Rare 1620 Madrid 8 Reales Cob With Gunshot!
Item #CC-0535| Rare 1620 Madrid 8 Reales Cob With Gunshot!
Mint: Madrid
Assayer: “G” for Gonzalo Rodriguez Bermúdez (1615-1620)
Date: 1620
Ruler/Period: King Philip III (1598-1621)
Grade: Uncertified
Weight: 27 Grams
Description: This amazing 1620 Spanish 8 reales cob is truly a one-of-a-kind! It displays a clear 1620 date, denomination as VIII, a well centered and strong strike on both sides, assayer’s initial “G” and mint mark “MD” for Madrid. If all this isn’t enough, the coin also shows evidence of what appears to be a gunshot! The bullet impact damage appears to have been done sometime during the time when lead shot was used, which couldn’t pierce the silver but caused the dent and flan to crack upon impact.
In my opinion, this is most likely a souvenir from a soldier’s wages during the 30 years’ war, which took place from 1618 to 1648. The 30 years war was one of the most destructive conflicts in European history, where an estimated 4.5 to 8 million soldiers and civilians died. Soldiers typically kept their money on them and given that silver is much harder than the lead used for musket balls, this coin was likely in a soldier’s pocket, waistband, or money purse during a battle, which stopped the bullet.
Given that this coin is full weight at 27 grams, is absent of environmental damage, which means it was not salvaged from a shipwreck or found in the ground and its overall condition is superb, leads me to believe that it was worth holding onto.
During the 17th century, when a coin like this was damaged it was typically melted down, clipped or cut into pieces to make small change. When coins from opposing countries were captured, they were often melted down and re-minted into the currency of that country. The fact that this specimen has survived over 400 years in this condition is absolutely remarkable. It is quite possible that this coin could have been in a battle and saved a soldier’s or sailor’s life or stopped a bullet during a duel.
This coin is considered extremely rare from a numismatic standpoint and the impact damage adds character and mystery to this superb piece of history.
If you are a collector of unique Pieces of Eight, this coin will be the perfect addition to your Spanish treasure collection!
In stock
$2,850.00
