Spanish Bust Dollar Coin Pendant

Spanish conquistadores and missionaries flocked to the americas in search of wealth or in hopes of spreading the gospel in the new world. Most of the mineral wealth they could gather was melted and turned into coins. Bust dollars, such as this beautiful coin, were called such because the bust of the reigning monarch’s image appeared on the obverse side of the coin.

These coins were also made with the new screw press technique, and, in comparison to previous issues, are exceptionally symmetrical and clearly struck. Son of Philip V, King of Spain. Charles became Duke of Parma in 1731. In that capacity he conquered the kingdom of the two Sicilies, which he ruled as Charles IV. During his rule of Spain, Charles promoted agriculture and commerce, established military academies, strengthened the navy, reformed the fiscal administration, curbed the inquisition, and expelled the Jesuits. His friendship with France and hostility toward Great Britain led to the alliance in support of the American Revolution.