Bolivia 2 Reales Philip III "Atocha 1622 Shipwreck" Pendant
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BOLIVIA, Potosí, Cob 2 Reales, Philip III, Assayer Q, Grade 1, Ex-Atocha (1622)
Mounted Cross-Side Out in 14K Gold Pendant with Shackle Bail (10.85 grams total)
This stunning relic isn’t just a coin—it’s a portal to the golden age of Spanish exploration, a survivor of one of history’s most famous shipwrecks, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Struck at the legendary Potosí Mint in Bolivia under the reign of Philip III, this cob 2 reales is an enduring symbol of Spain’s colonial power and the global reach of its empire.
Encased in a gleaming 14K gold pendant, this artifact has been carefully preserved and stylishly mounted, showcasing the detailed cross on the obverse side. The piece features a bold and complete shield on the reverse, with partial inscriptions of the king’s name and a clear ordinal in the legend. Its dark gray-toned surfaces bear the faint marks of centuries beneath the ocean, while its Grade 1 designation reflects its remarkable state of preservation. Accompanied by a Fisher tag and certificate (85A-221027), this piece connects its owner to a story of extraordinary historical significance.
The Nuestra Señora de Atocha: A Galleon of Treasure and Tragedy
The Atocha was a treasure-laden Spanish galleon, part of the Tierra Firme fleet charged with transporting immense wealth from the Americas to Spain. When the fleet set sail from Havana in early September 1622, it carried silver coins, gold bars, emeralds, and exotic goods—the fruits of Spanish colonial dominance. The Atocha alone held an estimated 47 tons of silver, 125 gold bars, and chests brimming with gems. This immense fortune was bound for King Philip IV’s treasury and private investors who financed the empire’s operations.
But the voyage was ill-fated. On September 6, a violent hurricane struck near the Florida Keys, driving the Atocha and seven other ships to a watery grave. The wreck claimed the lives of more than 260 passengers and crew, including soldiers, sailors, and merchants. Salvage efforts by Spanish divers retrieved some cargo, but the richest parts of the Atocha’s treasure sank into the sandy ocean floor, buried and unreachable for over three centuries.
Discovery: A Modern Odyssey
The Atocha became one of the most sought-after shipwrecks in history, inspiring treasure hunters worldwide. Among them was Mel Fisher, whose relentless 16-year search culminated in 1985 with the discovery of the ship’s main hull. Fisher’s team uncovered a staggering cache of treasure valued at over $400 million, including gold bars, silver coins, emerald jewelry, and artifacts that provide a window into 17th-century life.
This cob 2 reales is part of that legendary find. Salvaged from the depths of the Florida Straits, it was restored and authenticated, emerging as a pristine example of Spain’s colonial coinage. Every detail—from the intricate cross to the bold shield—speaks to the craftsmanship of the Potosí Mint and the high stakes of global trade during the era.
The Potosí Mint and Cob Coinage
The Potosí Mint, situated near the rich silver mines of Cerro Rico, was the epicenter of Spanish silver production in the Americas. Cobs, or “macuquinas,” were the workhorses of global commerce, their rough, hand-cut shapes reflecting the urgency of minting vast quantities of silver for transatlantic trade. The obverse of this coin features the bold cross, a symbol of Spain’s Catholic identity, while the reverse displays the royal shield, representing the Habsburg dynasty’s dominion over Europe and the New World.
The assayer mark “Q” identifies the mint official responsible for ensuring the coin’s quality, and the partial legend bears the name of King Philip III, emphasizing the coin’s historical context.
A Wearable Piece of History
Mounted in a 14K gold pendant with a shackle bail, this coin is more than a collectible—it’s a wearable masterpiece. The cross-side is prominently displayed, highlighting the sharp design and dark gray-toned surfaces that hint at its centuries spent in saltwater. At 10.85 grams, it combines historical significance with contemporary elegance, making it a remarkable conversation piece for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Why the Atocha MattersThe Atocha is more than a shipwreck—it’s a symbol of an era defined by ambition, exploration, and empire. Its treasures tell the story of Spain’s dominance in the Americas, the dangers of maritime trade, and the enduring allure of discovery. For centuries, its loss was mourned as a monumental disaster; today, its recovery is celebrated as one of the greatest archaeological achievements in history.
Owning this cob 2 reales isn’t just acquiring a coin—it’s joining a legacy of adventure and resilience. It’s a connection to the lives lost and fortunes forged aboard the Atocha, and to the modern explorers who refused to let its story remain buried.
