{"product_id":"spain-copper-pirate-cob-c-1556-to-1717-spanish-empire","title":"Spain, Copper \"Pirate\" Cob - c. 1556 to 1717 - Spanish Empire","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"hh-backorder-notice\" data-hh-notice=\"small-box\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePLEASE READ:\u003c\/strong\u003e Our shipment of small display boxes has been delayed. \u003cstrong\u003eSmall display boxes are currently out of stock and are expected to arrive around October 1st.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou can still \u003cstrong\u003epre-order items that include a small display box.\u003c\/strong\u003e These items will \u003cstrong\u003enot ship until the display boxes arrive.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePre-orders receive $5 off each delayed item.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIn-stock items in the same order will ship immediately as usual.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003eThese Spanish copper cob coins, minted between the reigns of King Philip II and Philip V from 1556 to 1717, circulated during an iconic era known as the \u003cstrong\u003eGolden Age of Piracy\u003c\/strong\u003e. This period, spanning roughly from 1650 to 1730, marked the peak of piracy in various regions, notably Asia, Africa, and the Caribbean.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWhile these copper cobs are not technically \"pirate\" coins—since pirates didn't mint their own currency—they have nevertheless secured a strong association with pirates in popular culture. This is primarily due to the historical fact of these coins' widespread use among seafarers in the New World's ports during that era. Indeed, Spanish currency held a favored status among all maritime traders, both legitimate and otherwise.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eSporting a crude, irregular shape characteristic of the \u003cstrong\u003e\"cob\" style\u003c\/strong\u003e—derived from the Spanish word 'cabo', meaning 'end' or 'piece'—these coins showcase a castle on the obverse and a rampant lion on the reverse. These symbols powerfully represent the Spanish monarchy and the former Kingdom of León, respectively. Each coin was worth varying amounts of \u003cstrong\u003emaravedis\u003c\/strong\u003e, a unit somewhat comparable to cents in the \u003cstrong\u003eSpanish real\u003c\/strong\u003e currency system.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFurthermore, many of these coins underwent \u003cstrong\u003ecounterstamping\u003c\/strong\u003e—a process that updated an older coin's denomination or inscription with a new design. This practice was particularly common with Spanish coins due to the vastness of the empire. Counterstamping was far more practical than creating new coins, as the latter would necessitate the transportation of copper across extensive distances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eA Certificate of Authenticity accompanies all items purchased at History Hoard.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"History Hoard","offers":[{"title":"Include display case (+$0.00) \/ Average Grade","offer_id":67691345444995,"sku":"hco1791347336219","price":10.79,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"Include display case (+$0.00) \/ High Grade (visible lion or castle)","offer_id":67691345477763,"sku":"rjl1791347336220","price":12.39,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"No display - just the coin and certificate\/info card (save $15.00 each) \/ Average Grade","offer_id":67691345510531,"sku":"sgl1791347336221","price":7.09,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"No display - just the coin and certificate\/info card (save $15.00 each) \/ High Grade (visible lion or castle)","offer_id":67691345543299,"sku":"zvh1791347336222","price":9.29,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0646\/8504\/7939\/files\/spain-copper-pirate-cob---c-1556-to-1717---spanish-empire_1.jpg?v=1791347345","url":"https:\/\/www.zavuneri.com\/products\/spain-copper-pirate-cob-c-1556-to-1717-spanish-empire","provider":"Zavuneri","version":"1.0","type":"link"}