Bolivia 2 Reales Philip III "Atocha 1622 Shipwreck" Pendant
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BOLIVIA, Potosí, Cob 2 Reales, Philip III, Assayer R (Straight Leg), Grade 1, Ex-Atocha (1622)
Mounted in a 14K Gold Pendant with Shackle Bail
This exceptional artifact is more than a coin; it’s a tangible link to one of history’s most iconic shipwrecks, the legendary Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Struck at the famed Potosí Mint under the reign of Philip III, this cob 2 reales showcases the bold, utilitarian beauty of Spanish colonial coinage. Mounted cross-side out in a stunning 14K gold pendant with a shackle bail, this piece weighs 10.64 grams in total and exhibits a remarkably sharp cross, a complete and pronounced shield, and clear mintmark and assayer letters. Its Grade 1 designation reflects its superb preservation, with only minor saltwater corrosion hinting at its centuries-long slumber beneath the waves. Documented with a Fisher tag and photo-certificate (85A-230222), this coin carries the weight of history and the allure of sunken treasure.
The Fateful Voyage of the Atocha
The Atocha was no ordinary vessel; it was a treasure galleon, part of the Spanish fleet tasked with transporting the vast wealth of the Americas to Spain. When it set sail from Havana on September 4, 1622, the Atocha carried a cargo worth millions, including silver bars, gold coins, emeralds, and exotic goods. This immense fortune represented the fruits of Spanish conquests in the New World, destined to fund wars and cement the empire’s dominance.
But the voyage was doomed. Just two days after departure, the fleet was caught in a violent hurricane near the Florida Keys. The Atocha and several other ships were lost, taking with them over 260 lives and untold riches. The Spanish salvaged what they could in the aftermath, but the Atocha’s most valuable cargo remained elusive, hidden beneath layers of sand and coral for over 350 years.
Rediscovery and Legacy
The Atocha remained a tantalizing mystery until Mel Fisher, a determined treasure hunter, finally discovered its wreck in 1985 after a 16-year search. The find was monumental, yielding an estimated $400 million worth of treasure, including gold bars, emeralds, silver ingots, and thousands of coins like this one. Fisher’s discovery revolutionized maritime archaeology and brought the Atocha’s story to life, captivating the world with tales of exploration, tragedy, and rediscovery.
Cob Coinage: The Treasure of an Empire
This 2 reales cob, struck at the Potosí Mint, exemplifies the rugged, hand-crafted coinage of Spain’s colonial era. Cobs were cut from silver bars and struck with hammers, resulting in irregular shapes but unmistakable symbols of authority and wealth. The obverse features the bold cross of Christianity, while the reverse bears the Habsburg shield, representing Spain’s global dominance under Philip III. The assayer’s initial, “R,” further authenticates the coin’s origin and period, reflecting the meticulous standards of the Potosí Mint, which was the world’s premier source of silver during the era.
A Wearable Masterpiece of History
This piece has been artfully mounted in a custom 14K gold pendant, transforming it into a wearable relic of maritime history. The cross-side is prominently displayed, offering a striking view of the coin’s bold design. At 10.64 grams, the pendant balances aesthetic appeal with historical significance, making it a statement piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
A Legacy of Adventure and ResilienceOwning a coin from the Atocha is to hold a piece of one of the greatest treasure tales ever told. It symbolizes the audacity of Spanish exploration, the fragility of human ambition in the face of nature, and the triumph of modern rediscovery. This cob 2 reales is not just a coin; it is a story—a chapter in the enduring saga of the Atocha and the treasures it carried, lost and found again across the centuries.
Click Here to read more about the 'Atocha 1622 Shipwreck'
Mounted in a 14K Gold Pendant with Shackle Bail
This exceptional artifact is more than a coin; it’s a tangible link to one of history’s most iconic shipwrecks, the legendary Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Struck at the famed Potosí Mint under the reign of Philip III, this cob 2 reales showcases the bold, utilitarian beauty of Spanish colonial coinage. Mounted cross-side out in a stunning 14K gold pendant with a shackle bail, this piece weighs 10.64 grams in total and exhibits a remarkably sharp cross, a complete and pronounced shield, and clear mintmark and assayer letters. Its Grade 1 designation reflects its superb preservation, with only minor saltwater corrosion hinting at its centuries-long slumber beneath the waves. Documented with a Fisher tag and photo-certificate (85A-230222), this coin carries the weight of history and the allure of sunken treasure.
The Fateful Voyage of the Atocha
The Atocha was no ordinary vessel; it was a treasure galleon, part of the Spanish fleet tasked with transporting the vast wealth of the Americas to Spain. When it set sail from Havana on September 4, 1622, the Atocha carried a cargo worth millions, including silver bars, gold coins, emeralds, and exotic goods. This immense fortune represented the fruits of Spanish conquests in the New World, destined to fund wars and cement the empire’s dominance.
But the voyage was doomed. Just two days after departure, the fleet was caught in a violent hurricane near the Florida Keys. The Atocha and several other ships were lost, taking with them over 260 lives and untold riches. The Spanish salvaged what they could in the aftermath, but the Atocha’s most valuable cargo remained elusive, hidden beneath layers of sand and coral for over 350 years.
Rediscovery and Legacy
The Atocha remained a tantalizing mystery until Mel Fisher, a determined treasure hunter, finally discovered its wreck in 1985 after a 16-year search. The find was monumental, yielding an estimated $400 million worth of treasure, including gold bars, emeralds, silver ingots, and thousands of coins like this one. Fisher’s discovery revolutionized maritime archaeology and brought the Atocha’s story to life, captivating the world with tales of exploration, tragedy, and rediscovery.
Cob Coinage: The Treasure of an Empire
This 2 reales cob, struck at the Potosí Mint, exemplifies the rugged, hand-crafted coinage of Spain’s colonial era. Cobs were cut from silver bars and struck with hammers, resulting in irregular shapes but unmistakable symbols of authority and wealth. The obverse features the bold cross of Christianity, while the reverse bears the Habsburg shield, representing Spain’s global dominance under Philip III. The assayer’s initial, “R,” further authenticates the coin’s origin and period, reflecting the meticulous standards of the Potosí Mint, which was the world’s premier source of silver during the era.
A Wearable Masterpiece of History
This piece has been artfully mounted in a custom 14K gold pendant, transforming it into a wearable relic of maritime history. The cross-side is prominently displayed, offering a striking view of the coin’s bold design. At 10.64 grams, the pendant balances aesthetic appeal with historical significance, making it a statement piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
A Legacy of Adventure and ResilienceOwning a coin from the Atocha is to hold a piece of one of the greatest treasure tales ever told. It symbolizes the audacity of Spanish exploration, the fragility of human ambition in the face of nature, and the triumph of modern rediscovery. This cob 2 reales is not just a coin; it is a story—a chapter in the enduring saga of the Atocha and the treasures it carried, lost and found again across the centuries.
Click Here to read more about the 'Atocha 1622 Shipwreck'
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