Bolivia 2 Reales "Atocha 1622 Shipwreck" Pendant
Atocha Shipwreck Treasure Pendant: Philip II Cob 2 Reales, Potosí Mint, Assayer B (4th Period)
This extraordinary piece is more than a simple coin; it’s a tangible fragment of history, steeped in the drama and adventure of Spain’s golden age of exploration and colonization. Struck in the bustling Potosí Mint of Bolivia under the reign of King Philip II (1556–1598), this cob 2 reales stands as a testament to an era when Spain reigned supreme on the global stage. Expertly crafted by Assayer B during the mint's fourth period, the coin has been Grade 1 certified—one of the highest designations for artifacts retrieved from maritime wrecks.
Weighing a total of 9.11 grams, this treasure is mounted cross-side out in an elegant 14-karat gold pendant with a shackle bail, enhancing its presentation while preserving its authenticity. The piece features a bold and well-defined cross and shield, with only slight edge corrosion, a hallmark of its centuries-long immersion in the ocean's depths. The dark gray patina, accented by glimmers of luster, adds to its storied charm.
What elevates this pendant to a legendary status is its origin—the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha in 1622. This Spanish treasure galleon, laden with riches from the New World, was part of a fleet en route to Spain when it met a tragic fate. Caught in a catastrophic hurricane near the Florida Keys, the Atocha and its sister ship, the Santa Margarita, sank, scattering their bounty of gold, silver, and emeralds across the ocean floor. Philip II's vast empire, enriched by the labor and resources of the Americas, relied heavily on such treasure fleets to finance wars, arts, and infrastructure during his reign.
The recovery of the Atocha in 1985 by famed treasure hunter Mel Fisher was one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. This pendant comes with a Fisher certificate of authenticity (85A-216714), solidifying its provenance as part of this historic find. Fisher’s team unearthed billions in treasure, but pieces like this—imbued with artistry and historical resonance—remain among the most prized artifacts.
This pendant isn’t merely an adornment; it’s a relic of Spain’s maritime dominance, Philip II’s quest for global power, and the human stories entwined with one of history’s greatest shipwrecks.
Click Here to read more about the 'Atocha 1622 Shipwreck'
This extraordinary piece is more than a simple coin; it’s a tangible fragment of history, steeped in the drama and adventure of Spain’s golden age of exploration and colonization. Struck in the bustling Potosí Mint of Bolivia under the reign of King Philip II (1556–1598), this cob 2 reales stands as a testament to an era when Spain reigned supreme on the global stage. Expertly crafted by Assayer B during the mint's fourth period, the coin has been Grade 1 certified—one of the highest designations for artifacts retrieved from maritime wrecks.
Weighing a total of 9.11 grams, this treasure is mounted cross-side out in an elegant 14-karat gold pendant with a shackle bail, enhancing its presentation while preserving its authenticity. The piece features a bold and well-defined cross and shield, with only slight edge corrosion, a hallmark of its centuries-long immersion in the ocean's depths. The dark gray patina, accented by glimmers of luster, adds to its storied charm.
What elevates this pendant to a legendary status is its origin—the wreck of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha in 1622. This Spanish treasure galleon, laden with riches from the New World, was part of a fleet en route to Spain when it met a tragic fate. Caught in a catastrophic hurricane near the Florida Keys, the Atocha and its sister ship, the Santa Margarita, sank, scattering their bounty of gold, silver, and emeralds across the ocean floor. Philip II's vast empire, enriched by the labor and resources of the Americas, relied heavily on such treasure fleets to finance wars, arts, and infrastructure during his reign.
The recovery of the Atocha in 1985 by famed treasure hunter Mel Fisher was one of the most significant underwater archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. This pendant comes with a Fisher certificate of authenticity (85A-216714), solidifying its provenance as part of this historic find. Fisher’s team unearthed billions in treasure, but pieces like this—imbued with artistry and historical resonance—remain among the most prized artifacts.
This pendant isn’t merely an adornment; it’s a relic of Spain’s maritime dominance, Philip II’s quest for global power, and the human stories entwined with one of history’s greatest shipwrecks.
Click Here to read more about the 'Atocha 1622 Shipwreck'