(1544–1564) Dominican Republic 4 Maravedis – Santo Domingo Mint (Charles & Joanna) | NGC XF 40
Item Overview
An extraordinary, high-grade condition rarity from the earliest days of New World minting. Struck at the Santo Domingo Mint in Hispaniola (present-day Dominican Republic) during the joint reign of King Charles I and Queen Joanna ("Carlos y Juana"), this copper 4 Maravedis represents part of the first bronze currency issued in the Americas.
While Caribbean copper coins from this era were widely circulated and typically degraded by humid tropical soil, this certified piece survived in remarkable preserved condition. Graded XF 40 by NGC, it demonstrates exceptional detail across the crowned motifs, full legend fragments, the S-P (Santo Domingo) mintmark, and the F assayer mark.
Specifications & Certification
| Attribute | Details |
| Certification | NGC (Numismatic Guaranty Company) |
| Grade | XF 40 (Extremely Fine 40) |
| Issuer / Country | Spanish Colonial / Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) |
| Rulers | Charles I & Joanna ("Carlos y Juana") |
| Date Range | Circa 1544–1564 (Undated issue) |
| Denomination | 4 Maravedis (IIII) |
| Metal | Copper / Bronze |
| Mintmark / Assayer | S-P (Santo Domingo) / F (Francisco Rodríguez) |
NGC Population & Rarity Context
Finding 16th-century colonial copper in Choice VF or XF condition is notoriously difficult. The official NGC census metrics highlight just how rare this coin is:
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Graded XF 40: Only 15
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Graded Higher: Only 13
Rarity Highlight: With only 28 total examples graded XF 40 only 15 and higher only 13.
Historical Significance
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The Americas' Pioneer Mint: Established by royal decree in Santo Domingo decades before English settlement at Jamestown or Plymouth.
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Iconic Motifs: Displays the crowned Pillars of Hercules with the value mark IIII on one side and the crowned royal initials on the other.
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Collection Significance: High-grade Caribbean coppers with clean surfaces and strong central details rarely enter the market, as the vast bulk of known specimens are corroded or environmental details grades.
