Spanish Colonial 8 Reale Silver Shield-Type Cob Coin, Bolivia

Lot description

Spanish Colonial cob shield-type silver coin, 8 reales, with legible "P" mint mark for Potosi, Bolivia, off center shield with castles and lions and the denomination "8" to the right, the reverse with the Jerusalem cross having lobed ends, not magnetic, drilled hole near one side, maximum width: approx 1.5"w, 27.1 grams Note: The word cob is derived from the Spanish words "cabo de barra" translated as "cut from a bar." A section of a silver bar was cut and then hand trimmed to a specific weight. Finally the piece was stamped into a coin having the Spanish design. Provenance: From the inventory of a retired Houston antiques dealer