Interesting Story on Cave Hoard Coins

Man they are some beautiful Cobs. I only wish I had the finances to buy one.

Silly question, what do you look for, when buying your coins?

Cheers
 

Hi Grimnar,

Well, to answer your question, as much detail as possible. Dates (the more digits visible the better), assayer's initial, and mint mark are desirable. Legend and king's name from the periphery (which will probably be partial) are also desirable. The more surface area and depth of strike the better. A full weight coin (as prescribed by the denomination) also increases value. Provinance from a famous shipwreck (Atocha, 1715 fleet, etc) can make a coin worth more. Certifications of authenticity are desirable in some cases.

There is a lot to learn about cobs. That's what makes them so fascinating. And, no two are alike. Follow this forum group if you are interested and ask questions. You will develop a "feel".

Stan
 

Stan,
Thank you for your insight. Just reading and looking at the pictures posted I have already learnt alot.

One more question, what's the difference between Cobs, Reales and Escudos?

Thanks again for your time.

Matt
 

Hi Matt,

A cob is a coin produced where the blank (planchet) is placed between two dies and struck by hand. Cob is derived from Cabo de Bara, which means "end of the bar". Planchets were sometimes cut from a cast bar of silver, hence the name.

A reale is a denomination of spanish coin. Cob reale coins were struck in several denominations ranging up to the most common bullion coin, an eight reale, which weighs a little over 27 grams if full weight. Reale coins are made of silver.

An escudo coin follows the same idea, but is gold. 16 reales = 1 escudo

You will often hear the terms "pieces of eight" (reales) and doubloons (escudos) in treasure talk.

Hope this helps....

Stan
 

DiveWrecks said:
...they found about 1500 coins of silver (i buy about 1100) mostly if the dates are around 1725-1731 mostly 1730, they found few gold coins sadly they don't want to sell me, but the most extraordinary are the military equipment, like uniforms, boots, swords, saddles, military hats, guns and more, that lot sell to a dealer from the morelos state.

jehuel


Assuming this is all true, it's a shame that this historical information is lost forever with no photos of the items or inventory taken.
But, of course I can see why they couldn't inform any authority. I wouldn't trust any government agency or archie up here, let alone in Mexico.


Jay
 

Saturna said:
DiveWrecks said:
...they found about 1500 coins of silver (i buy about 1100) mostly if the dates are around 1725-1731 mostly 1730, they found few gold coins sadly they don't want to sell me, but the most extraordinary are the military equipment, like uniforms, boots, swords, saddles, military hats, guns and more, that lot sell to a dealer from the morelos state.

jehuel


Assuming this is all true, it's a shame that this historical information is lost forever with no photos of the items or inventory taken.
But, of course I can see why they couldn't inform any authority. I wouldn't trust any government agency or archie up here, let alone in Mexico.


Jay
Hi Jay, I think Stan is doing some detective work on this ! :read2: what a great story. I would love to see the photos of the other artifacts.
May have to go to Mexico and buy some information :laughing7:
Sam
 

Saturna said:
Assuming this is all true, it's a shame that this historical information is lost forever with no photos of the items or inventory taken.
But, of course I can see why they couldn't inform any authority. I wouldn't trust any government agency or archie up here, let alone in Mexico.


Jay

Yes, I agree. Maybe pictures will surface sometime, but the archaeological context is lost forever. If they had turned in the find I surely wouldn't have the pleasure of owning some of the coins I now have. That is kind of a self-centered view though. If I could I would sacrifice my coins if time could be reversed and the discovery made public and documented thoroughly in an archaeological manner. As it stands all I can do is try to solve some of the puzzle associated with my coins and keep them together for someone in the next generation to enjoy.

Stan
 

Stan,
Thank you very much for the explanation. The more knowledge I collect the better armed I will be, when I find or buy one!

Thanks again.

Matt
 

If you find something you are thinking of buying feel free to run it by me (PM) or I would also be willing to help you find a decent deal. Just ask Ossy (Sam) about my leads. :icon_thumleft:

Stan
 

DiveWrecks said:
If you find something you are thinking of buying feel free to run it by me (PM) or I would also be willing to help you find a decent deal. Just ask Ossy (Sam) about my leads. :icon_thumleft:

Stan
If Stan thinks it looks good buy it before he does :laughing7: He knows his stuff :read2:
Sam
 

As an eBay Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Sam's new coin (first) and my two newly acquired coins. I now have an example of all three 1730 Mexico assayers, R, G, & F....Stan
 

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I also picked up the 1730 G/F double assayer. All I need now Stan is your book to come out :read2: with the historical
importance of these coins.
Sam
 

MORE AND BEYOND OSSY said:
I also picked up the 1730 G/F double assayer. All I need now Stan is your book to come out :read2: with the historical
importance of these coins.
Sam

Post the auction shots of that one. I want to make sure I have those pics too....

Stan
 

Yeah these are some really great coins. I have been watching them move out on Ebay. Since they came from Acapulco, no doubt they were used in the Manila galleon trade in some aspect.


There was a brief description of one of the hills around the city of Acapulco being torn down, or having a big hole gradually blown through it to make the city cooler in Shurtz's Manila galleon book.
 

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