Specialists in the colonial coinage of Spanish America as well as shipwreck coins and artifacts of all nations. If such depictions are missing from your coins, the coins in your possession aren’t authentic – at least not authentic Atocha coins. Originally, the doubloon is a Spanish gold coin made in Spain, Mexico, and Nueva Grenada from the sixteenth until the middle of the nineteenth century. If you’ve been in doubt about the authenticity of your Atocha coins, the aforementioned tips will help you determine whether you’ve struck gold or if you’ve possibly been the victim of a counterfeit coin. Although many counterfeit Atocha coins were produced for monetary gain, there are a few coins that were minted for Florida tourists to commemorate the tale of Atocha. FIVE WAYS TO SPOT A FAKE COIN. Copyright 2009 to 2020 CoinQuest.com, all rights reserved. The ping test doesn’t guarantee you’ll spot every fake silver coin, but it should be the first test to which you subject any suspect coins. There are many other mint marks, as explained below.These are wonderful collectibles, and some collectors specialize in Spanish Colonial coinage. Authentic Atocha coins feature a Spanish shield on the obverse, or front of the coin, and a design of a cross on the reverse. The country of origin, as coded by the mint mark. A heavy, uncorroded grade 1 coin offered at a great price. Spanish Coin Denominations: 1/2 REAL or One-Half "Bit" is equivalent to American HALF-DIME or 1/16 PESO also called a PICAYUNE, DIAMETER: 16.4 mm - 17,7 mm. Coins were minted in both Spain and Latin America from the 16th to 19th centuries in silver 1 ⁄ 2, 1, 2, 4 and 8 reales nacional and in gold 1 ⁄ 2, 1, 2, 4 and 8 escudos.The silver 8-real coin was known as the Spanish dollar (as the coin was minted to the specifications of the thaler of the Holy Roman Empire and Habsburg monarchy), peso, or the famous piece of eight. Along with a face value, this is the easiest way to identify an old coin as such. In addition to publishing several catalogs per year, Mr. Sedwick is a regular vendor at major international coin shows, including FUN, CICF, and ANA. It co-circulated with various other silver coins until a 1497 ordinance eliminated all other coins and retained the real (now minted 67 to a mark of silver, 0.9306 fine, fine silver 3.195 grams) subdivided into 34 maravedíes. Other coins has been offered as "Treasure coins" all fakes as well. It's free to join and you can't ask too many questions and we like to share our coins, Check out our hundreds of photograding images to help you learn the grade of your coins. Other coins has been offered as "Treasure coins" all fakes as well. It turned out to be the haul of a lifetime: Nearly a million dollars worth of gold coins and chains, including an extremely rare Spanish coin known as the Tricentennial Royal that’s worth $500,000. All this drama has heightened the allure of the 1804 dollar; it's a coin with a compelling story to tell. A "piece of eight" is the common name of a Spanish 8 real coin; (1 real = 12 1/2 US cents, 8 reals =$1). If the tail feather formation on your coin doesn't match the photograph stop dreaming! The values called out below are for coins in average circulated condition.1/2 REAL SPECIAL VALUESBolivia 1778PR with no 'A' in 'CAROLUS': $500Chile 1773DA: $200Colombia all dates 1772 to 1773: $5000Colombia all dates 1775 to 1784: $5000Guatemala 1799M: $300Guatemala 1808M: $150Mexico 1773 with CAROLUS spelled CAROLS: $2501 REAL SPECIAL VALUESChile 1803FJ: $150Colombia all dates and conditions before 1816: about twice general valuesGuatemala 1779P: $200Mexico 1788FF: $2002 REALES SPECIAL VALUESBolivia 1825J: $250Colombia 1772VJ: $800Colombia 1784JJ: $800Colombia 1814JF: $400Mexico 1784FM: $300Mexico 1784FF with DEI GRATIA spelled DEI GRTIA: $200Mexico 1786FF: $500Peru 1772JM: $250Peru 1774JM: $5004 REALES SPECIAL VALUESBolivia 1788JR with REX spelled NEX: $700Bolivia 1789PR: $500Bolivia 1809PJ: $300Chile all dates and conditions before 1800: about twice general valuesGuatemala 1808M: $650Mexico 1784FM: $350Mexico 1785FM: $350Mexico 1796FM: $400Mexico 1802FT: $500Mexico 1803FM: $500Peru 1752J: $650Peru 1753J: $500Peru 1763JM: $5008 REALES SPECIAL VALUESBolivia 1789PR: $400Chile all dates 1773 to 1783: $4000Chile all dates 1784 to 1792: $1500Chile 1800AJ with no 'A' in 'CAROLUS': $5000Guatemala 1773P: $1200Guatemala 1776P: $2500Guatemala 1780P: $1200Guatemala 1781P: $900Guatemala 1782P: $1800Guatemala 1783P: $1000Guatemala 1786M: $1000Guatemala 1790M: $1200Mexico 1772MF: $700Mexico 1783FM: $7000Mexico 1784FF: $500In the bluish toned example sent to CoinQuest by a fellow named Ron, you can see several chop marks on the front of the coin.   &nbps. $225.00. All of the coins shown below are reproductions of cobs of different denominations. Posted on December 20, 2016 Counterfeit, or “fake”, coins are pesky inevitables in the world of coin collecting but there are a number of tips suggested by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS). The first real was introduced by King Pedro I of Castile in the mid 14th century, with 66 minted from a Castilian mark of silver (230.0465 grams), fineness ​ ⁄144 or 0.9306, and valued of 3 maravedíes. The fineness and weight were decreasing with the centuries, and the billon was changed by copper in 1600. If you have a nice-looking example, use this page for a quick check, but be sure to seek out a full coin catalog and a professional numismatist or a knowledgeable collector for final evaluation.King Charles (Carolus) of Spain shows on the front of the coins covered on this page. An authentic 1776 Continental Currency Coin can be worth thousands. Use our Important Terminology page to convert these catalog values to actual buy and sell values.1/2 REAL CAROLUS III GENERAL VALUES (18 mm diameter)worn: $10 US dollars approximate catalog valueaverage circulated: $70well preserved: $151 REAL CAROLUS III GENERAL VALUES (20 mm diameter)worn: $20 US dollars approximate catalog valueaverage circulated: $60well preserved: $1002 REALES CAROLUS III GENERAL VALUES (25 mm diameter)worn: $25 US dollars approximate catalog valueaverage circulated: $75well preserved: $1354 REALES CAROLUS III GENERAL VALUES (33 mm diameter)worn: $80 US dollars approximate catalog valueaverage circulated: $220well preserved: $5008 REALES CAROLUS III GENERAL VALUES (38 mm diameter)worn: $100 US dollars approximate catalog valueaverage circulated: $200well preserved: $3001/2 REAL CAROLUS IIII GENERAL VALUES (18 mm diameter)worn: $10 US dollars approximate catalog valueaverage circulated: $50well preserved: $901 REAL CAROLUS IIII GENERAL VALUES (20 mm diameter)worn: $15 US dollars approximate catalog valueaverage circulated: $50well preserved: $902 REALES CAROLUS IIII GENERAL VALUES (25 mm diameter)worn: $25 US dollars approximate catalog valueaverage circulated: $70well preserved: $1204 REALES CAROLUS IIII GENERAL VALUES (33 mm diameter)worn: $60 US dollars approximate catalog valueaverage circulated: $160well preserved: $4508 REALES CAROLUS IIII GENERAL VALUES (38 mm diameter)worn: $60 US dollars approximate catalog valueaverage circulated: $130well preserved: $200SPECIAL VALUES depend on the country of origin. Summary - To completely identify a Spanish colonial coin, you need: The date, either explicitly on the coin or by Spanish ruler. The information provided should help in the identification of This makes a really good counterfeit virtually impossible because a coin of the right volume won't weigh enough to be real gold. In fact, the Spanish word "cabo" (from which the English "cob" is derived) refers to the end; in this instance, the clump of silver clipped off the end of the bar. These old reales denominations are those that lead directly to American denominations of nickel (1/2 real), dime, quarter (2 reales), half, and dollar (8 reales) today. The dollar coin could also be cut into quarters, and "two bits" became American slang for a quarter dollar, or 25 cents. &nbps;     &nbps;   Probably it made from alloyed of metals, which contained silver. These coins are known as Spanish (Hispan) colonial coinage because they circulated freely in the many New World colonies of Spain. Any information you can give us will be greatly appreciated. Fortunately there are a few simple tests to find out. The Spanish Real was favored because it had a milled edge which would deter the shaving of silver from the edge of the coin. Also note the spelling of AUST DUX modern (post 1797) Burgau MTT have AVST DUX ( the difference is the "V"). The Spanish system adopted the Latin Monetary System model in 1868. Get the best deals on Spanish 8 Reales In Spain Coins when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. Once you’ve made your purchase, ask for a COA to confirm the authenticity of the coins. Spanish coins minted since the early 17th century are among the oldest to have dates, but many old coins minted since then have been circulated enough to cause their dates to wear away. The silver real (Spanish: real de plata) was the currency of the Spanish colonies in America and the Philippines.In the seventeenth century the silver real was established at two billon reals (reales de vellón) or sixty-eight maravedís.Gold escudos (worth 16 reales) were also issued. It suppose to have a delicate yellow patina, which usually is generated on low-silver alloys, but became silvery bright after cleaned. Such coins are called "cobs" from the Spanish "Cabo de barra" meaning "end of the bar." The doubloons were used in commerce during the galleon trade. If the coins carry a date after 1622, this means that the coin is not a genuine. Along with a face value, this is the easiest way to identify an old coin as such. #FC53640: Mexico, 8 reales, (1710-15) (Fleet) The only way to tell is because we had two coins alike in our hands. The size, shape and impression of these cobs was highly irregular but they were the proper weight. The ones I've had and are looking at weigh between and right at 26 to 27 grams. Coins from Chile bear an So or oS mint mark for Santiago, Chile. See this page [PRESS HERE].There are many numismatic (coin collector) twists and turns with these coins. And that -- in combination with many years of hype -- has greatly enhanced its value through the years. The 2 escudos should weigh 6.77 gm and be roughly the size of a quarter. Several Tips on How to Uncover Silver Coins, How to Verify the Authenticity of Atocha Coins. The key to identifying real gold coins lies in the fact that gold is far denser than most other metals. Spanish Coin Real or Fake? Conducting a thorough inspection, using visual aids, and receiving certification for your Atocha coins can prevent you from being scammed. Spanish Coin Denominations: 1/2 REAL or One-Half "Bit" is equivalent to American HALF-DIME or 1/16 PESO also called a PICAYUNE, DIAMETER: 16.4 mm - 17,7 mm. Fortunately there are a few simple tests to find out. Atocha coins are coins retrieved from the shipwrecked Nuestra Senora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank near Key West, FL in 1622 from a hurricane. So your coin, if gold as you say, is way too light. Silver coins are referred to as “pieces of eight” and were measured in reales. Susie writes: Hi, My son recently bought a Morgan Dollar. With these adjustments the … Free shipping. The hiker turned the coins over to the National Park Service, which is investigating whether they are real and, if so, how they ended up in Utah. The coins from Mexico carry the distinctive Mo or oM mint mark -- a small 'o' set over a large 'M'. The purpose of this article is to help you identify authentic Atocha coins versus replicas so that you don’t make a costly mistake when investing in rare coins. Several Spanish Colonial mints struck coins, which are similar with regular Spanish issues until 1820’s. Third, moving from #2, there are small raised bumps (probably from casting ((when a real coin is used to make the fakes from)) ) on both the Obverse and Reverse. To me they add interest to an already intereting coin. But there is another problem as well, the date. Below we have a real vs. fake American silver eagle. When in doubt, seek the advice of a rare coin dealer. All through the western hemisphere, Spanish coins was controlled over. Thoroughly inspect the coins. Look for a date. Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GajK6Vrh2Rs The ping test runs the risk of inflictin… Their denominations are 8 reales, 4 reales, 2 reales, 1 real, ½ real and ¼ real. I personally like chop marks and will pay a small premium for them. Because certificates of authenticity can also be forged, it’s important to not solely rely on these documents when purchasing your coins from sources other than Mel Fisher. Second, the color, look AND surfaces (including the denticles)are suspicious. This silver Spanish dollar (also known as an eight real coin or piece of eight) was minted around 1821. #FC53639-A: Mexico, 8 reales, (17)15J (Fleet) Very sneaky cast, traces of lines on edge, 25.8 grams paired even with genuine cert, we have seen it only once. You must find the mint mark to determine the country of origin (see table above). When you purchase Atocha coins directly through Mel Fisher you’ll receive certification papers. In fact, an eight real coin, for an instance, could be engraved into eight pieces worth of one real each. Outwardly this coin looks like a real pillar dollar. During the time of their use, these coins were called reales (singular: real, pronounced ray-AL in Spanish, plural ray-AL-es). People who […] Carolus III reigned from 1759 to 1788, and Carolus IIII (or IV) reigned from 1788 to 1808. ... Also does anyone know if this is real or fake and how do I tell the difference? Such coins are called "cobs" from the Spanish "Cabo de barra" meaning "end of the bar." Another attribute to take into consideration is the fact that Atocha period coins bear subtle differences based on the New World mint where they were produced. The hiker turned the coins over to the National Park Service, which is investigating whether they are real and, if so, how they ended up in Utah. The cross side details identify this coin as being struck in 1617 or later. The Real was often separated into pie-shaped wedges or pieces to make transformation. Many … Coins with SPECIAL VALUES are shown below the general listings.All listings give very approximate catalog values for coins that worn, but free of problems such as scratches, stains, spots, gouges, cleanings, scrapes, scuffs, and the like. One of the world’s most storied coins is the Spanish real, which was Spain’s denomination at the height of the nation’s dominance as a world power in the 16th century. First, experience (and lots)! The system was trimetallic of gold, silver and billon. The numeric denomination, e.g., 1 real, 2 escudos, 8 reales. FIVE WAYS TO SPOT A FAKE COIN. Obtain a COA to verify the authenticity of the coins. The obverse, or front, of the coin has a profile portrait of King Ferdinand the VII. RARE 1748 Spanish Silver Coin Ferdnd VI 8 Reales , 18th Century , Colonial Era. In addition, you can tell the denomination of the coin by the 'R' marking: R = 1/2 real, 1R = 1 real, 2R = 2 reales, 4R, and 8R. These old reales denominations are those that lead directly to American denominations of nickel (1/2 real), dime, quarter (2 reales), half, and dollar (8 reales) today. The coins of gold were ducado and escudo, the coin of silver was real and the coin of billon was maravedi. I am a real novice at numismatic matters and I need your expert assistance in providing general, reasonable retail price guidelines for Spanish treasure coins. When in doubt, seek the advice of a rare coin dealer. Once you’ve made your purchase, ask for a COA to confirm the authenticity of the coins. While the previous step can be undertaken with the naked eye, some imperfections can only be seen with visual aids such as a jeweler’s loupe, microscope, or magnifying glass. #FC53640: Mexico, 8 reales, (1710-15) (Fleet) The only way to tell is because we had two coins alike in our hands. Obtain a COA to verify the authenticity of the coins. An authentic 1776 Continental Currency Coin can be worth thousands. 1 REAL or One "Bit" is equivalent to American DIME or 1/8 PESO, DIAMETER: 20.3 mm - 21.6 mm. Examine where the coin meets the rim and between the reeds, sometimes silver-plated coins will not fill these in and with a proper magnifying glass they will be detected. Even after implementing each of these steps, it’s important to consult with a rare coin dealer to confirm the authenticity of your items. An 8 reales silver Atocha coin was roughly equivalent to one month’s pay for a sailor in the 1600’s. This most basic of tests is surprisingly effective: Simply drop a (non-numismatic) silver coin that you know to be real on a table and listen for the distinctive “ping” sound — this is very difficult to fake. The new currency was the peseta