This pendant captures a piece of colonial history from the Spanish Empire, featuring a genuine 1799 two reales silver coin from the reign of King Carlos IV. This era, marked by expansive colonial power and trade, saw these coins circulate across the New World, connecting distant lands with the wealth of Spain. The coin’s portrait of King Carlos IV is a reminder of the monarch's rule during a time of significant global influence, especially in Latin America, where Mexico City, the coin’s mint, stood as a vital center of commerce.
Intriguingly, the hole in the coin tells a story of practicality and life in the late 18th century. With no pockets to hold money, individuals would often sew these coins into their clothing for safekeeping. As a result, each holed coin carries its own unique history—perhaps stitched into the coat of a merchant or adventurer traversing the New World.
On the reverse side, the crowned shield of Castile and León, flanked by the legendary Pillars of Hercules, speaks to Spain’s dominion over both Europe and the Americas. The inscriptions surrounding this regal imagery highlight the vast reach of the Spanish Empire, extending from the Iberian Peninsula across the seas to its territories in the Indies.
Encased in a handcrafted sterling silver setting, this pendant preserves a significant moment in colonial history, now reimagined as an elegant piece of wearable art. The detailed silverwork not only secures the coin but accentuates its historical beauty, offering the wearer a tangible connection to the global legacy of Spain’s influence. The pendant is roughly the size of a silver dollar.
Product Description:
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Coin Type: Hand Milled Bust
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Denomination: Two Reales
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Mint: Mexico City
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Empire: Spanish Colonial
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Ruler: Carlos IV
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Date: 1799 - Assayer FM
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Metal: Silver
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Weight: 6.5 grams
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Obverse: Bust of Carlos IIII, King of Spain. Legend reads CAROLUS IIII, DEI GRATIA (by the grace of God) and the date.
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Reverse: Crowned shield of Castile and Leon between the Pillars of Hercules. Legend is HISPAN ET IND (Hispania & the Indies), REX (King), mint mark (o/M), denomination (2R) and assayer mark (F M).
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Setting: Handcrafted in sterling silver.
Certificate of Authenticity with photo specific images included. Chain sold separately.
Inv# T 31245
