How Were Cob Coins Made?

Minted in the Spanish colonies from the mid-1500s through the late 1700s, these coins were cut from a bar (ingot) of silver and then were clipped to the proper weight (1/2, 1, 2, 4 or 8 reales.)

How were Spanish cobs made?

Cobs are the original “treasure coins.” Struck and trimmed by hand in the 16th through 18th centuries at Spanish mints in Mexico, Peru, and Colombia (among others), silver and gold cobs are handsomely crude, nearly all with a cross as the central feature on one side and either a coat-of-arms (shield) or a tic-tac-toe-

What is a pirate cob coin?

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”.

How do you identify a Spanish cob?

Design Characteristics: Hand struck cob typically on a round full-sized planchet. One side has a pair of pillars with or without waves depending on the time period. The other side displays a simple shield with lions and castles in the four quadrants and with a pomegranate wedged in at the very bottom.

How much did a Spanish dollar weigh?

It was minted in the Spanish Empire following a monetary reform in 1497 with content 25.563 g = 0.822 oz t fine silver.

Are shipwreck coins worth more?

Generally, no. Most shipwreck coins are going to carry a variable premium over the spot price of gold. If you are looking to invest in gold proper, you are best to find the cheapest gold above-spot.

How much does a Spanish cob weigh?

By a royal statute first promulgated in the reign of Charles I of Spain, the official weights of the silver reales were as follows: 8 reales (cob) = 27.3 grams [0.96 ounces] 4 reales (cob) = 13.65 grams [0.48 ounces] 2 reales (cob) = 6.825 grams [0.24 ounces]

How much are Pieces of Eight worth today?

Early pieces of eight were handmade and known as cobs. Machine-made versions are of a higher quality. There are various varieties of this coin, versions of which were minted in Latin America as well as Spain. Spanish milled dollars are worth about $50 to $350.

What does Frosty mean in coins?

Frosting – An effect seen on the raised parts of a coin whereby the metal appears to be crystallized. This is applied to the recessed areas of the working die. Frosted devices – Raised elements on coins struck with treated dies to impart a crystallized appearance.

How much is a real doubloon worth?

The doubloon (from Spanish doblón, or “double”, i.e. double escudo) was a two-escudo gold coin worth approximately $4 (four Spanish dollars) or 32 reales, and weighing 6.766 grams (0.218 troy ounce) of 22-karat gold (or 0.917 fine; hence 6.2 g fine gold).

Why are they called cob?

“Cob” is an old name some people gave to spiders. Generally we call them cobwebs when “old” spiderwebs collect dust and debris in them and no longer have a spider active in them.

What are old Spanish coins made of?

Coins were minted in Spain in copper 1, 2, 4 and 8 maravedíes, in silver coins equivalent to 1, 2, 4, 10 and 20 reales de vellón since 1737, and in gold coins equivalent to 1⁄2, 1, 2, 4 and 8 escudos.

Is my piece of eight real?

You might not know what this valuable currency is so here’s the fascinating history of pieces of eight. Pieces of eight may sound like a made up thing, but the coins are made of silver and were an official currency for the country of Spain and all her associated colonies and territories for centuries.

Why is it called Piece of Eight?

During much of the 17th and 18th centuries, the Spanish Dollar coin served as the unofficial national currency of the American colonies. To make change the dollar was actually cut into eight pieces or “bits.” Thus came the terms “pieces of eight” from these early times and “two bits” from our time.

Which are the rarest coins?

The Rarest Coins in the World

• 1804 Silver Dollar, Class I.
• 1794 Flowing Hair Silver Dollar.
• 1933 Saint Gaudens – Double Eagle.
• 1343 Edward III Florin.
• 1787 Brasher Doubloon.
• 1913 Liberty Head Nickel.

Why is gold called Eight pieces?

In fact, it was expected that to make change people literally cut the coins into eight pieces, or “bits.” Hence, the British called the Spanish dollar a “Piece of Eight” (a coin worth eight pieces, or bits), and something valued at “two bits” cost a quarter of a dollar.

What is the richest shipwreck ever found?

On July 20, 1985 – 35 years ago today – Mel Fisher discovered the shipwreck of the Nuestra Senora De Atocha off the Florida Keys. The cargo’s value is estimated to be worth around $400 million. The treasure includes 24 tons of silver bullion, ingots, and coins, 125 gold bars and discs and 1,200 pounds silverware.

What is the most valuable sunken treasure ever found?

The largest monetary treasure haul found was on the wreck code named Black Swan, discovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration in 2007 off of Gibraltar. The salvage team reportedly found 17 tons of coins valued at $500 million; an amount that is both staggering and said to be “unprecedented” in the treasure hunting world.

What is the most sought after coin for collectors?

9 of the most valuable coins in the world

• The 1787 Brasher Doubloon.
• The 1787 Fugio cent.
• The 723 Umayyad Gold Dinar.
• The 1343 Edward III Florin.
• The 1943 Lincoln Head Copper Penny.
• The 2007 $1 Million Canadian Gold Maple Leaf.
• 1913 Liberty Head V Nickel. Scott Olson/Getty Images.
• Morgan Silver Dollars. H.

What is the lifespan of a cob?

Gypsy Vanner (also called the Gypsy Horse, Irish Cob, or Traditional Gypsy Cob): 25-30+ years. Hackney: 25-30 years.

What is the difference between a native and traditional cob?

Traditional gypsy cobs are judged using the same criteria and conformation rules as any other show class, but are shown in a natural state with a full mane and tail as well as full feathers. Cobs are hogged and natives are subject to some trimming and clipping of the mane and tail.