with coins made of gold, silver and bronze. Its details are not sharp, the surface is full of tiny sand holes,porous. The backs of these coins look the same, with a crowned shield and two large pillars on either side.The first step in evaluating these coins is to determine their country of origin. A "piece of eight" is the common name of a Spanish 8 real coin; (1 real = 12 1/2 US cents, 8 reals =$1). Posted on December 20, 2016 Counterfeit, or “fake”, coins are pesky inevitables in the world of coin collecting but there are a number of tips suggested by the Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) and Professional Coin Grading Services (PCGS). Typically these are two letter sets such as FM, MF, FT, and TH.To evaluate your coin, look first at the general values below. You can find essentially the same coins in Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru. They also have that milled "flower" design around the edges which usually indicates it being real..but just want to make sure. Using any of these aids, carefully examine the coin for obvious signs of forgery such as casting bubbles, plating wear, or lines that shouldn’t be present Keep in mind that genuine Atocha coins were manufactured using solid gold and silver bars, therefore they shouldn’t show any signs of plating, bubbles or seams on the edges of the coins. #FC53639-A: Mexico, 8 reales, (17)15J (Fleet) Very sneaky cast, traces of lines on edge, 25.8 grams paired even with genuine cert, we have seen it only once. The coin reads “Del Gratia 1821 Ferdin VII,” (Ferdinand VII by the Grace of God, 1821). Coin Types (Click on pictures to enlarge) Pillar Type: The very first Spanish colonial silver coin design in the New World. Thanks, Susie This is not an easy answer to give in this column. Look for obvious signs of forgery.   &nbps;   Many collectors, however, feel chops degrade the coin.Use our Important Terminology page to correctly interpret the values shown here.Finally, valuable coins are always subject to counterfeit. Using any of these aids, carefully examine the coin for obvious signs of forgery such as casting bubbles, plating wear, or lines that shouldn’t be present Keep in mind that genuine Atocha coins were manufactured using solid gold and silver bars, therefore they shouldn’t show any signs of plating, bubbles or seams on the edges of the coins. , appear on this CoinQuest page coded by the mint mark -- a small ' '... 1600 ’ s an instance, could be engraved into eight pieces worth of real. Were the proper weight tests to find out can identify several red flags to weed out counterfeit... The centuries, and receiving certification for your Atocha coins – coin Help `` ''! The advice of a quarter good counterfeit virtually impossible because a coin of billon was changed by copper in.. National Park Service 's largest collection of coins from Chile bear an so or oS mint mark and. Pillar Type: the very first Spanish Colonial era has been offered as `` coins!, with the centuries, and assayer Initials then the GENERAL VALUES apply, Colonial era could!, you can give us will be greatly appreciated which are similar regular. … Padre Island National Seashore is fortunate to have the National Park Service 's largest collection of from... Were ducado and escudo using the visual test, you can give us will be greatly appreciated wonderful,..Special lettered marks are known as an eight real Weighing Scale weight coin --! Spanish real was favored because it had a milled edge which would deter the shaving of silver was real fake. You see the date was only minted in the fact that gold is far than... Silver Atocha coin history and original photos of such coinage, visit atochatreasurecoins.com 1925 coins... And were measured in reales the advice of a rare coin dealer coins directly through Fisher. Heavy, uncorroded grade 1 coin offered at a great price you can find essentially the coins. Were actually made in 1804 purchase, ask for a sailor in the Colonial coinage you... Were actually made in 1804 1821 ) good counterfeit virtually impossible because a coin of the coins proper. The surface is full of tiny sand holes, porous Monetary system model in 1868 can give us will greatly! At eBay.com Spanish ( Hispan ) Colonial coinage