Here is an excerpt from an article about the best Spanish coins to buy.
Here are their top picks from 2024.
- Eight-Real Cob Coins: These coins are highly sought after for their historical significance and unique appearance. Coins from famous shipwrecks, like the Atocha and 1715 Fleet are particularly valuable.
- Potosí Mint Eight-Real Cob Coins: Known for their high silver content, these coins played a crucial role in global trade during the Spanish colonial period.
- Pillar Dollar (Milled Coins): Featuring the iconic Pillars of Hercules, these coins are a symbol of Spain’s influence and are prized by collectors for their detailed designs.
- Gold Escudos (Shields of Gold or Doubloons): These gold coins, minted in various denominations, are highly valued for their rarity and historical significance. They often feature intricate designs and are associated with Spanish colonial wealth.
Here is the link.
Expert Reviews: Which Spanish Coins Are the Best to Buy Now? | Commodore Coins & Collectibles, Ltd.
I wouldn't be surprised if they are suggesting the coins they have in inventory.
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Here is an excerpt from an article that gives a sample of Colonial Coin values from 2025 eBay listings.
Spanish Colonial Coin Values
Millions of coins were minted in the Spanish colonies, so heavily worn samples are not hard to find, nor are they necessarily expensive. Some can be had for just a few dollars. On the other hand, pristine coins can command very high prices.
Since such large numbers of Spanish colonial coins exist, and more are yet to be discovered from shipwrecks and treasure chests, comprehensive lists of the most valuable ones are hard to come by. Here’s a list of 10 recent top-quality coins for sale on eBay to give you a sense of the high end of the current market. Bear in mind that these are asking prices, so the final sale amount could be lower (or higher).
Description | Grade | Asking Price |
1715 Shipwreck 8 Escudos 1714 “Date on Reverse” | NGC 63 | $65,000.00 |
1715 Shipwreck 8 Escudos Gold Cob Doubloon | NGC 62 | $50,000.00 |
1715 Shipwreck 8 Escudos Gold Cob "Full Date” | NGC 58 | $48,500.00 |
1818 Small Planchet New Spain Fernando de Bexar Silver ½ Real | Not given | $39,500.00 |
1715 Shipwreck 8 Escudo Dated Gold Doubloon | NGC 55 | $34,950.00 |
1715 Shipwreck 8 Escudos Dated Gold Doubloon | NGC 58 | $32,500.00 |
1760 Mexico 8 Escudos Colonial Doubloon | Not given | $29,995.00 |
1715 Shipwreck 1714 8 Escudos Gold Cob | NGC 64 | $29,500.00 |
1733 Shipwreck 8 Escudos Gold Doubloon | NGC 55 | $29,500.00 |
1714 8 Escudos 1715 Fleet Gold Cob | NGC 64 | $27,500.00 |
Here is that link.
Collecting Spanish Colonial Coins
Of course there are many excellent quality coins available for considerably less.
I wouldn't put too much stock in eBay. The most recent Sedwick auction will be more telling.
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... Coins and other collectibles can add a level of diversification for the right client, Wennersten said.
"Like most speculative investments that produce no cash flow, appreciation potential depends on the specific investment, and we won't know how good the investment was until we have the benefit of time," he said. "Gains on rare coins can be significant."...
Many investors prefer to buy coins that have been independently certified by third parties as to authenticity and condition.
Jonathan Dane, founding partner and chief investment officer at Defiant Capital Group in Warrendale, Pennsylvania, works with clients who hold physical precious metals as a diversifier in the context of their overall investment strategy.
For purchases, Dane said he steers clients toward highly liquid coins with low markups — like American Gold Eagles, Krugerrands and American Silver Eagles — rather than bars or collectibles, which can have wide bid-ask spreads.
"Liquidity and pricing transparency matter far more than novelty," he said.
Because scams in the space are common, Dane said he only sends clients to vetted dealers his firm knows.
"I advise against online purchases where authenticity and pricing are harder to verify," he said....
McNinch et al. (2006), studying artifact deposition in a similar shallow, energetic
Here is the link for much more about that.