Cob Question

[trashdude]

Hey does anybody know if cobs were made of other metals other than gold or silver, (i.e. bronz/ brass) ?

[Moe (fl)]

Maravedies were made of copper.

Vellons were made of copper and silver I believe.

[Mackaydon]

Immediately prior to The Great Transition of 1652, cobs varied in fineness from 79 percent to 94 percent silver. When 'greed' (my opinion) and "the cost of extraction and refining became excessive, cobs were adulterated with cheaper additives such as copper and iron".
Don....

Source: Menzel's "The Potosi Mint Scandal and Great Transition of 1652". (1995)

[Michigan Badger]

Also, some early 1600's cobs had platinum mixed in because the Spanish thought it was a worthless metal and an easy way to cheat people.

The Vellon cobs interest me most and actually very little is known about them today. I have found Vellons Maravedis cobs and had collectors argue that they are not silver but 100% copper. Yet the cobs are obviously silver. Why the Spanish even made these is a really odd thing to say the least. Some say they were trying to boost the value and acceptance of the copper Maravedis, others say they were a cross between the reale and copper cob, and still others just flat out refuse to admit they even exist. Go figure?

But I have collected about 50 of them so I know they exist. They are out there but very difficult to find.

I personally suspect that some Vellons cobs from the 1600's may be a mixture of copper and platinum (not silver).

Badger

[trashdude]

I appreciate all the great feedback. I had read an article some time ago (unfortunately can't remember the specifics) that when gold or silver were unavailable, bronze or brass were perhapse used. Interesting to know about the platinum. Once again thanks for all the info/assistance and if you do find anything else, please post.