Spanish Real, Charles II AD 1665–1700

The reverse displays the arms of Castile and Leon within a quatrefoil design. The arms, dividing the shield into quadrants, are emphasized so that they represent a cross in the center of the shield with the castle and lion images in their respective corners. A Jerusalem cross with a ball at each extremity denotes the Mexico mint. Charles II, also known as “El Hechizado”, was king of Spain from 1665 to 1700 and the last monarch of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty. Childless, his will named Phillip Anjou as successor to the throne, leaving the Spanish Empire in uproar and reeling into the War of Spanish Succession. The real was a unit of currency in Spain and its colonies for several centuries. When additional silver deposits were discovered in the colonial territories there was a pressing demand to export it to Spain as quickly as possible. To do this, starting in the reign of Philip II, the mints produced irregular coinage called cobs. A bar of silver was simply cut into chunks of the appropriate weight. The intention in minting these crude but accurately weighed cobs was to produce an easily portable product that could be sent to Spain. In Spain the cobs would be melted down to produce silver jewelry, coins, bars and other items. Each coin has a unique shape and is a one-of-a-kind piece of 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.