CoinMan
8 Reales - 1653 - Potosi Mint - Obverse Side
Coins made at the Potosi Mint in what is now Bolivia did not enjoy the wide commercial acceptance of the Mexico City mint coinage.
In 1649 there was a corruption issue at Potosi -- lightweight coins of debased alloy -- and the mintmaster was apparently in on the deal. An official was sent out from Madrid who, it is said, had the offending party executed in the courtyard of the mint, in full view of the workers.
In an attempt to create more confidence in the Potosi Mint products, a new design for the coins was introduced -- the "pillars and waves" that you see on this coin, dated 1653. The last two digits of the year, "53", can be seen in the lower center of the obverse side, just above the waves.
This particular piece shows considerable corrosion from seawater. The year after it was produced this coin became part of a cargo shipped on the Maravillas, a Spanish treasure galleon which sunk off the Florida coast in 1656.
Except for the above -- it's just another boring old coin.
More coin history at www.valuable-coin-stories.com.
8 Reales - 1653 - Potosi Mint - Obverse Side
Coins made at the Potosi Mint in what is now Bolivia did not enjoy the wide commercial acceptance of the Mexico City mint coinage.
In 1649 there was a corruption issue at Potosi -- lightweight coins of debased alloy -- and the mintmaster was apparently in on the deal. An official was sent out from Madrid who, it is said, had the offending party executed in the courtyard of the mint, in full view of the workers.
In an attempt to create more confidence in the Potosi Mint products, a new design for the coins was introduced -- the "pillars and waves" that you see on this coin, dated 1653. The last two digits of the year, "53", can be seen in the lower center of the obverse side, just above the waves.
This particular piece shows considerable corrosion from seawater. The year after it was produced this coin became part of a cargo shipped on the Maravillas, a Spanish treasure galleon which sunk off the Florida coast in 1656.
Except for the above -- it's just another boring old coin.
More coin history at www.valuable-coin-stories.com.