I think it's a Spanish Pirate's Coin. At least that's what the person said who sold it to me. Any additional info would be much appreciated. Does it have any numismatic value? Thank you!
Certainly Spanish or Spanish Colonial, so a coin the pirates and privateers woiuld have dealt in extensively. I have had difficulty tracking down a match for the arms - the three anchors in the centre suggest it is not 17th century, so probably early 18th century (Although it could be 16th century - I do not have the books pre-1601!) It has taken a lot of damage, so an exact identification may not be possible - it is still of historical interest above the scrap value of the gold. The weight would tell us if it is a 1, 2 or 4 escudo coin (or the remains thereof!) Paddy
Looks like pre 1630 2 Escudo. My books only go back to 1600, I suspect it could be 1550 - 1600. Yep Spanish 2 Escudo, the 3 crosses on the coat of arms is confusing (House of Bourbon, Navarre) ruled Spain and France 1550 onward.. And more than just the Madrid mint used the M mintmark. Best I can do for now.
Philip V, Mexico mint, 'J' assayer. 1708-1731. Weight is correct for a 2 Escudos, but it doesn't look quite 'right'.
I have read Sedwick's book for a while, trying to figure this out; it looks like Type M-30; the book notes that "J" was the Assayer for most of the Mexico mint's gold coins salvaged from the 1715 fleet. However, I can't see a date, due to the small image; Sedwick says this type was produced 1705 to 1723. Philip V was King of Spain from November 1700 to July 1746, with a short break in 1724, so those dates match Sedwick's data.
