Gold Doubloons and Pirate Treasure for a Festive Halloween

Cursed Aztec Gold Toy Metal Pirate Coin
Cursed Aztec Gold Toy Metal Pirate Coin

Candy may be dandy, but how much more memorable would it be to hand out pirate treasure to your trick-or-treaters?

New World Coins Fall into Pirate Hands

Many Spanish and Portuguese coins were minted in the New World, where sources of gold and silver were abundant. But the journey back to Europe was fraught with peril. If a ship loaded with coins and bullion wasn’t lost in a storm, it still had to navigate its way through roving bands of pirates eager to relieve it of its precious cargo.

Spanish Coins’ International Influence

The Spanish had one of the earliest reliable coinage systems in Europe, and it became a model for the money of several countries including France, Italy, Switzerland and Japan. Spanish coins were widely accepted around the world, making them the first truly international currency. The Spanish dollar, a silver 8-real coin known as the “piece of eight,” remained legal currency in the U.S. until the coinage act of 1857 ended the legal tender status of all foreign coins.

Early Spanish Gold and Silver Coin Weight and Strikes

Early Spanish gold and silver coins were hand-struck from shavings off of pure bullion bars. While the weight of the coins was strictly monitored for uniformity, the hand shavings weren’t uniform in thickness, resulting in the irregular shape of the early coins. Since they were hammered by hand in the dies, they were often double-struck as well.

The “Doubloon”

The origin of the name “doubloon” is somewhat of a mystery. Some say it came from the original two-escudo coin’s common Spanish name—doblón. Others claim it was due to the two portraits of Ferdinand and Isabella on the coins. Regardless, the name stuck and has entered history surrounded by romantic tales of adventure on the high seas.

Gold and Silver “Pirate” Coins for Halloween Fun

The Great American Coin Company™ is pleased to offer gold and silver toy “pirate” coins that make great Halloween treats or fun novelty gifts any time of the year. Modeled after actual early Spanish and Portuguese 2-escudo pieces, these brass and zinc metal coins have the look and feel of real pirate treasure from the 16th and 17th centuries.

They’re available individually or in mixed sets of gold and silver colors in both shiny and antiqued finishes for as little as 18¢ each. That’s less than many “fun size” candy bars and a whole lot more interesting. Plus, they don’t cause cavities.

These pirate treasure coins are just a few of the U.S. and international replica novelty coins available from The Great American Coin Company. We also have a wide selection of authentic collectible U.S. coins, paper money and international banknotes. Be sure to browse and call us at 855-644-2242 to learn more.

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