Spanish Real, Philip V AD 1708

Philip V was King of Spain from November 1, 1700, until his abdication in favor of his son Louis on January 14, 1724, and then again from September 6, 1724, until his own death on July 9, 1746. A grandson of King Louis XIV of France, he was appointed heir by his granduncle, King Charles II of Spain. His accession triggered the 13-year War of the Spanish Succession, which ended with the Treaty of Utrecht, barring any future unification of the French and Spanish crowns. Philip was the first Bourbon to rule Spain, and his total reign of 45 years and 21 days is the longest in Spain’s modern history.

The real was a long-standing unit of currency in Spain and its colonies. As silver deposits were discovered in the New World, there was a pressing need to export it quickly to Spain. Starting under Philip II, Spanish mints began producing irregularly shaped but precisely weighed coins known as "cobs." Silver bars were cut into chunks of correct weight for easy shipping. In Spain, cobs were melted into jewelry, coins, bars, and more. Each coin’s irregular shape makes it a one-of-a-kind artifact from history.

Because these coins were exposed to ocean debris and marine elements during their time underwater, they require special care to maintain their luster and preserve their appearance.

• Avoid applying perfumes, creams, oils, or makeup directly onto the piece.
• Do not expose it to moisture or corrosive substances.
• Avoid contact with water or the skin's natural sweat and acidity, as this can dull or tarnish the material.
• Due to their antiquity, these pieces are more sensitive to chemicals, which may alter their color.
• To clean the piece, use mild soapy water and gently dry it with a soft, neutral-colored cloth to remove oils and residues that could tarnish it or affect its shine.
• Store the piece in its protective leather pouch.