1552-1555 Carlos & Joanna Four Reale NGC About Unc. 55

The obverse features the great "Pillars of Hercules" with the text PLUS ULTRA which translates to "MORE BEYOND." They are encircled by the Latin legend that declares ownership of Spain and the Indies. The Pillars of Hercules had long marked the Strait of Gibraltar separating the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea and in Greek mythology represented the barrier to the known world, a barrier not to cross. Thus, the pillars featured on colonial Spanish coinage symbolized and inspired the efforts to expand the empire beyond the known world. The reverse features the arms of the joint Castile and Leon, with a legend that translates to "Carlos and Joanna Kings"- the mother and son co-rulers of Spain and the Spanish Domain. The coat of arms is flanked by letters on either side that designate the Mexico City mint ("M") on the left, and another letter on the right that designates the assayer of the silver.