I have a very worn silver coin with the name (carolvs.11. de the rest is very worn ) around the head. The reverse side is worn smooth. I think it might be mexican. I would be gratefull for any help. Its approx one inch in diameter thanks
Sounds like it's an 18th century Spanish (America) Reale/s. Be that denomination 1, 2, 4 or 8 is the question. If it's as worn as you describe then the value is only the precious metal content. Take Care Ben
sorry laura but have only just got the hang of writing with these machines let alone posting pictures. ben thanks for the reply have you any idea who this bloke carolus the second was
Carlos II or Charles II was king of Spain 1665-1700. It is difficult to narrow down your coin, except to say that it probably not a Spanish colonial from Mexico, since the milled coinage there only began in 1732. I don't know enough about Spanish coinage (in Spain) at that time period to speculate on what it may be.
There are several Carolus II, in england, germany and spain. I guess we are saying that the coin you have is of the Spanish King Charles II (the bewitched)...the highly inbreed, disturbed, and physically deformed last of the Habsburg Spanish Kings. He died without and heir and his death brought about the war of Spanish Succession. Just reading a biography about the this miserable creature makes me sad and a bit sick. It was a dark time for Spain. You sure its not Carolus III? or IIII?
I assumed a bit about the coin, it just seemed the most likely ruler. Don't forget that Charles 'El Hechizado' II did some good things too. Like not have a child. And he cleansed society of some nasty heretics. I was going to mention Charles III, but the OP placed a dot after the II, which seemed rather difinitive.
Denise, is it possible that there might be more than 2 (IIs) Possibly carolvs III or IIII if your coin is as worn as you describe then my take might be accurate. If not I've been publicly humiliated by other forum members, LOL... Also, in comparison to a half dollar how large is it? Larger or smaller? Take Care Ben
I see, I now notice she wrote it how it is inscribed on the coin...It could be Charles II of England: CAROLVS•II•DE(i) maybe this coin? (or one like it): The problem I find is that, I might be wrong, but I dont think there is a Spanish Charles II coin that has CAROLVS•II•DE(I) Mostly CAROL•II•D• - CAROLVS•II•REX -CAROLVS•II•D• Could be wrong of course/
I am sure that portrait was a bit idealized, he wasnt that handsome ...he in fact had a very deformed jaw and a swollen tongue that made it difficult to speak and eat...he often drooled. When he was a child they didnt bother to wash him or educate him (although he may have been unable to teach). He has a long list of ailments both physical and mental...thats what happens when your father is both your mothers cousin and uncle. They thought he was bewitched and he agreed though exorcism didnt do much. I feel sorry for his brides who died early both of them, probably from despair from being married to this guy. He was probably impotent which is a good thing. His cousin/uncle Leopold I married Charles sister (his neice/cousin)...those wacky Habsburgs kept it in the family.
The OP did state that there was a 'head'. I assume that meant it was a portrait. So this would discount any 'pillars and waves' coins, like the Potosi example. As for the diameter, 25 mm would be about a 2 reales, but that's only considering Spanish colonial specs. I hope Denise is reading all this great stuff about the 'bloke' Charles II.
Drusus your the main man. The pic you posted of the charles 11 coin with the head size in full is the same as the coin i asked about. I guessed at the diameter as 1 inch but have now measured it at 1 1/4 inch or 32mm. Have you any idea of its denomination. Thank you and all you others who tried to help me inspite of my limited discription. I am sorry i have given the wrong impression that i am a woman called denise but i thought all the chris names would have been taken and its easy to remember my wifes name. A BIG THANKS AGAIN FROM WALES. ALL THE BEST CHRIS.
Can anyone identify another two coins for me.The first is a one inch diameter, silver coin with the words GVLIELMVS 111. DEFGRA around the head and what looks like MAG BRFRA ETHTB REX around a cross on the reverse side. There may be some letters worn away between the letters REX and MAG or it could be the date thats worn. The second is a silver 4 pence piece dated 1836 but instead of the head of queen Victoria it has a mans head with the words GULIELMUS 1111 D:G:BRITANNIAR: REX F: On the reverse are the words four pence and the date 1836 around the edge and britainia in the middle. It must be obvous to you all by now that I am a complete novice as far as coins go but if i can do anything for you in the UK just ask
It would be a lot easier if you could post pics of these coins. The two coins you ask about are from Great Britain - William III and William IIII. Really can't identify them any closer based on legends alone.