Catalogue
| Émetteur | Bolivia |
|---|---|
| Année | 1625-1648 |
| Type | Standard circulation coin |
| Valeur | 8 Reales |
| Devise | Real (1574-1825) |
| Composition | Silver |
| Poids | 27.56 g |
| Diamètre | 33 mm |
| Épaisseur | 3 mm |
| Forme | Cob |
| Technique | |
| Orientation | Coin alignment ↑↓ |
| Graveur(s) | |
| En circulation jusqu’à | |
| Référence(s) | KM#19a |
| Description de l’avers | 8 real philippe IV, (1645-1648), Potosí, engraver R or TR, Tréflée. period of the great transition |
|---|---|
| Écriture de l’avers | Latin |
| Légende de l’avers | |
| Description du revers | Lion with fur and tower. |
| Écriture du revers | Latin |
| Légende du revers | ANO 1645 ET INDIARUM |
| Tranche | thick is irregular (3 mm) |
| Atelier | |
| Tirage |
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 - |
| ID Numisquare | 1104212260 |
| Informations supplémentaires |
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.