1 Real - Felipe II Cross type

Issuer Peru
Year 1570-1577
Type Standard circulation coin
Value 1 Real
Currency Real (1568-1858)
Composition Silver (.931)
Weight 3.3834 g
Diameter
Thickness
Shape Cob
Technique
Orientation
Engraver(s) Obverse: Diegode la Torre
Reverse: Diego de la Torre
In circulation to
Reference(s) MB#7
Obverse description Crowned coat of arms, flanked by value on left and marks of mint above assayer on right.
Obverse script Latin
Obverse lettering PHILIPPVS D G HISPANIARV Left of arms: Star and I (Real) Right of arms: P (Peru) and D (Diego de la Torre)
(Translation: Philip, by God`s grace (King of) Spain)
Reverse description Cross with lions and castles in the angles, within an octolobe.
Reverse script Latin
Reverse lettering ET INDIARVM REX
(Translation: ...and King of the Indies)
Edge
Mint P
Lima, Peru (1565-date)
Mintage ND (1570-1572) - X -
ND (1572-1573) - M -
ND (1573-1574) - B -
ND (1574) - B over L -
ND (1574-1577) - L -
ND (1577) - D with ★ -
Numisquare ID 5002901570
Additional information

Historical Context: This 1 Real silver coin, issued by Peru between 1570 and 1577, originates from the early Spanish Viceroyalty under King Felipe II. This period marked the consolidation of Spanish power in South America, with vast silver from mines like Potosí fueling the global economy and the Spanish Empire. These early colonial issues were crucial for facilitating commerce and remitting wealth to Spain, symbolizing the Hapsburg monarchy's immense reach in the New World.

Artistry: The "Cross type" 1 Real design reflects the utilitarian yet emblematic style of early Spanish colonial coinage. Engravers are largely unrecorded; the stylistic school is distinctly Hapsburg, prioritizing heraldic clarity. The obverse typically features a crowned shield of Castile and León, flanked by the assayer's initial and mint mark (e.g., "P" for Lima). The reverse displays a quartered cross, representing Castile and León, encircled by the royal legend, asserting monarchical authority.

Technical/Grading: As an early cob coinage (MB#7), this 1 Real exhibits characteristics inherent to its production. High-points for wear and strike quality include the crown, the lions and castles within the cross quadrants, and the surrounding legends. However, these coins frequently present irregular planchets, off-center strikes, and weak areas, especially on the periphery. Full, crisp strikes are rare; a well-centered example with legible legends and clear shield details would command a premium.

×