Spanish Cobs & Dollars

The Spanish Empire minted coins that became the first truly global currency. Cob coins — the irregular hand-struck "pirate money" of the colonial mints — are far more affordable than most collectors assume: dateless ½ real cobs cost just $40–$60.

Milled bust-type 8 reales (the "Spanish dollar") are widely available at $75–$200 for common Mexico City dates. The iconic pillar dollar (columnario, 1732–1772) runs $150–$300 for chopmarked examples.

From copper maravedís at $10–$50 to the famous pieces of eight, this collection traces how American silver connected Spain, the Americas, and Asia in a web of commerce that reshaped the world. The US dollar itself traces its origins to these coins.