Spanish Empire · 1600–1650
Potosí Cob Half Real
Pirate money from the richest mine in history — hand-struck silver from Bolivia
Unique piece
Potosí: The Mountain of Silver
The Cerro Rico ("Rich Mountain") of Potosí, in modern Bolivia, was the greatest silver mine in history. Between 1545 and 1800, Potosí produced an estimated 60% of the world's silver. The city's mint produced millions of "cob" coins — irregular, hand-struck pieces that were weighed rather than counted.
This Coin
This half real cob is a raw, irregular piece of silver bearing the crude outlines of a cross and the pillars-and-waves design. Its rough appearance belies its significance: coins like this funded the Spanish Empire, were traded across four continents, and earned the legendary status of "pirate treasure." Every cob is unique — hand-struck from hand-cut planchets, no two are ever alike.
Numismatic Details
- Denomination
- Half Real (Cob)
- Ruler
- Philip III / IV
- Civilization
- Spanish Empire
- Period
- 1600–1650
- Mint
- Potosí
- Material
- Silver
- Weight
- 1.7g
- Diameter
- 14mm
- Condition
- F (Fine)
Obverse
Cross of Jerusalem, lions and castles in quarters
Reverse
Pillars and waves, P mint mark, assayer initial
What You'll Receive
Premium Display Case
Your coin arrives in an elegant display case, ready to admire or gift.
Certificate of Authenticity
Each coin includes a signed certificate guaranteeing its authenticity.
Secure & Insured Shipping
Tracked and insured delivery to protect your piece of history.
