Produced at the Mexico City Mint—the first mint established in the Americas—this historic silver issue represents some of the earliest large denomination coinage struck in the New World. Certified PCGS XF45 and attributed as Calico-137, this impressive example combines historical importance with exceptional rarity, with only two certified examples currently known across the major grading services—one graded by PCGS and one graded by NGC.
Coin Highlights:
- Rulers: Carlos I & Johanna
- Date: 1548-1556
- Catalog: Calico-137
- Grade: PCGS XF45
- Metal: Silver
- Weight: 13.34 grams
- Mint: Mexico City (Mo)
- Type: Early Spanish Colonial Cob Coinage
- Population: 1 graded by PCGS, 1 graded by NGC
- Obverse: Crowned Pillars of Hercules with denomination “4” between pillars and surrounding legends.
- Reverse: Crowned quartered arms of Castile and León within an ornate border and surrounding legends.
Historical Significance:
Following Spain’s conquest of the Aztec Empire, the Mexico City Mint was established in 1535 as the first mint in the Americas. These Carlos & Johanna silver issues became the foundation of colonial monetary circulation and played a major role in international commerce. Silver extracted from New World mines transformed economies throughout Europe and Asia, making these early Mexican issues among the most historically significant coins of the colonial era.
Emperor/Monarch History:
Carlos I (Charles V):
- Reigned as King of Spain from 1516–1556
- Served as Holy Roman Emperor from 1519–1556
- Oversaw the rapid expansion of Spanish territories in the Americas
- Controlled one of the largest empires in world history
Johanna (Juana I of Castile):
- Queen of Castile from 1504–1555
- Continued appearing on coinage to preserve dynastic legitimacy
- Shared royal titles with Carlos I on many Spanish colonial issues
Collectibility:
Early Mexico City Mint silver cobs remain among the most desirable issues in Spanish Colonial numismatics. Their hand-struck production, historical significance, and scarcity create strong collector demand. With an XF45 certification and only two known graded examples across PCGS and NGC populations, this Calico-137 issue represents an exceptional opportunity for collectors of early New World coinage.
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.
