Produced at the Mexico City Mint during the earliest years of coinage in the New World, this historic silver cob represents some of the first substantial silver coinage struck in the Americas. Certified by PCGS as Genuine – Saltwater Damage, XF Details and attributed as Calico-127, this remarkable survivor retains strong detail and carries evidence of centuries of history, likely including maritime exposure.
Coin Highlights:
- Rulers: Carlos I & Johanna
- Date: 1542-1545
- Catalog: Calico-127
- Grade: PCGS Genuine – Saltwater Damage, XF Details
- Metal: Silver
- Weight: 12.35 grams
- Mint: Mexico City (M)
- Assayer: G
- Denomination: 4 Reales
- Type: Early Spanish Colonial Cob Coinage
- Obverse: Crowned Pillars of Hercules with denomination “4” between pillars and surrounding legends.
- Reverse: Crowned quartered shield of Castile and León with surrounding legends.
- Special Note: PCGS notes Saltwater Damage with XF Details designation.
Historical Significance:
Established in 1535, the Mexico City Mint became the first mint in the Americas and served as the foundation of Spanish colonial coin production. These Carlos & Johanna cobs circulated throughout the Spanish Empire and beyond, facilitating trade between Europe, the Americas, and Asia. Their hand-struck production and irregular forms are hallmarks of early colonial coinage and represent the beginnings of globalized monetary circulation.
Emperor/Monarch History:
Carlos I (Charles V):
- King of Spain from 1516–1556
- Holy Roman Emperor from 1519–1556
- Expanded Spanish influence throughout the New World
- Ruled one of the largest empires in recorded history
Johanna (Juana I of Castile):
- Queen of Castile from 1504–1555
- Continued appearing on Spanish coinage as part of dynastic legitimacy
- Shared royal inscriptions with Carlos I on colonial issues
Collectibility:
Early Mexico City Mint 4 Reales issues remain highly sought after by collectors of Spanish Colonial coinage, cobs, and maritime history. Despite the noted saltwater exposure, this example retains attractive XF detail and represents a tangible artifact from the earliest period of New World silver coinage. Historic pieces with maritime associations and strong remaining detail continue to attract significant collector interest.
Step back in time with the fascinating world of Spanish Colonial Reales coins from Mexico at Chula Vista Coins & Collectables. These historic and collectible coins bear witness to centuries of history and trade. Explore the intriguing collection of Spanish Colonial Reales (1500-1808) coins of Mexico through this link: Spanish Colonial Coins.
