Pewter Cast of A Metal Detected Spanish Cob Coin Pendant

Historical Information
Type: Spanish Cob
Fabric: Pewter Cast of Original
Date: 1652
Original Coin Find Location: St Osyth, Essex, UK
Extra Information:
Spanish cobs were irregular, hand-struck coins produced in Spain and across its colonial mints in the Americas. While silver and gold cobs formed the backbone of international trade, copper and bronze examples were struck in the same rough style to provide small change for everyday transactions. Their designs usually featured a cross and royal arms, reflecting Spain's authority and Christian identity.

The year 1652 lies within the height of Spain's global power, when treasure fleets carried immense wealth across the Atlantic. Though bronze and copper cobs were of lesser value, they still travelled widely, carried by sailors, merchants, and privateers.

England at this time was at war with the Dutch, while tensions with Spain simmered; nevertheless, Spanish coins circulated as international currency and were familiar in English ports. It is entirely possible that a coin like this reached the Essex coast through trade or privateering, and simply slipped from a sailor's pocket when he came ashore near St Osyth.

Finds like this remind us how global empires, local seafaring, and everyday life were closely linked in the 17th century.