collecting, rare coins, world coins, foreign coins, heritage coins, silver ira investment, silver bullion coins, silver coin collection investors, investment coins, antique coins, Unique Silver Coins, collectible coins.Obverse: Coat of Arms of the Spanish line of the House Habsburg. Mint mint and assayer letters (P-B) in left field.
Comment: Typical early styled numeral (II) in right field.
Legend: PHILIPVS DG HISPANIARVM
Reverse: Cross of Jerusalem with lions and castles in quarters. Legend around.
Comment: Typical early and crude style with large border pellets!
Legend: ET INDIARVM REX .
Mint Place: Potosi, Bolivia (P)
Assayer: Hernando Ballesteros (B)
Diameter: 24 mm
Weight: 6.84 gram of Silver
The first coinage of the New World and what comes to mind when we think of Pirate Treasure are pieces of eight. These first coins, often called cob coins, were made from roughly cut planchets (blanks) by striking them with hand dies. The word Cobb comes from a simplification of the Spanish phrase, Cabo de Barra, which translates as, from a bar. After the coins are struck, they are weighed by an assayer who cuts off any excess Silver which is why most coins have some of the impression cut away. Due to this method of manufacturer no two coins are alike and many are collected for their unique shapes alone. The Cobb coin, like anything that is no longer available is becoming very scarce and hence more valuable. The few remaining Coins are the last vintage of the glory days of pirates and Treasure hunting and are fast disappearing into private hands.