First Page
Posted 11/24/2011 7:56 pm
Larryh86GT - There are key differences to look for when attempting to differentiate between "Continental" and "Colonial" strikes.
First the placement of the Roman Numerals for the KING. The continental Spanish issues have the RN over the King's nose and the colonials have the number behind his head. Second the Shield used is different because only the colonies show the Pillars (the pillars of Hercules) which are indicative of the overseas Colonies.
Also when you get into finer details like weight and assay (SG) you will find that Continental coins have a wider range of tolerance (suggestive of shady dealings in Europe).
There was a really good reason why the Spanish Colonial coinage (especially the 8R) was valued as a world trade coin. It was a very accurate standard weight made of a RELIABLE assay of silver. The Spanish fortune was built on selling silver to the world and the 8R was the vehicle. So debased and substandard coins were frowned upon.
The minor issues - even colonial minors "at times" did not hold to the same standards.
First the placement of the Roman Numerals for the KING. The continental Spanish issues have the RN over the King's nose and the colonials have the number behind his head. Second the Shield used is different because only the colonies show the Pillars (the pillars of Hercules) which are indicative of the overseas Colonies.
Also when you get into finer details like weight and assay (SG) you will find that Continental coins have a wider range of tolerance (suggestive of shady dealings in Europe).
There was a really good reason why the Spanish Colonial coinage (especially the 8R) was valued as a world trade coin. It was a very accurate standard weight made of a RELIABLE assay of silver. The Spanish fortune was built on selling silver to the world and the 8R was the vehicle. So debased and substandard coins were frowned upon.
The minor issues - even colonial minors "at times" did not hold to the same standards.
