Identifying authentic silver Spanish cob coins requires careful examination of various features.
Here’s what to look for
- Irregular shape: Genuine cobs were crudely struck and often have uneven, lopsided forms.
- Consistent weight (relative to denomination): Weighing the coin can help determine if it’s consistent with known denominations (e.g., 1, 2, 4, 8 Reales), but keep in mind that variations exist due to crude minting practices and potential clipping.
- The weight was the primary concern during the striking process, not the overall completeness or shape.
- Jerusalem cross: Typically found on one side, symbolizing the unity of church and state.
- Lions and castles: Within the cross, symbolizing the Spanish kingdoms of Castile (castle) and Leon (lion).
- Royal coat of arms or shield: Often depicted on the obverse side.
- Pillars of Hercules with waves and “Plus Ultra”: Some designs include the Pillars of Hercules representing the entrance to the Mediterranean, waves below signifying the Atlantic, and the Latin phrase “Plus Ultra” meaning “more beyond”.
- Mintmark: Identifies the mint where the coin was struck (e.g., ‘P’ for Potosi, [‘S over o’ or S with a small o above for Santiago]).
- Assayer’s initials: Identifies the mint official responsible for the coin’s purity and weight.
- The location of these marks on the coin can vary depending on the mint and period.
- Denomination: Usually indicated by Roman numerals or numbers (e.g., “8” for 8 Reales).
- Date: May be present, though often partially visible or absent due to the irregular nature of cobs.
- Dates on coins from the 1700s are typically represented by three digits (e.g., 753 for 1753).
- Provenance: Knowing the origin of a coin (e.g., from a known collection, hoard, or shipwreck) can add to its value and aid in identification.
- Wear and strike quality: While cobs are known for their rough nature, the level of preservation and strike quality can impact their value.
- Authenticity verification: It is recommended to consult with a reputable numismatist or use advanced techniques like XRF for definitive authentication, especially when purchasing or evaluating valuable cob coins.
Note: It’s crucial to remember that counterfeits exist, so always be cautious and consult with experts to ensure the authenticity of any Spanish cob coin.
How to identify old Spanish coins?
Design Characteristics: Hand struck cob, typically degrading in quality throughout the period. One side has a crowned multi-element shield representing the lands under Spanish control. The other side displays a cross with lions and castles in the four quadrants. Visit Atocha Coin Design for more information.
What is a Spanish silver cob?
Good point! These pieces were struck from dies and cut to weight according to the Spanish monetary system. They were called “macuquinas” in Spanish but are known to us as “cobs”. Minted in five denominations in silver, the largest was the eight reales, famous in the colonies and among pirates as a “piece of eight”.
What is a Spanish cob worth?
For example, you could have the most common date range of a cob in circulated condition with average details and it might be worth $200 to $300. However, you could have a similar cob from the same period and mint in uncirculated condition be worth thousands.
Are any Spanish coins silver?
Thanks for asking. The Spanish dollar, also known as the piece of eight (Spanish: real de a ocho, dólar, peso duro, peso fuerte or peso), is a silver coin of approximately 38 mm (1.5 in) diameter worth eight Spanish reales.