Cob from Cayman Islands (1970s-80s)

[auldtom]

I purchased the pictured cob in Grand Cayman in the late 70s, early 80's. At one time I had the history of it, but seem to have lost it. Can you tell me what ship / fleet / year this cob is from? I am not looking to value it, just get some historicaly data I can pass on to my kids along with the cob. Thanks.

 

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[goldcoastwayne]

Tom,
First of all welcome to TNet!

You will find many in the cob section that are more than happy to help you in indentifying your coin. In order to do so, we really need some better quality pictures to view the details and tell you what you have.....

goldcoastwayne

 

[auldtom]

goldcoastwayne -

I agree about the picture quality and will try soon to post better images. Somehow they looked better in my graphics program.

Thanks for your help.

auldtom

 

[divewrecks]

The coin was minted at the Mexico mint and based on rough scale (estimated from the adjacent writing paper) I'm guessing it is a 4 reale, though it may be a chunky or worn 8. The crest on the shield indicates it is a 1714 or later and so if it is authentic a good bet would be that it came from the 1715 fleet wrecks near Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fort Pierce.

Stan

 

[goldcoastwayne]

The coin was minted at the Mexico mint and based on rough scale (estimated from the adjacent writing paper) I'm guessing it is a 4 reale, though it may be a chunky or worn 8. The crest on the shield indicates it is a 1714 or later and so if it is authentic a good bet would be that it came from the 1715 fleet wrecks near Vero Beach, Sebastian, and Fort Pierce.

Stan

Good eye Stan! I see the Bourbon Shield of Philip V, and it definitely matches the patterns drawn by Ernest Richards for both 1714 and 1715. If we could see the detail of the upper right portion of the shield we might even be able to tell which year it was. If there is a single line centered below the emblem of Naples and Sicily (the birds),and two Fleurs-de-lis below the Naples and Sicily, it is 1715. Three parallel lines and three Fleurs-de-lis, would make it 1714.

I agree with Stan's summation of your coin.

goldcoastwayne

 

[auldtom]

You guys are awesome! After looking around some other postings, I am pretty sure that mine is a 1714 cob. When you refer to "three parallel lines", are you referring to horizontal or vertical lines? Unfortunately, there is no more detail available of the upper right corner of the shield.

Is there an online reference where I can see "full" diagrams, drawings or photos of what the shield (and the cross side) looked like originally.

Thanks again.

auldtom

 

[goldcoastwayne]

The parallel lines are on the vertical. The illustrations that I used are by Ernie Richards and are located within "The Practical Book Of Cobs" by Frank Sedwick...that is the first book anyone should purchase if they are interested in cobs. It is well worth every cent. I will see if I can find an illustration that can be posted. The key to the Bourbon Shield are the three Fleurs-de-lis in the center of the shield..that you can readily see on your coin. Here is a 1714 8 reale...you see the three Fleur-de-lis in the center of the shield...in the upper right hand corner are the 2 birds (Naples and Sicily) directly below that are the parallel lines running vertical that I referred to..directly below that, 3 Fleur-de-lis indicates 1714, 2 Fleur-de-lis would indicate 1715. If you do a web search, check under the "Bourbon Shield, Philip V"....you will readily find illustration of the shield and see the variations I was referring to.

goldcoastwayne

 

[jeff k]

From "Shipwrecks and Their Coins Vol. 3," by Ernie Richards.

 

[auldtom]

Jeff K. -

That is outstanding ... thank you so much!

auldtom

 

[Tuberale]

Very nice coin to be treasured.

 

[auldtom]

To Clean or Not to Clean?

You folks have been so helpful and knowledgeable that I thought I would run one more question by you. My cob seems to have grown considerably more "dull" over the past 30+ years, especially around the gold bezels, and I personally would like to see it shinier again. I have heard the warning to 'never clean a cob', and I have scanned the forums and threads within this site, but still don't feel that I have a definitive answer.

Given the jeweler's setting and that I am not interested in selling my cob, is there a good way to clean it so it looks shinier for display purposes ... like around my neck? Thanks.

auldtom

 

[goldcoastwayne]

To Clean or Not to Clean?

You folks have been so helpful and knowledgeable that I thought I would run one more question by you. My cob seems to have grown considerably more "dull" over the past 30+ years, especially around the gold bezels, and I personally would like to see it shinier again. I have heard the warning to 'never clean a cob', and I have scanned the forums and threads within this site, but still don't feel that I have a definitive answer.

Given the jeweler's setting and that I am not interested in selling my cob, is there a good way to clean it so it looks shinier for display purposes ... like around my neck? Thanks.

auldtom

You have touched on an area that has many diverse opinions. Chances are, your coin was "tumble cleaned" to give that shiny appearance when you acquired it. From what I can see of your coin, you definitely don't want to use any kind of abrasive polish. That coin is much nicer than the average piece around your neck. Also, it builds a natural patina over the years that is very important to collectors. At most, I personally would just dip it in some soapy water and rub it between your thumb and fingers, rinse it thoroughly, then pad it dry with a very soft cotton cloth. See how it looks then, but don't dip that coin in some silver cleaner! I am sure you will get many opinions on cleaning...to me, less is better.

goldcoastwayne