Bolivia 8 Reales Partial Date "Atocha 1622 Shipwreck" Pendant
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MEL FISHER FLIP & DATA BASE ~ appears as a GRADE 1. BOLIVIA. Potosí. Philip IV (1621–1665). Silver Cob 8 Reales, Partially Dated 1622 — Mounted as a PendantFrom the Nuestra Señora de Atocha (sunk 1622), Treasure Salvors, Inc. tag no. 85A-197540; recorded in the Mel Fisher Research Database
A highly evocative Potosí 8 reales cob, its surfaces displaying the unmistakable granular texture imparted by centuries beneath the Caribbean. The coin presents a beautifully balanced flan, unusually round for its type, and is further distinguished by the clarity of its major devices. On the obverse, the cross of Jerusalem stands bold and centered, with the quadrants revealing well-articulated castles and lions—symbols of Spain’s medieval unification—encircled by vestiges of a dotted border that impart an almost jewel-like framing. The strike is notably even, allowing the cross to dominate with striking symmetry.
The reverse reveals a finely preserved portion of the Habsburg shield, with discernible lions and castles stacked vertically, their outlines bold against the rugged sea-worn surface. The surrounding fields retain areas of crystalline roughness—an aesthetic hallmark of Atocha silver—creating a dramatic contrast between smooth, high relief devices and textured recesses. A partial date, legible as …1622, anchors the coin directly to the year of the fleet’s loss, elevating its historical and numismatic significance.
Now mounted in a tasteful custom sterling silver bezel, the piece balances preservation with presentation. The mount does not obscure the coin’s central details, leaving the cross and shield fully legible, while offering the opportunity to wear one of history’s most famous treasures.
The Atocha was lost in September 1622, when a hurricane drove Spain’s most heavily laden treasure galleon onto the reefs of the Florida Keys. Carrying immense riches from the New World—including silver like the present coin—the wreck lay hidden for over 350 years before Mel Fisher and his Treasure Salvors team discovered the “Mother Lode” in 1985. Coins such as this, each catalogued and tagged, represent both Spain’s imperial wealth and the greatest maritime recovery of the modern age.
Presentation
Recovered from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha (sunk 1622 off the Florida Keys); Treasure Salvors, Inc. (Mel Fisher); recorded under artifact no. 85A-197540.x
A highly evocative Potosí 8 reales cob, its surfaces displaying the unmistakable granular texture imparted by centuries beneath the Caribbean. The coin presents a beautifully balanced flan, unusually round for its type, and is further distinguished by the clarity of its major devices. On the obverse, the cross of Jerusalem stands bold and centered, with the quadrants revealing well-articulated castles and lions—symbols of Spain’s medieval unification—encircled by vestiges of a dotted border that impart an almost jewel-like framing. The strike is notably even, allowing the cross to dominate with striking symmetry.
The reverse reveals a finely preserved portion of the Habsburg shield, with discernible lions and castles stacked vertically, their outlines bold against the rugged sea-worn surface. The surrounding fields retain areas of crystalline roughness—an aesthetic hallmark of Atocha silver—creating a dramatic contrast between smooth, high relief devices and textured recesses. A partial date, legible as …1622, anchors the coin directly to the year of the fleet’s loss, elevating its historical and numismatic significance.
Now mounted in a tasteful custom sterling silver bezel, the piece balances preservation with presentation. The mount does not obscure the coin’s central details, leaving the cross and shield fully legible, while offering the opportunity to wear one of history’s most famous treasures.
The Atocha was lost in September 1622, when a hurricane drove Spain’s most heavily laden treasure galleon onto the reefs of the Florida Keys. Carrying immense riches from the New World—including silver like the present coin—the wreck lay hidden for over 350 years before Mel Fisher and his Treasure Salvors team discovered the “Mother Lode” in 1985. Coins such as this, each catalogued and tagged, represent both Spain’s imperial wealth and the greatest maritime recovery of the modern age.
Presentation
- Silver 8 Reales cob, Potosí mint, partially dated 1622
- Strongly defined cross of Jerusalem with clear castles and lions in quadrants
- Reverse with boldly struck royal arms, portions of date visible, attractive shipwreck patina throughout
- Mounted in sterling silver bezel for wear as pendant
- Accompanied by original Treasure Salvors, Inc. artifact tag no. 85A-197540 and research database record
Recovered from the Nuestra Señora de Atocha (sunk 1622 off the Florida Keys); Treasure Salvors, Inc. (Mel Fisher); recorded under artifact no. 85A-197540.x
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