Description:
This is a genuine Spanish silver coin that was minted in the colonial South American mint of Potosi, Peru. Coins minted here during the 16th to 18th centuries began the perilous journey to Spain in a South Sea galleon sailing from Lima to Panama, where they were then transported by mules overland to the Caribbean port of Portobello. From there, these treasure coins were loaded on another galleon sailing en route to Cartagena and then Havana.
Other ships bringing treasure from Mexico and as far away as Asia, via the Manila Galleons, rendezvoused in Havana for the convoy of the Spanish West Indies Fleets' return to Spain. Over the centuries, Spain’s mighty armada strove diligently to deliver the wealth to the Crown, however, large amounts of Spanish treasure would be lost on land and at sea due to pirates, storms and other unforeseen misfortunes.
This coin was minted during the reign of Charles II, who was the last King of Spain from the House of Habsburg. Charles ruled during the "Golden Age of Spain", a global power, with territories and colonies in Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceana. The obverse of this coin features a Jerusalem cross with castles and lions in the quarters and the reverse depicts the Pillars of Hercules with the date, mintmark and assayer. Spanish coinage of this historical period was hand struck from dies and cut to weight, making each a one of a kind piece of history.
