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Lark Coin Collection: Group G

4 -S panish milled coins from the New World. Included are samples from Mexcio, Guatemala, and Peru. The 1739 8 Reales coin is a cast of a "Pillar" type coin, so named for the two pillars on the obverse, not a period orignial. Two slides are also included with the cast. Another coin in this collection is the 1861 8 Reales coin. This original coin was minted in Guatemala and bares a portrait of Ferdinand VII on the obverse with the words DEI GRATIA (By the Grace of God). The reverse shows the two Pillars of Hercules surrounding the Spanish Crown and Coat of Arms, as well as the words HISPANIA ET IND REX (Ruler of Spain and the Indies). The coin is in good condition. One of the oldest coins in this collection is a 4 Reales coin, which was minted in Mexico City and dates to the Rule of Charles I of Spain. Charles united the kingdoms of Castille and Aragon into the Spanish empire, which was built on the wealth of the New World. The obverse features the Pillars of Hercules surrounding the number 4, which reveals the coin's denomination. The reverse features the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Castille and Leon; but not the coat of unified Spain which also features the heraldic symbols of Aragon and Navarre. This is typical of coins minted during this period, as Charles' mother, Joanna, was the Queen regent. It is in worn condition. The final coin in this group is an 8 reales coin, which is most likely a forgery. This 8 Reales coin appears to date from the reign of Philip II, but the reverse of the coin may reveal a different origin. The reverse features a representation of the Arms of Castile and Leon, but unlike the actual coat of arms featured on real Spanish coinage of the period, the lion and castle featured on the arms are reversed. Rather than having the lion in the lower left and upper right corners, they are in the lower right and upper left. The coin is marked with a visible P, indicating an origin in Lima, Peru or Potosi, Brazil. This inconsistency is not found on any other coins of this period minted in Peru or Potosi during this period. Gift of the Estate of Charles Lark Jr. Images are available at https://www.flickr.com/photos/scrc/5446172484/. Located in T&E S6 SS2, Box 1. Mss 1984.042.G1-G4

  1. College of William and Mary
  2. Manuscripts Artifact Collection
  3. Communication Artifacts
  4. Exchange Media
  5. Lark Coin Collection

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