Private collection Spanish cob - 1/2 Reale - Sterling Silver Mount

Denomination: 1/2 Reales Mint: Potosi Reign: Carlos II Date: Not Visible Bezel: Sterling Silver Assayer: Not Visible Description: Obverse: Environmental wear. Visible Greek cross with lions and castles partially visible. Reverse: Partially visible Kings Monogram. History: This coin is a certified member of the “Beachcomber Series” by Shipwreck Treasures of the Keys. It has been numismatically certified as authentic to its time period. Spanish colonial coinage, known as cobs (from the Spanish Cabo de Barra, meaning end of the bar") were the primary currency of the Spanish empire east territories in the America's from the earl 16th to the mid 18th century. They were produced in colonial mints, such as those in Mexico City, Potosi (modern day Bolivia) and Lima, to quickly convert massive amounts of silver and gold into spendable currency for trade and shipments back to Spain. The silver cob, famously known as pieces of eight became the first widely accepted global currency., circulating across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Due to issues with counterfeiting and clipping, cobs were gradually phased out in the 18th century in favor of more uniform, machine struck (milled) pins with a protective edge design. Our private collection database helps to further our understanding of shipwrecks and their contents, both locally and globally, providing an additional benefit for collectors and researchers alike." ID15812