Copper maravedis
by Kent Ponterio
The first copper issues were struck during the reign of Charles & Johanna. Although the mint began operating in 1536, it did not begin striking coppers that year and the very first copper coins of Mexico were produced in 1542, following a viceregal order of 28 June, under the supervision of assayer Juan Gutiérrez. The order describes both their design, which in the case of the 2 Maravedís: “shall bear on the obverse a column with “plus ultra” and a crown, and on the reverse, a castle and crown with the insignia of Mexico.”
This first type is what is commonly referred to as the “Early Series”, and was struck for only about one year. Only two denominations were struck for circulation in the denominations of 2 and 4 Maravedis. The “Early Series” 2 Maravedis should be considered an extreme rarity. In nearly 20 years of researching this series I have only physically seen one piece and photos of a second. Hence an “Early Series” 2 Maravedis is a true prize for a collector to own.
KM-uncatalogued Early Series, 2 maravedis(Briggs & Bustos auction IX, 13 September 2024, lot 44)
Briggs & Bustos write :"Obverse with one column in the centre and above it, a simple crown without support at the base, behind it the legend “PL-VS” framed by a rhomboidal panel slashed to the left with rings at each corner. this element is characteristic on first series pieces in other assayer G denominations, at the bottom the Arabic “M” mintmark on the left and a flower ornament on the right of the column, legend “KAROLVSꕤETꕤIOHANAꕤRE✠”, with the “K” in Gothic style. Reverse with a three-towered castle, without mint marks that flank it, on this a simple crown, legend “HISPANIARVMꕤETꕤINDIAR.
It should be noted that the only assayer who participated in the elaboration of pieces of the first series, characterized by the inclusion of the lemma PLVS within a rhomboidal panel on the left with rings in each corner, and the second series, characterized by the inclusion of the lemma PLVS VLTRA without the aforementioned panel, was Juan Gutiérrez "G." Therefore, it can be concluded that the design of the piece presented here does not correspond to the one described in the document of 1542, but rather to the first type. It seems plausible to suggest that this piece is an early issue from the period of assayer "G," potentially produced prior to 1542. Alternatively, it is possible that he simply employed the first series design with which he was already familiar. Tello de Sandoval's research indicates that in 1545, Juan Gutiérrez confirmed that he had been employed at the mint for a period of six years. No documentation exists that specifies the dates of this assayer's tenure or the alternations he had with the other assayers during his time at the mint."
The “Early Series” 4 Maravedis, although quite scarce, are obtainable; however, they are seldom seen in high grade. Contemporary documents such as the “Tello de Sandoval Investigation” mention that smaller denomination coppers (1 Maravedi) were struck on a trial basis, but none are known to exist today.
KM-2; Nesmith-Plate-XII#1; Cal-unlisted type. Early Series. 4 Maravedis. (Stack’s Bowers Baltimore Auction, Winter 2014, lot 391)
The second type of coppers issued under Charles & Johanna began production in 1542 when new equipment arrived from Spain. These are referred to as the “Late Series” and were only produced until 1543. Much like the “Early Series”, these are only found in the denominations of 2 Maravedis and 4 Maravedis. The “Late Series” 4 Maravedis are slightly scarce, yet rare in high grade, and the 2 Maravedis are rare.
KM-1.3; Cal-type-133#206;. Late Series 2 Maravedis, (Stack’s Bowers Baltimore Auction, November 2015, lot 39317)
KM-3.3; Nesmith-7; Cal-type-135#203c Late Series 4 Maravedis (Stack’s Bowers Baltimore Auction, November 2015, lot 39318)
On 6 March 1550, the Cabildo of Mexico City asked the Viceroy Mendoza to give the order to stop the manufacture of these coins since it caused arrogance, greed and laziness among the natives.