Description: BOLIVIA, Potosí, Cob 2 Reales, Philip II, Assayer B (5th Period), Grade 1, Ex-Atocha (1622) Mounted in a 14K Gold Pendant with Shackle Bail This stunning piece of maritime history combines the raw allure of Spanish colonial coinage with the captivating tale of one of history’s most famous shipwrecks, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Minted in the bustling silver mines of Potosí under the reign of Philip II, this cob 2 reales is a remarkable artifact, mounted cross-side out in a 14K gold pendant for a striking presentation. Its well-struck details include a bold cross with intricate tressure and a nearly complete border design, a crisp shield, and clear mintmark and assayer letters. A small, natural edge crack adds authenticity, marking it as a survivor of a perilous voyage.The Atocha: A Tale of Treasure and Tragedy The Atocha was part of a Spanish treasure fleet that departed Havana in early September 1622, laden with unimaginable wealth. The ship carried gold, silver, emeralds, and other riches extracted from the New World, destined for Spain's royal coffers. However, just two days into the voyage, disaster struck. A powerful hurricane tore through the fleet near the Florida Keys, sending the Atocha and several other ships to a watery grave. The Atocha sank with over 260 passengers and crew, along with its immense cargo, leaving only a few survivors clinging to debris. Despite extensive salvage attempts by the Spanish, the wreck was lost for over 350 years. Enter treasure hunter Mel Fisher, whose relentless 16-year quest culminated in the discovery of the Atocha’s main hull in 1985. The find was one of the greatest in maritime history, yielding coins, gold bars, and artifacts valued in the hundreds of millions. This cob 2 reales, documented with a Fisher tag and certificate (85A-216660), is part of that historic discovery, carrying with it the legacy of the shipwreck and the incredible story of its recovery.Spanish Colonial Cobs: A Window into the Past This cob, struck in the Potosí mint—the world's most prolific silver producer in the 16th and 17th centuries—represents the rugged practicality of colonial coinage. Unlike today’s precision-minted coins, cobs were crudely shaped by cutting planchets from silver bars and hammering designs onto them. This method ensured quick production for a global empire fueled by trade and conquest. Despite their irregular forms, the symbols on this coin, such as the Habsburg shield and the cross, underscored Spain’s authority and Catholic faith.A Timeless Relic Mounted in a custom 14K gold pendant with a shackle bail, this artifact is not only a tangible piece of the Atocha’s legacy but also a wearable work of art. Weighing 10.56 grams in total, it embodies the romance of sunken treasure and the resilience of history brought to light. The Grade 1 designation ensures the coin’s quality and detail, making it a prized collector’s piece. Owning a coin from the Atocha is to possess a fragment of an enduring saga—a tale of exploration, loss, and rediscovery that continues to captivate historians, divers, and treasure enthusiasts alike.
Price: 6500 USD
Location: La Jolla, California
End Time: 2025-01-05T21:52:47.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Setting Style: Bezel
Brand: Unbranded
Type: Pendant
Style: Pendant
