Sunset Appraisal Service

Step back into the age of pirates, Spanish galleons, and New World treasure with this fascinating Spanish Colonial silver cob coin, believed to be a likely 8 Reales (“Piece of Eight”) based on its weight and surviving design details.

Hand struck on an irregular silver planchet, this coin displays portions of the classic quartered Jerusalem cross with castles and lions on one side and remnants of the Spanish Habsburg shield on the other—hallmark features of early Spanish Colonial cob coinage. These coins were individually struck by hand, making every example unique in shape, strike, and appearance. Shield-and-cross cobs were produced throughout the Spanish Empire from the 16th into the early 18th century and served as some of the world’s first globally accepted trade coins.  

Known Details:

• Likely Spanish Colonial silver cob
• Probable 8 Reales (“Piece of Eight”)
• Hand-struck irregular planchet
• Weight: 24.84 grams (0.7985 Troy oz)
• Partial cross, castles, lions, and shield designs visible
• Approximately 1.7 inches tall
• Mint, assayer, king, and exact date have not been authenticated

This coin has not been professionally graded or authenticated. Attribution is based on visible design characteristics, weight, and comparison to known Spanish Colonial cob coinage. Please examine all photographs carefully and make your own determination regarding authenticity, denomination, mint, date, and condition before bidding.  

Shipping: This item is eligible for shipping. We would also love to see you at local pickup during our scheduled auction pickup times!

• Please review all photographs and descriptions carefully, as photos serve as an important part of the item description and condition report.


• Photos are the final determination of condition at time of purchase. 


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