Pirate coin

Silver and gold coins were minted during the 14th century by Pierre IV of Aragon. With the discovery of the New World, this currency was adopted throughout the Spanish territories, contributing to the peak of the colonial and commercial empire.

This period (1520 to 1720) also saw the rise of pirate activity. It was the golden age of piracy in the Caribbean! Spanish silver shipments attracted and tempted pirates. Pirate ships targeted these voyages, following and attacking Spanish ships to seize the transported silver. For this reason, the coins minted by the Spanish Empire in Mexico and Bolivia are known as "Pirate Coins"!

To counter the pirates, the Spanish adopted a convoy system: the flota. Numerous transport ships and warships traveled together to transport silver across the Atlantic, avoiding pirate attacks. Each journey aimed to carry a year’s worth of silver and coin production back to Spain! The various coins of the conquistadors were minted in the main mints of Mexico City.

Over time, the 8 reales coin, with an irregular shape before the invention of minting machines, was struck in various types. This includes the Mexican coin of 1536, the Peruvian coin before 1598, the "macuquino" type coin from 1578 to 1732, the "Perulero" coin, the "Columnar Piastre" from 1732 to 1771, and the "Busto Piastre" from 1771 until the end of Spanish rule in America.

On this coin, "Carlos and Johanna" can be seen on the obverse, and on the reverse, the columns of Hercules with a banner bearing the motto of Charles V: "plus ultra."

This is the coin of Philip II, King of Spain, Naples, and Sicily. On this coin, minted before 1598, one can observe: on the obverse, the complex Spanish shield; on the reverse, castles and lions separated by a simple cross.

This coin is a symbol of the Spanish Empire from 1771 until the fall of the monarchy. On the reverse side: a royal effigy, crowned with laurels in the Indies and wearing a wig in Spain. The shield is placed between the columns of Hercules, inverted.

Minted between 1732 and 1771, the "Columnar Piastre" is one of the first coins struck with a regular, well-defined shape, hence its name "strong piastre." Various motifs can be seen on this coin: a baroque-style Spanish shield and the columns of Hercules with two globes.

This is the coin of Philip III, spanning from 1578 to 1732, who was King of Naples, Spain, Sicily, and Portugal. This coin was minted in Mexico. On the obverse: a crowned Spanish shield, and on the reverse: a cross with floral motifs, castles, and lions. It is one of the coins characterized by an irregular shape.

On this silver coin, one can observe the Cross of Jerusalem, castles, and lions on the obverse, and floral motifs along with the columns of Hercules on the reverse. It has an irregular shape, hence its name "old column piastre."

Combining unique design, original craftsmanship, and high quality, the bracelets and necklaces with pirate coins that we create are the perfect accessories to enhance your outfit. This is a unique opportunity to highlight your lifestyle and travel back in time.