Click Here to read more about the 'Atocha 1622 Shipwreck'
Mounted Cross-Side Out in 14K Gold Pendant with Shackle Bail (10.85 grams total)
This stunning relic isn’t just a coin—it’s a portal to the golden age of Spanish exploration, a survivor of one of history’s most famous shipwrecks, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha. Struck at the legendary Potosí Mint in Bolivia under the reign of Philip III, this cob 2 reales is an enduring symbol of Spain’s colonial power and the global reach of its empire.
Encased in a gleaming 14K gold pendant, this artifact has been carefully preserved and stylishly mounted, showcasing the detailed cross on the obverse side. The piece features a bold and complete shield on the reverse, with partial inscriptions of the king’s name and a clear ordinal in the legend. Its dark gray-toned surfaces bear the faint marks of centuries beneath the ocean, while its Grade 1 designation reflects its remarkable state of preservation. Accompanied by a Fisher tag and certificate (85A-221027), this piece connects its owner to a story of extraordinary historical significance.
The Nuestra Señora de Atocha: A Galleon of Treasure and Tragedy
The Atocha was a treasure-laden Spanish galleon, part of the Tierra Firme fleet charged with transporting immense wealth from the Americas to Spain. When the fleet set sail from Havana in early September 1622, it carried silver coins, gold bars, emeralds, and exotic goods—the fruits of Spanish colonial dominance. The Atocha alone held an estimated 47 tons of silver, 125 gold bars, and chests brimming with gems. This immense fortune was bound for King Philip IV’s treasury and private investors who financed the empire’s operations.
But the voyage was ill-fated. On September 6, a violent hurricane struck near the Florida Keys, driving the Atocha and seven other ships to a watery grave. The wreck claimed the lives of more than 260 passengers and crew, including soldiers, sailors, and merchants. Salvage efforts by Spanish divers retrieved some cargo, but the richest parts of the Atocha’s treasure sank into the sandy ocean floor, buried and unreachable for over three centuries.
Discovery: A Modern Odyssey
The Atocha became one of the most sought-after shipwrecks in history, inspiring treasure hunters worldwide. Among them was Mel Fisher, whose relentless 16-year search culminated in 1985 with the discovery of the ship’s main hull. Fisher’s team uncovered a staggering cache of treasure valued at over $400 million, including gold bars, silver coins, emerald jewelry, and artifacts that provide a window into 17th-century life.
This cob 2 reales is part of that legendary find. Salvaged from the depths of the Florida Straits, it was restored and authenticated, emerging as a pristine example of Spain’s colonial coinage. Every detail—from the intricate cross to the bold shield—speaks to the craftsmanship of the Potosí Mint and the high stakes of global trade during the era.
The Potosí Mint and Cob Coinage
The Potosí Mint, situated near the rich silver mines of Cerro Rico, was the epicenter of Spanish silver production in the Americas. Cobs, or “macuquinas,” were the workhorses of global commerce, their rough, hand-cut shapes reflecting the urgency of minting vast quantities of silver for transatlantic trade. The obverse of this coin features the bold cross, a symbol of Spain’s Catholic identity, while the reverse displays the royal shield, representing the Habsburg dynasty’s dominion over Europe and the New World.
The assayer mark “Q” identifies the mint official responsible for ensuring the coin’s quality, and the partial legend bears the name of King Philip III, emphasizing the coin’s historical context.
A Wearable Piece of History
Mounted in a 14K gold pendant with a shackle bail, this coin is more than a collectible—it’s a wearable masterpiece. The cross-side is prominently displayed, highlighting the sharp design and dark gray-toned surfaces that hint at its centuries spent in saltwater. At 10.85 grams, it combines historical significance with contemporary elegance, making it a remarkable conversation piece for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Why the Atocha MattersThe Atocha is more than a shipwreck—it’s a symbol of an era defined by ambition, exploration, and empire. Its treasures tell the story of Spain’s dominance in the Americas, the dangers of maritime trade, and the enduring allure of discovery. For centuries, its loss was mourned as a monumental disaster; today, its recovery is celebrated as one of the greatest archaeological achievements in history.
Owning this cob 2 reales isn’t just acquiring a coin—it’s joining a legacy of adventure and resilience. It’s a connection to the lives lost and fortunes forged aboard the Atocha, and to the modern explorers who refused to let its story remain buried.
Click Here to read more about the 'Atocha 1622 Shipwreck'
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