My Journey to Uncover the Oldest Coin Made in the New World

I’ve always been fascinated by the origins of coinage in the Americas. Recently, I found myself tangled in a heated debate: what truly deserves the title of oldest coin minted in the New World? It all started when I picked up a Carlos y Juana 4-maravedi piece—that little copper wonder sparked my curiosity and sent me down a path full of historical surprises.

The Carlos y Juana Coin: A Personal Discovery

After learning it might be a contender for the oldest New World coin, I added a Carlos y Juana 4-maravedi to my collection. Dating roughly between 1516 and 1556, this copper piece shows Juana’s logo in the center, a crown up top, an assayer’s mark on the left, and the denomination on the right. I spent hours comparing mine to online examples—it’s a real piece of history from Santo Domingo, Columbus’s 1496 settlement. Holding something from the first European foothold in the Americas feels special, but as I looked closer, the story got more complicated.

Unraveling the Minting Mystery

My excitement hit a snag when I dug into historical records. While I’d heard Santo Domingo minted these early on, I discovered the mint wasn’t approved until 1536 and didn’t start operating until about 1541. Turns out, many maravedís were actually struck in Spain—at Seville as early as 1506 and later at Burgos—before being shipped over. So my coin, from the 1542-1556 series, was likely made in Santo Domingo, but earlier versions were European imports. The real first coins minted on New World soil? Those came from Mexico City in 1536. It changed how I saw things—a good reminder to always double-check dates and mint marks. Even details like Carlos V ruling under his mother Juana (not his wife!) can trip you up.

Rarity, Countermarks, and Market Insights

What really caught my eye were the countermarked specimens. Shipped to places like Jamaica and Cuba, they’d get stamped with anchor or key countermarks—sometimes both—making them scarce treasures. Here’s what I learned:

• Countermarked pieces are rare and fetch higher prices thanks to their colonial journey
• Watch out for fakes: I’ve seen plenty, especially with countermarks. Always check for natural wear and consistent patina
• These maravedís don’t get enough love. They were the first currency issued for the Americas, even if not all were local strikes, making them a solid pick for history buffs

If you’re buying today, I’d look for well-documented pieces with clear histories. Interest in early colonial coins keeps growing among collectors who appreciate both metal and story.

Practical Collecting Tips and Broader Thoughts

From my experience, here’s what works: When checking a Carlos y Juana coin, focus on the assayer’s mark and denomination placement—I keep a loupe handy to spot anything suspicious. Condition-wise, these coppers usually show heavy wear, so aim for readable details over perfection. The history matters more than the grade.

I’ve noticed how modern commemoratives, like the 1975 Dominican Republic piece, sometimes botch historical details because they used shaky references. It reminds me to always verify designs against original coins. And while some argue Aztec copper hoes came first, they weren’t true currency—for this conversation, we’re talking minted coins.

This whole journey taught me that “oldest” depends on your definitions. But the real joy? It’s in the hunt and the stories these coins whisper across centuries.

I’m more hooked than ever on these early maravedís. They’re not just metal—they’re tiny keys to colonial beginnings. If you’re searching for one, focus on authenticity and soak up the rich history they carry.