Spanish Gold Ingot Trade Cob Bars (1621 -1724)

During the reign of the Spanish King Philip II in the 16^th century, irregular Spanish coinage called cobs were first produced in the new world. A cob was an irregular shape coin, bar or chunk of silver or gold that was cut and hammer struck between two dies. As new gold deposits were discovered in the new world there was a high pressure to export the gold to Spain as quickly as possible. Cobs could be produced very quickly with less skilled labour compared to regular coinage.

Once the cobs reached Spain they would be melted down to produce jewellery, coins and other items. Gold coinage minted in Spain was rare in the New World so cobs were used instead as an alternative coinage before local mints were established and able to meet demand.

These bars were minted using the same dies a Spanish 8 Reales coin often called a Piece of 8, minted by Charles II, Philip IV and Louis I between 1621-1724 made famous by the Pirates of the Caribbean series.

These coins are hand cut and stamped by a passionate reenactor who performs historical coin minting demonstrations. As each bar is hand cut small variations may exist adding to the hand made character of the coins.  

Made from high quality nugold jewellers brass sheet. Nugold has a higher copper content than standard brass giving it its rich yellow gold colour.

Each bar measures approximately 30mm by 15mm and 5mm in thickness and weighs approximately 12 grams.

Price is for one bar

Buy in bulk for significant savings.