8 Reales - Philip IV

Emittent Bolivia
Jahr 1625-1648
Typ Standard circulation coin
Nennwert 8 Reales
Währung Real (1574-1825)
Material Silver
Gewicht 27.56 g
Durchmesser 33 mm
Dicke 3 mm
Form Cob
Prägetechnik
Ausrichtung Coin alignment ↑↓
Stempelschneider
Im Umlauf bis
Referenz(en) KM#19a
Aversbeschreibung 8 real philippe IV, (1645-1648), Potosí, engraver R or TR, Tréflée. period of the great transition
Aversschrift Latin
Averslegende
Reversbeschreibung Lion with fur and tower.
Reversschrift Latin
Reverslegende ANO 1645 ET INDIARUM
Rand thick is irregular (3 mm)
Prägestätte
Auflage 1625 P P - -
1626 P P - -
1626 P T - reported, not confirmed -
1627 P T - -
1628 P T - overpunch variety exists -
1629 P P - -
1629 P T - -
1630 P T - -
1631 P T - -
1632 P T - -
1633 P T - -
1634 P T - -
1635 P T - -
1636 P T - -
1636 P TR - -
1637 P TR - -
1638 P TR - -
1639 P TR - -
1640 P FR - -
1640 P TR - -
1641 P FR - -
1642 P FR - -
1643 P FR - -
1643 P T - -
1643 P TR - -
1644 P FR - -
1644 P T - -
1644 P TR - -
1645 P R - overdate variety exists -
1645 P T - -
1645 P T - `16455` date error -
1645 P TR - -
1646 P P - reported, not confirmed -
1646 P R - reported, not confirmed -
1646 P T - -
1646 P V - overpunch variety exists -
1647 P P - unique - 1
1647 P T - -
1647 P TR - -
1647 P Z - -
1648 P T - -
1648 P Z - overpunch variety exists -
Numisquare-ID 1104212260
Zusätzliche Informationen

Historical Context: This 8 Reales coin from Potosí, Bolivia, dates to Philip IV's reign (1621-1665). The 1625-1648 period was critical for Potosí, supplying immense silver to the Spanish Empire. These "pieces of eight" financed Spain's wars and global trade, notably the Manila Galleons. As irregularly shaped "cob" coinage, they became the dominant international currency, underpinning the world economy and symbolizing Spain's vast imperial power.

Artistry: This coin exemplifies the "cob" coinage style, prioritizing rapid production over artistic refinement. No specific engravers are identified. The design is functional and symbolic: the Pillars of Hercules, often flanking waves, symbolize Spain's global reach. The reverse features a large cross potent, representing the Catholic monarchy. The obverse bears the crowned Habsburg shield. Due to crude striking, designs are frequently off-center, and complete legends are rarely preserved.

Technical/Grading: Technical assessment for "cob" coinage prioritizes legible identifying features. High-points for grading include the mint mark (P for Potosí), the assayer's initial, and any discernible date digits. Hand-cut flans are inherently irregular, and strikes are often weak or off-flan, making a full design impression uncommon. A well-graded example shows strong details on the Pillars of Hercules and the central cross, with minimal wear, despite the characteristic crudeness of manufacture.

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