Description: Peru, Lima, Cob 2 Reales of Philip II w/ MEL FISHER COA & FLIP: A Historic Artifact from the Legendary Atocha Shipwreck This remarkable Peru, Lima, cob 2 reales coin is an extraordinary piece of maritime and royal history. Struck during the reign of King Philip II (1556–1598), a monarch whose rule marked the height of Spain’s Golden Age, this coin offers a tangible connection to a pivotal era in global history. Under Philip II, the Spanish Empire expanded to unprecedented heights, fueled by its control of vast territories in the Americas and an influx of wealth from its colonies. The coin, attributed to assayer Diego de la Torre, bears the hallmark features of its era. The "P-ii" mintmark to the left and "oD-*" to the right serve as identifiers of its origin from the Lima mint. Graded as "Grade 2," the 4.07-gram piece boasts a stunning oval flan, with minor edge loss due to corrosion—a testament to its long submersion in saltwater. Its design showcases a choice full cross and shield, though slightly off-center, prominently displaying the king's name. A rich, natural toning across its surface enhances its allure. What elevates this coin to legendary status is its provenance. It was recovered from the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, one of the most famous shipwrecks in history. The Atocha, part of a heavily laden Spanish treasure fleet, sank in a hurricane off the coast of Key West, Florida, in September 1622. The ship was en route to Spain, carrying immense riches, including silver, gold, and jewels, harvested from the Spanish colonies in the New World. The Atocha disaster was a catastrophic loss for Spain, both economically and symbolically. For centuries, treasure hunters sought the wreck, lured by tales of its immense wealth. The Atocha was finally discovered in 1985 by famed treasure hunter Mel Fisher, who brought to light a treasure trove that rewrote maritime history. This particular cob coin, with its Fisher tag and photo-certificate (85A-150421), is not merely an artifact; it is a relic of a bygone era, encapsulating the grandeur of Philip II’s reign and the perilous voyages of the Spanish treasure fleets. Owning such a piece is akin to holding a fragment of the 17th century in your hands—a direct link to the opulence and dangers of Spain’s imperial ambitions.x
Price: 7950 USD
Location: La Jolla, California
End Time: 2025-01-31T03:07:02.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Composition: Silver
Year: 1622
Currency: Real
Country/Region of Manufacture: Peru
Certification: PCGS