We just received a shipment of older Spanish coins (cobs) dated from the 1300's - 1500's and we're trying to find a book to look up more info (that's half the fun, right?). Any ideas where to find such a creature?
Google it ...there are so many out there ...I recomend one that list all assayers and kings shields as that way you can date dateless cobs. I would start on Amazon
Cobs, as the Spanish colonial coins are called, didn't exist until well into the 1500's. And it's only the Spanish colonials that are called cobs, none of the coins actually minted in Spain fall into that category. The very first Spanish colonial coins were not struck until 1536 in Mexico City. All other came much later than that. As for a book, there are many, but if you had to pick just one I would recommend "Cobs, Pieces of Eight, and Treasure Coins" by Sewall Menzel.
GDJMSP - Thank you! That's what we we looking for. Ripley - HAH! There's a wise guy in every crowd. The husband was not impressed when I suggested that I would go to Spain to find him a book - "See ya Hon, be back in 3 weeks". Nope. Didn't go over well at all.
Las monedas Españolas by Cayon and Cayon or Numismatica Española by Calicó and Trigo are the standard guidebooks on the series. They cover everything from the present day to Roman issues. For Muslim Spain and the Taifas, there are other, more specialized references.
I agree Cayon and Cayon is an excellent reference for anything Spanish. However, any colonial coins use different references.
Of course. I saw "1300's to 1500's" and gave my advice on that. In that case, Doug's advice is certainly best.
I understand. My post was meant to echo your recommendation of Cayon and Cayon for Spanish coins, not disagree with it.
Las monedas Españolas by Cayon and Cayon looks like that is out of print with limited availability (if there is one to be found).
There have been multiple editions published over the years. I see some on Abebooks. Most good numismatic dealers should be able to procure a copy for you. I know I see copies on used numismatic book auctions occasionally. Unfortunately, books like this are not like a KM catalog or a Redbook. You cannot expect to just waltz into a normal coin store and find it, or have multiple copies of it on discount on Ebay at any given time.
