Name 1
SILVER COIN 4
Name 2
/
ID number
002.367.Idrija
Manager / Administrator
Idrija Municipal Museum, Prelovčeva 9, SI-5280 Idrija
Ownership
Public
Owner
Municipality of Idrija, Mestni trg 1, SI-5280 Idrija
Local / Original ID Number
510:IDR;ZG-936
Type of Object
Mine
Description
Short description
The object is a type of silver cob coin, called Pillars and waves with the value of two reales. It has an irregular rectangular shape and rounded edges. Due to wear and the production process, not every detail of the coin has been preserved. Despite being quite worn, the silhouette of the Hercules’ pillars and waves on the front side and the Jerusalem cross with lions and castles on the back side are still discernible. The inscription on the back side is also identifiable: 2/[PLV] SVL TR[A]/[1]754.
Measures
Length 2.2 cm, width 2.1 cm, height 0.3 cm; weight: 6.4 g.
Materials
Silver, copper.
Dating
1754
Author / Producer
Potosí Mint, Bolivia.
Picture attachments
Original use
The silver coin was used as a means of payment. It was manufactured during the reign of King Philip VI (1746–1759). Spain and its colonies. The described silver coin was particularly used in the second half of the 18th century and in the beginning of the 19th century. Unique and irregularly shaped coins minted in the Spanish Empire between the 16th and 18th centuries are known to coin collectors as cobs [Sp. cabos de barra, ends of the bar]. The name refers to the production method. Smelted silver was poured into moulds. After it cooled down, it was sliced. The round, not completely round, moulded rod was used for cutting metal. The plates were then stamped into coins. If necessary, the silver coin was slightly clipped. Due to the lack of appropriate forging equipment and trained workers in comparison with the large demand for production, more attention was devoted to the weight of the coin and to a lesser extent the shape and stamping quality.
Present use
The described object is being preserved, secured and presented as important mining heritage of Idrija with exceptional universal values. It is a part of the historical collection of Idrija Municipal Museum. Visitors can view it within the permanent museum display “Tracing Mercury: Idrija-Almadén”. The described object represents the characteristics and the versatile use of mercury. It can also be used for different types of mercury heritage promotions.
Original location
Potosí Mint, Bolivia.
Present location
Idrija Municipal Museum, Gewerkenegg Castle (Tracing Mercury: Idrija-Almadén, showroom 3).
STATE OF CONSERVATION
History of conservation:
The coin is incomplete due to the specific manufacturing method. It is slightly worn, but specifics of the object are still identifiable. It is slightly lighter than the catalogue one. The described object is being appropriately preserved. Therefore, no additional interventions are necessary. Security of the premises is ensured.
Present state
good
Necessary activities:
Regular seasonal maintenance.
DOCUMENTATION
Addresses / collections / links etc. where further in-depth information is accessible:
- Inventory Book of the Idrija Municipal Museum;
- George S. Cuhaj, Thomas Michael. 2010 Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701‒1800. Krause Publications, 2011, p. 118;
- http://www.newworldtreasures.com/cointypes.htm.
- George S. Cuhaj, Thomas Michael. 2010 Standard Catalog of World Coins, 1701‒1800. Krause Publications, 2011, p. 118;
- http://www.newworldtreasures.com/cointypes.htm.
Submitted
Mestni muzej Idrija
Submitted by
Miha Kosmač
Date Submitted
16. 3. 2018
Date Edited
Never