Coin ID...

[Swartzie]

I dug this coin today around a cellar hole that I just started working. Old finds include a tombac button and a flat button. What a surprise to see this coin come out of the hole. Shame I scratched it a bit. It was only down about four inches. Can anyone identify it? Can you read the date? Kinda looks like 1808.

Thanks.
-Swartzie

 

Amazon Forum Fav 👍

Minelab PRO-FIND 35 Waterproof Pinpointer Metal Detector for Experts with Tone ID & Adjustable Sensitivity - Grab it through Amazon!

[Iron Patch]

You have some Spanish silver! 1808-1808 Ferdinand VII (1784-1833)

Spanish Coin Denominations:

1/2 REAL or One-Half "Bit" is equivalent to American HALF-DIME or 1/16 PESO also called a PICAYUNE, DIAMETER: 16.4 mm - 17,7 mm

1 REAL or One "Bit" is equivalent to American DIME or 1/8 PESO, DIAMETER: 20.3 mm - 21.6 mm

2 REALES or Two "Bits" are equivalent to American QUARTER or 1/4 PESO, DIAMETER: 26.2 mm - 28.1 mm

4 REALES or Four "Bits" are equivalent to American HALF-DOLLAR or 1/2 PESO, DIAMETER: 34.9 mm

8 REALES - a Piece of 8, or Eight "Bits"(a "Cob"), coin is equivalent to American 1 DOLLAR or 1 PESO, DIAMETER: 38.8 mm - 39.9 mm

 

[kuger]

Nice Spanish!Yea,that silver is soft!Doesnt take much to scratch,almost as bad as gold.Nice find!!

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

It looks like a Ferdinand VII (1808-33) Spanish milled pillar. Mackaydon can tell you more about it.

 

[Swartzie]

Awesome! Thanks for all the info guys.
Wonder what the heck it was doing in east central Ohio?
-Swartzie

 

[Bigcypresshunter]

Awesome! Thanks for all the info guys.
Wonder what the heck it was doing in east central Ohio?
-Swartzie

Spanish silver was widely used in the colonies before the American Revolution and I think it was legal tender until 1857..

 

[Mackaydon]

Yes, I agree with IP and BCH: F VII 1808. It appears to be a 1/2R. Legends would read FERNIN VII DEI GRATIA (DATE); Reverse: HISPAN ET IND R (that you see), then a little 'o' atop capital 'M' (Mexico City mint); TH (assayer's initials).
If it were a 1R coin you would read "I R" versus just "R" (Silver content is .896 fine; the 'standard' weight was 0.85g)
Don....

 

[Swartzie]

I can guess what the answer will be, but do you think it can be cleaned up at all since it is silver? I just used a bit of soap and water on it. My experience with coins is go no farther than soap and water, but that has been for coppers. I toasted an 1864 indian head penny in an ultrasonic tank. After that I said, "no more, leave them be"
-Swartzie

 

[Iron Patch]

I can guess what the answer will be, but do you think it can be cleaned up at all since it is silver? I just used a bit of soap and water on it. My experience with coins is go no farther than soap and water, but that has been for coppers. I toasted an 1864 indian head penny in an ultrasonic tank. After that I said, "no more, leave them be"
-Swartzie

Looks like it has a white film? If so, just pop it in lemon juice for a few minutes and it should take care of it. It has quite a bit of wear which of course won't change with cleaning.

 

[Gonehunting]

Awesome! Thanks for all the info guys.
Wonder what the heck it was doing in east central Ohio?
-Swartzie

thats what i said when i found mine in oklahoma... CONGRATS....thats a definite mark off the list for anyone!