The Silver Dollars of '60
Spain 8 Reales, 1660

Owner Comments:

The city of Segovia is known for its impressive Roman aqueduct, which features in its coat of arms and its mintmark. Segovia's second mint, known as the "Royal Mint", was different from all other Spanish mints because it was owned by the Royal family and it was the only fully mechanized mint from its founding in 1585 to the introduction of the screw press in the 1700s. The Royal Mint operated roller presses powered by a waterwheel. The presses were a gift to Philip II from his cousin, Ferdinand, the Archduke of Tyrol, and were constructed for him in Hall.

Several 8 reales varieties exist for 1660; this is the more common one featuring the two-tiered vertical aqueduct mintmark and without the additional florets near the denomination. These are 43mm, 27.47g and 93% silver.

From the September 2016 Heritage Long Beach auction.