Cob (Macuquina)
17th century ・ silver ・ 16th century ・ Mexico City Mint
In 1572, during the reign of Philip II, the mint began striking "shield-type" cobs. In Spanish, they are called macuquina—the etymology is debated and not definitively known. Irregularly shaped planchets cut from silver bars were quickly struck with a hammer. The method prioritized speed and quantity, with shape being a secondary concern. Each piece had a different outline, and the relatively careful craftsmanship of the Charles and Joanna coinage became a thing of the past. However, the weight and fineness themselves were maintained according to standards. The world's demand for silver stripped the beauty of form from the coinage.