Written by the Treasureguide for the exclusive use of treasurebeachesreport.blogspot.com.
The Same Cob Shown in Yesterday's Post -
Identity Revealed
I said this one could be a little tricky. It isn't real difficult, but it might be different for Treasure Coast hunters. It isn't one of the common mints, like Mexico, Potosi or Lima. But the mint mark is very clear. The big NR is the mint mark. That is plain enough.
This style came about as a result of the scandal at the Potosi mint in 1648 where assays revealed that some of the silver was only .500 fine. As a result of the scandal, King Philip IV ordered a change in design. This was a new design implemented at the Santa Fe de Bogata mint.
There is certainly enough information on this cob to identify it. The big NR indicates the Nuevo Reino mint at Santa Fe. The Pillars and Waves design is obvious.
Like many cob designs there are many variations. On this one the date can be seen to the right of the right pillar. In this case it is 1668.
To the left of the left pillar is the assayer mark, R, representing Pedro Ramos. He used other assayer marks at times, including P.RS, for example.
Beginning above and between the pillars is PLU, UL and TRA in three levels.
Among the features that vary on these types of cobs is the crowns on the pillars.
The denomination is shown on the other side of the cob, although on this particular example (an 8 real), it is not visible. It would be seen to the left of the Hapsburg shield.
The fascinating thing about cobs is the vast number of variations. There are many features and variation that I did not describe here.
This particular example can be found in Sewall Menzel's book, Cobs, Pieces of Eight and Treasure Coins.
Back to another topic that I started a couple of days ago. I'll just add a little to that discussion. As I've said before, when wading while hunting in rough water, you can learn to pick up your feet at the right time and go with the waves, and you'll be moved in one direction and then returned to your starting spot. I've found that technique of going with the waves to be better than attempting to fight the waves and trying to stay in one spot.
When you get a signal, quickly mark the spot by making a hole or sticking your scoop in the sand. When a wave comes, simply lift your feet and let the wave move you off of the spot. Completing the cycle, the wave will return you to the same spot where you began.
This assumes that you are in sufficiently deep water to float with the wave. That depth for me is about waist high or higher. It is actually a little more difficult in shallow water, but you can lift your legs a little more, like you are going to sit down. When in deeper water that isn't necessary.
I like to use a wood handle on a stainless steel scoop. The wood handle will keep the scoop floating upright. In rougher water, you can let go of the scoop when the wave comes. If you have the scoop dug in or some sand in the scoop, it will stay in place. You can try to hold onto the handle, but if the waves are big they will move you away from the scoop, but you can grab it again when the wave returns you to the original spot.
You can learn to feel the waves coming and going. You don't have to watch for the waves. You'll feel the water sucking you in one direction before the wave hits and pushes you the other direction. . The timing on picking up your feet and floating will become automatic. .With practice, it will become very effortless and automatic. I don't want to sound too flowery or philosophical here, but as you learn to go with the flow, it might might seem like you are becoming one with nature. The whole idea is to go with it instead of fighting it.
Treasure Coast Beach Detecting Forecast and Conditions.
The wind and swells are from the east with the seas running about 2 to 4 feet this afternoon and into tomorrow, decreasing again later tomorrow.
Low tide is around 5.
No significant change in conditions, and none in the immediate forecast.
Happy hunting
TreasureGuide@comcast.net
