Silver, 6.22 grams, 23.15 mm. Shield Type; 1527-1598 AD. Obverse: crowned shield of arms of Spain with 'S' to left for Seville mint. Reverse: Cross of Jerusalem with alternating lion and castle in angles. Near very fine for issue. These early coins, often called 'Cobs', were made from roughly cut blanks by striking them with hand dies. The word 'Cob' comes from a simplification of the Spanish phrase 'Cabo de Barra' which translates as 'from a bar'. After the coins are struck, they are weighed by an assayer who cut off any excess silver and this is why most of these coins have some of the impression and most of the legends cut away and the edges are often hammered. Due to this method of manufacturer no two coins are alike. Very fine for issue.