BOLIVIA – 4 REALES “PARTIALLY DATED” (ASSAYER M), 1616–1617 Weight: 13.3 grams | Coin No. #85A-119634 | Grade 3

A remarkable and highly desirable survivor of early 17th-century Spanish colonial minting, this Bolivia 4 Reales cob, struck under Assayer M (1616–1617), represents one of the scarcer denominations from the famed Potosí Mint—and one that is considerably rarer than its larger 8 Reales counterpart.

Attractively preserved for its grade, this coin displays beautiful natural toning across its bold, uneven surfaces—an aesthetic hallmark of hand-struck silver from the golden age of Spanish maritime empire. Its rugged planchet, irregularly shaped and thickly struck, speaks to the urgency of minting silver for transport to the New World fleets.

What truly elevates this piece, however, is the presence of a partially visible date—a feature seldom encountered on cobs of this period. Such partial or full dates are immensely prized by collectors, as they not only authenticate the issue but also link the coin directly to the historic voyages of Spain’s treasure fleets, many of which met their fate in the Caribbean and the Florida Straits.

The 4 Reales denomination holds special allure among shipwreck and colonial coin specialists: small enough to circulate easily in the colonies, yet substantial enough in value to be treasured by sailors and merchants alike. Surviving examples are few, as most were either melted, lost at sea, or worn away through centuries of use.

This specimen, Coin #85A-119634, graded 3, retains a handsome character and excellent eye appeal, with the partial date legible and the mintmark and assayer visible—an invaluable diagnostic combination. Its even, gunmetal toning and solid weight of 13.3 grams further attest to its authenticity and long-buried history.

A superb example of early 1600s Potosí craftsmanship and an evocative relic of Spain’s transoceanic silver empire—rare, historic, and immensely collectible.