What is known about the mints at which copper Maravedis were struck in the Western Hemisphere during the Spanish Colonial period? Is there reference material to which one can refer?
You bet there is Books on this subject abound. Some of them are more specialized than others so it depends on the area you wish to know about. Many of these books are written in Spanish and more than a few in English as well. Two of the easiest to find in English are - The Coinage of the First Mint of the Americas at Mexico City by Robert Nesmith. Numismatic History of Mexico by Alberto Pradeau Both of these books have been re-printed several times over the years. Another book with a great deal of information about the mints themselves is one that pertains primarily to silver coinage struck from 1732 - 1772. This book is a bit harder to find as there were ony 500 copies ever printed. But it can be found on ebay from time to time and usually sells in the $75 range. It is - The Milled Columnarios of Central and South America by Frank F. Gilboy If there is anything in particular you want to know - ask away and I'll be glad to answer what questions I can
Thank you for the information which I will follow-up on. One final question, do you know the cities in which there were mints at which the copper coins were minted? Thanks. Jim
For the most part - copper coinage was struck in Spain and shipped to the New World. But in 1535 Mexico City and Santo Domingo were authorized to strike copper coinage. To the best of my knowledge these are the only colonial mints ever authorized to do so.
