Bolivia Charles II Silver Real 1673P E VF 35
$225.00
$232.31
Check/Wire
Credit Card
| Quantity | Check/Wire | Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| 1+ | 225.00 | 232.31 |
- SKU: BFB005792
- Categories: WORLD THE AMERICAS CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
The Spanish-Colonial real was a silver coin used in the Spanish colonies in the Americas and the Philippines. These coins started out as cobs, irregular pieces of silver that were hammered on dies, but evolved into coins that look more like the ones we use today.
When this coin was minted, the area now known as Bolivia was still a Spanish colony. Spain began its conquest of the region, which at the time was part of the Incan Empire, in 1524. By 1533, most of the land was under Spanish control - however, the Guaycuru people indigenous to the Chaco region resisted Spain and kept their independence into the early 1900s. During the Spanish colonial period, the region was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Pre-Bolivia’s silver mines were very important to the Spanish Empire, especially Cerro Rico (“Rich Mountain”) near the city of Potosi. For a few centuries, Potosi was the largest city in the New World, producing as much as 60% of the silver mined globally during the second half of the 16th century. While some indigenous people adapted to Spanish culture, others under Spanish control resented the colonizers and rebelled. In the 18th century, there were over 100 revolts in what are now Bolivia and Peru. Bolivia did not gain sovereignty until 1825, naming itself after Simón Bolívar, who led many colonies to victory in the Spanish American wars of independence.
Obverse: Pillars of Hercules, wavy lines below symbolizing the ocean. On top line initials of mint, face value and assayer. On center line 'Plus Ultra' (translation: Further Beyond). On lower line initial of assayer, year (2 digits) and mint.
Reverse: Cross potent, with lions and castles in the quarters.
Reference: KM 23
When this coin was minted, the area now known as Bolivia was still a Spanish colony. Spain began its conquest of the region, which at the time was part of the Incan Empire, in 1524. By 1533, most of the land was under Spanish control - however, the Guaycuru people indigenous to the Chaco region resisted Spain and kept their independence into the early 1900s. During the Spanish colonial period, the region was part of the Viceroyalty of Peru. Pre-Bolivia’s silver mines were very important to the Spanish Empire, especially Cerro Rico (“Rich Mountain”) near the city of Potosi. For a few centuries, Potosi was the largest city in the New World, producing as much as 60% of the silver mined globally during the second half of the 16th century. While some indigenous people adapted to Spanish culture, others under Spanish control resented the colonizers and rebelled. In the 18th century, there were over 100 revolts in what are now Bolivia and Peru. Bolivia did not gain sovereignty until 1825, naming itself after Simón Bolívar, who led many colonies to victory in the Spanish American wars of independence.
Obverse: Pillars of Hercules, wavy lines below symbolizing the ocean. On top line initials of mint, face value and assayer. On center line 'Plus Ultra' (translation: Further Beyond). On lower line initial of assayer, year (2 digits) and mint.
Reverse: Cross potent, with lions and castles in the quarters.
Reference: KM 23
