SPAIN 4 Reales 1617 To Sehr Schön

Preisanfrage

1617-To, Spain, Philip III. Silver 4 Reales Cob Coin. Assayer: V!

Mint Place: Toledo (To)
Assayer: Gaspar de Talavera (G)
Mint Period: 1617-1621 (not dated)
Reference: Cayon Type 96/301, KM-33.5.
Denomination: Cob of 4 Reales (Half Piece of Eight)
Condition: A typical crudely struck cob coin, lightly toned and cleaned, scratch in reverse, otherwise VF!
Material: Silver
Weight: 12.87gm
Diameter: 29mm


Obverse: Cross of Jerusalem with lions and castles in quarters. Traces of legend below and a barrely visible last digit of date ([161]z) above.

Reverse: Coat of Arms of the spanish line of the House Habsburg. Mint mark (To for Toledo) below assayer letter (V) visible in left field.





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.



Philip III (Spanish: Felipe III; April 14, 1578 – March 31, 1621) was the King of Spain and King of Portugal and the Algarves, where he ruled as Philip II of Portugal (Portuguese: Filipe II), from 1598 until his death. His chief minister was the Duke of Lerma. Philip III married Margaret of Austria, sister of Emperor Ferdinand II, and like her husband, a member of the House of Habsburg.

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