Colombia 2 Escudos 1642-63 "1715 Fleet Shipwreck" NGC 62
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Discover the treasure of the 1656 Maravillas shipwreck off Grand Bahama Island! Behold a rare 2 Escudo Cob from the Bogota Mint, Colombia, under the reign of Philip IV. This remarkable piece, weighing 6.71 grams, showcases an oblong flan with a nearly full off-centered cross. The assayer's mark "R" is placed below the denomination "II" on the left, while the mintmark "N.R" appears on the right. Despite a small scrape on the reverse, this coin is in exceptional condition, graded MS62 by NGC (#6891649-001). Coin #75 is a must-have for any serious collector!
The Maravillas, a Spanish galleon part of the 1656 Tierra Firme fleet, embarked on a fateful journey that would cement its place in maritime legend. Laden with a fortune of gold, silver, and precious jewels from the New World, the Maravillas set sail from Cartagena, Colombia, destined for Havana, Cuba, before continuing to Spain. The fleet was on a routine voyage, transporting the wealth extracted from the Spanish colonies to the royal coffers back in Europe.
However, on January 4, 1656, disaster struck. Navigating through the treacherous Bahama Channel, the fleet encountered a severe navigational error. The Maravillas collided with the flagship of the fleet, and then, due to the strong currents and confusion, it was driven onto a coral reef. The impact was devastating, causing the galleon to break apart and sink rapidly. Amid the chaos, many lives were lost as the crew and passengers struggled to escape the sinking ship. The waters claimed not only the ship and its treasures but also the souls aboard.
Among the treasures, the 2 Escudo gold coins stood out, minted in the Bogotá Mint under the reign of Philip IV. These coins, with their distinctive markings and craftsmanship, provided a tangible connection to the past. The oblong flan and nearly full off-centered cross of the coins, along with their intricate details, offered insights into the minting practices and economic conditions of 17th-century Spain.
For centuries, the Maravillas lay undisturbed beneath the waves, its treasures lost to time and the relentless ocean currents. The shipwreck became a part of maritime folklore, with stories of its immense wealth and tragic end captivating the imaginations of treasure hunters and historians alike.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that the wreck was rediscovered. Modern technology and relentless determination led to the unveiling of the Maravillas' secrets. Divers and archaeologists brought to the surface a breathtaking array of artifacts, including gleaming gold doubloons, intricately designed silver pieces, and priceless emeralds. Each item recovered from the wreck told a story of the opulence and ambition of the Spanish Empire, as well as the perils of seafaring during that era.
The Maravillas shipwreck is more than a tale of lost treasure; it is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the relentless pursuit of fortune. It encapsulates the spirit of exploration and the risks that came with the uncharted waters of the New World. Today, the artifacts recovered from the Maravillas serve as a bridge to the past, allowing us to glimpse the grandeur and tragedy of one of history’s most storied shipwrecks.25
The Maravillas, a Spanish galleon part of the 1656 Tierra Firme fleet, embarked on a fateful journey that would cement its place in maritime legend. Laden with a fortune of gold, silver, and precious jewels from the New World, the Maravillas set sail from Cartagena, Colombia, destined for Havana, Cuba, before continuing to Spain. The fleet was on a routine voyage, transporting the wealth extracted from the Spanish colonies to the royal coffers back in Europe.
However, on January 4, 1656, disaster struck. Navigating through the treacherous Bahama Channel, the fleet encountered a severe navigational error. The Maravillas collided with the flagship of the fleet, and then, due to the strong currents and confusion, it was driven onto a coral reef. The impact was devastating, causing the galleon to break apart and sink rapidly. Amid the chaos, many lives were lost as the crew and passengers struggled to escape the sinking ship. The waters claimed not only the ship and its treasures but also the souls aboard.
Among the treasures, the 2 Escudo gold coins stood out, minted in the Bogotá Mint under the reign of Philip IV. These coins, with their distinctive markings and craftsmanship, provided a tangible connection to the past. The oblong flan and nearly full off-centered cross of the coins, along with their intricate details, offered insights into the minting practices and economic conditions of 17th-century Spain.
For centuries, the Maravillas lay undisturbed beneath the waves, its treasures lost to time and the relentless ocean currents. The shipwreck became a part of maritime folklore, with stories of its immense wealth and tragic end captivating the imaginations of treasure hunters and historians alike.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that the wreck was rediscovered. Modern technology and relentless determination led to the unveiling of the Maravillas' secrets. Divers and archaeologists brought to the surface a breathtaking array of artifacts, including gleaming gold doubloons, intricately designed silver pieces, and priceless emeralds. Each item recovered from the wreck told a story of the opulence and ambition of the Spanish Empire, as well as the perils of seafaring during that era.
The Maravillas shipwreck is more than a tale of lost treasure; it is a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the relentless pursuit of fortune. It encapsulates the spirit of exploration and the risks that came with the uncharted waters of the New World. Today, the artifacts recovered from the Maravillas serve as a bridge to the past, allowing us to glimpse the grandeur and tragedy of one of history’s most storied shipwrecks.25
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