Description:

South America, Peru / Bolivia, Spanish Colonial era, 17th to 18th century CE. A fascinating group of 11 Spanish colonial silver cob coins, each struck from hand-cut planchets of irregular form, as was customary for coinage produced in the New World mints of South America. Known in Spanish as macuquinas, these 'cobs' derive from the term cabo de barra ('cut from a bar'), reflecting their method of production - silver bars were sliced into rough blanks and then struck between crude dies bearing the royal coat of arms and cross motifs. These coins circulated widely throughout the Spanish Empire, serving as both trade currency and treasure in maritime transport. Several examples here show evidence of piercing for suspension, likely repurposed as pendants or tokens of fortune. Size of largest: 1.125" L x 0.8" W (2.9 cm x 2 cm); silver quality: 85% to 93%; total combined weights: 62.5 grams

Provenance: private Louisville, Colorado, USA collection

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#198022

  • Condition: Stable condition, exhibiting surface wear, edge irregularities, and dark patina. Softening and rubbing to surfaces. A few pieces have small piercings for suspension.

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October 17, 2025 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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