Philip II/Colonial Trade Medal. Cast Bronze. After G. Poggini. Betts-12, Boerner-Unlisted, Attwood-1083. Choice Very Fine. 39 mm. 28.53 grams. Obv: Armored and draped bust left. Rev: Female figure emblematic of colonial trade advancing left, holding the world in her hands; at a distance to left, three Spanish ships to be filled; to right, indigenous natives and llama. Deep brown surfaces with some lighter highlights. This rather interesting type celebrates the success of colonial trade for Spain, still in its opening century in the New World. Here, colonialism is literally presenting the world to Spain -- a rich exploit that would continue for the next few hundred years.
