Spain. 1712 two reales or "pistareen." Barcelona mint. Struck in the name of the Pretender, Carlos II (Charles VI of the Holy Roman Empire). Choice Extremely Fine.

Spain. 1712 two reales or "pistareen." Barcelona mint. Struck in the name of the Pretender, Carlos II (Charles VI of the Holy Roman Empire). Choice Extremely Fine. Strong frosty lustre on deeply toned surfaces suggests that Choice EF may be too conservative a grade. The obverse is beautiful deep antique gray with lighter devices and gold and rose highlights in recessed areas. The concave reverse is fully lustrous and shows abundant colorful toning of gold, green, and rose. Struck on a roller press, though not as deeply curved (naturally, of course) as some non-Pretender pistareens of this era. Significantly scarcer than cross pistareens, though specimens of this type turn up in American soil (especially in Virginia) both intact and quartered. This is an especially tough type to find in high grade.