Catalogus
| Uitgever | Panama |
|---|---|
| Jaar | 1580-1583 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Waarde | 1/2 Real |
| Valuta | Real (1580-1583) |
| Samenstelling | Silver |
| Gewicht | 1.72 g |
| Diameter | 19 mm |
| Dikte | |
| Vorm | Round (irregular) |
| Techniek | Hammered (cob) |
| Oriëntatie | |
| Graveur(s) | |
| In omloop tot | |
| Referentie(s) | MB#1 |
| Beschrijving voorzijde | Crowned monogram inside beaded border and legend surrounding, with the mintmark and assayers mark left of monogram |
|---|---|
| Schrift voorzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift voorzijde |
D. G. ISPANIARVM AP PM PHILLIPVS (Translation: By the Grace of God Spains Phillip) |
| Beschrijving keerzijde | Cross of Jerusalem inside beaded border and legend surrounding |
| Schrift keerzijde | Latin |
| Opschrift keerzijde |
ET INDIARVM . REX (Translation: And Indies King) |
| Rand | |
| Muntplaats |
AP Casa de la Moneda de Panamá,Panamá Viejo, Panama (1580-1583) |
| Oplage |
ND (1580-1583) AP - o/X Assayer Mark; Possibly Unique - |
| Numisquare-ID | 3098868630 |
| Aanvullende informatie |
Historical Context: This 1/2 Real, issued under Philip II (1556-1598), originates from the zenith of the Spanish Empire. Struck in Panama City between 1580 and 1583, it was vital for the bustling colonial economy. Panama served as a critical transshipment hub for silver from Peruvian mines to Spain, making local currency essential for daily commerce. The Panama mint's short operational period renders its output historically significant and relatively scarce.
Artistry: Typical for early Spanish colonial coinage, this piece exemplifies the "cob" or "hammered" style, characterized by irregular planchets and hand-struck execution. Specific engravers are generally not identified. The design likely features the Pillars of Hercules and waves, symbolizing Spain's dominion and the motto "PLVS VLTRA," on one side. The reverse would display the crowned Hapsburg shield, accompanied by the Panama mintmark "P" and assayer's initial.
Technical/Grading: Striking quality is highly variable due to its cob nature. High-points for preservation include the crown and upper quadrants of the shield, and the tops of the Pillars of Hercules and the "PLVS VLTRA" motto. These areas are frequently weakly struck or off-flan. A well-centered strike with clear identification marks (mintmark, assayer, denomination) and legible major design elements is considered exceptional for this type, despite its inherent crudeness.