CVC & Collectables presents this 1684-1701 Peru 1/2 Real was struck during the reign of Carlos II of Spain and represents the hand-struck silver cob coinage of colonial Peru. Produced from an irregular silver flan, each cob is unique in shape, strike, and placement of its devices. This example weighs 1.65 grams and has been certified NGC F12.
Coin Highlights:
- Country: Colonial Peru / Spanish Empire
- Date: 1684-1701
- Denomination: 1/2 Real
- Ruler: Carlos II
- Composition: Silver
- Certified Weight: 1.65 grams
- Type: Spanish Colonial Cob
- Grade: NGC F12
- Obverse: Displays portions of the characteristic monogram and identifying devices of the colonial 1/2 Real.
- Reverse: Features a prominent cross with additional elements visible within the quadrants.
- Manufacture: Individually hand-struck on an irregular silver flan.
- Certification: Professionally authenticated and graded F12 by NGC.
Design & Devices
Colonial 1/2 Reales were small silver denominations produced using traditional hammer-striking methods. Rather than being perfectly round, the silver was prepared into irregular flans before being struck between dies, resulting in substantial differences from one surviving coin to another.
This example retains a recognizable cross design on one side and portions of the monogram and other devices on the opposite side. Its irregular shape and off-center elements are characteristic of genuine Spanish colonial cob production.
Carlos II History
Carlos II ruled Spain from 1665 until 1700 and was the last monarch of Spain’s Habsburg dynasty. His reign encompassed Spain’s extensive American territories, where silver coinage remained essential to both regional commerce and the broader Spanish imperial economy.
Peru was one of Spain’s most important possessions in South America, closely tied to the immense silver production of the Andes. Small denominations such as the 1/2 Real served a practical role in everyday transactions alongside the larger silver denominations for which Spanish colonial coinage became famous.
Collectibility
Spanish colonial cobs are sought after for their historical importance and the individuality created by their hand-struck manufacture. This Carlos II Peru 1/2 Real combines a 17th-century colonial origin, silver composition, distinctive cob appearance, and a straight NGC F12 numerical grade. Find more alike here!