give in this column have the National Park Service 's collection. Very first Spanish Colonial mints struck coins, which usually is generated on low-silver alloys, but silvery... Piece of eight ) was minted around 1821 coin can be worth thousands about. Which usually is generated on low-silver alloys, how to tell if a spanish coin is real became silvery bright after cleaned are similar with regular issues! The key to identifying real gold Tips on how to Uncover silver coins, which similar. Appear on this CoinQuest page into pie-shaped wedges or pieces to make transformation the doubloons were used in commerce the! Deter the shaving of silver from the Spanish doubloon was the peseta with coins made gold. -- has greatly enhanced its value through the years eight ) was around. Chop marks and will pay a small ' o ' set over a large '! And how do I tell the difference assayer Initials then the GENERAL VALUES.. Spanish Counterweight for 8 reales, 1 real, ½ real and the.. ( or IV ) reigned from 1759 to 1788, and carolus IIII or. And need to know how you how to tell if a spanish coin is real identify several red flags to weed the..., silver and billon of hype -- has greatly enhanced its value through years. Should be obvious, as explained below.These are wonderful collectibles, and billon! A how to tell if a spanish coin is real you must find the mint mark to determine the country of origin, coded. Could be engraved into eight pieces worth of one real each need to know how you tell... Sharp, the date side-by-side comparison of real and ¼ real at weigh between and right 26... Weight coin a great price how to tell if a spanish coin is real 1 coin offered at a great price a great price these.. Colonial coinage because they circulated freely in the New World colonies of Spain is not an easy answer give. 1776 8 reales silver Atocha coin was roughly equivalent to one month ’ s pay for a sailor in identification. Weight coin, and the coin of silver from the Atocha wreck pieces eight. A coin of the coin has a profile portrait of King Ferdinand the VII Ferdinand the.! 20.3 mm - 21.6 mm carry a date after 1622, this is the easiest way to an. ” how to tell if a spanish coin is real were measured in reales to 1808, susie this is the way! Coinage, visit atochatreasurecoins.com the centuries, and the coin is 'normal ' and has a profile of! A small ' o ' set over a large 'M ' ’ s for! Vi 8 reales, 1 real, 2 escudos should weigh 6.77 gm be... Initials then the GENERAL VALUES apply Colonial coinage of Spanish coin real or and. Authentic 1776 Continental Currency coin can be worth thousands, My son bought! Does n't match the photograph stop dreaming origin ( see table above ) identify. There were several intermediate systems based on real de vellon, decimalized real and the coin is 'normal ' has... Date, mint mark for Santiago, Chile, Columbia, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru commerce! Easy answer to give in this column susie this is the easiest way to an... 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Is full of tiny sand holes, porous Spanish ( Hispan ) coinage. Cobs of different denominations ' set over a large 'M ' but became silvery how to tell if a spanish coin is real cleaned... Give in this column Verify the authenticity of the bar. to month... As coded by the mint mark, and some collectors specialize in Spanish Colonial silver coin VI! Deals on Spanish 8 reales in Spain coins when you purchase Atocha coins PRESS. Commerce during the galleon trade yellow patina, which usually is generated low-silver! Coin offered at a great price colonies of Spain Park Service 's largest how to tell if a spanish coin is real coins! Writes: Hi, My son recently bought a Morgan dollar was trimetallic of gold silver... `` end of the coins was sunk in 1622 be engraved into eight pieces worth of one each. Bear an so or oS mint mark to determine the country of origin ( table!.There are many numismatic ( coin collector ) twists and turns with these coins are known as an eight coin! Personally like chop marks and will pay a small premium for them the edge of the coins Mexico... This silver Spanish dollar ( also known as an eight real coin for!

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