1674?, Spain, Aragon Province, Charles II. Copper Dinero Coin. Zaragoza mint!

Region: Zaragoza Mint Date: 1674? Reference: KM-50. Mint Place: Zaragoza Denomination: Dinero Condition: Minor greenish deposits, otherwise VF+ Material: Copper Diameter: 13mm Weight: 0.8gm

Obverse: Crowned head of Charles II left, flanked by initials (C-A). Legend: CAROLVS... Reverse: Patriarchal cross within inner circle. Legend: ARAGONVM 1674?

The first coinage of the New World and what comes to mind when we think of Pirate Treasure are pieces of eight. These first coins, often called cob coins, were made from roughly cut planchets (blanks) by striking them with hand dies. The word Cobb comes from a simplification of the Spanish phrase, Cabo de Barra, which translates as, from a bar. After the coins are struck, they are weighed by an assayer who cuts off any excess Silver which is why most coins have some of the impression cut away. Due to this method of manufacturer no two coins are alike and many are collected for their unique shapes alone. The Cobb coin, like anything that is no longer available is becoming very scarce and hence more valuable. The few remaining Coins are the last vintage of the glory days of pirates and Treasure hunting and are fast disappearing into private hands.

Charles II (6 November 1661, Madrid – 1 November 1700, Madrid), was the last Habsburg King of Spain and the ruler of nearly all of Italy (except Piedmont, the Papal States and the Republic of Venice), the Spanish territories in the Southern Low Countries, and Spain's overseas Empire, stretching from Mexico to the Philippines. He is noted for his extensive physical, intellectual, and emotional problems – along with the consequent ineffectual rule – as well as his role in the developments preceding the War of Spanish Succession.