Mexico 8 Escudos 1715 "1715 Fleet Shipwreck" NGC 62
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Mexico City, Mexico – Gold Cob 8 Escudos, 1715-J, NGC AU 55 (1715 Fleet Shipwreck Label).
Mint: Mexico City (S-M30); Calicó-2214; Friedberg-6; KM-57.2. Weight: 26.89 grams.
This stunning 8 escudos gold cob, struck in 1715 at the Mexico City mint under the authority of King Philip V of Spain, is a treasure both numismatically and historically. Graded AU 55 by NGC and certified with the highly sought-after 1715 Fleet Shipwreck Label, this coin represents a rare survivor of one of the most famous maritime disasters of the colonial era.
The obverse features a fully detailed Habsburg shield, complete with a bold “oMJ” mintmark and a clearly visible “171” of the date, with the final digit of “5” partially visible. The reverse displays a well-centered and complete Jerusalem cross within a tressure, a hallmark of high-quality cobs of this era. Some flattening is present along the peripheries—common for the issue—with the obverse rim beveled as typically seen.
A fascinating coral “footprint” remains impressed near the top of the obverse, a visual testament to its centuries-long immersion beneath the sea. The coin's surface glows with a rich golden hue and traces of luster, presenting a strong case for Mint State quality.
Historical Significance
This coin was minted during the reign of Philip V (reigned 1700–1746), the first Bourbon monarch of Spain. Born in 1683, Philip ascended the throne at age 17 after the death of Charles II, whose death without an heir plunged Europe into the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714). Philip’s rule marked the beginning of Bourbon centralization and reform, seeking to modernize Spain’s administration and restore its imperial power. Though he briefly abdicated in 1724 in favor of his son Louis I, the young king’s death soon after prompted Philip’s return to the throne, where he reigned until his own death in 1746.
Philip’s reign was heavily dependent on wealth from the Americas, making treasure fleets like the one this coin came from absolutely vital to Spain’s economy.
The 1715 Fleet Disaster
This coin was salvaged from the ill-fated 1715 Treasure Fleet, a convoy of eleven Spanish ships that sailed from Havana in late July 1715, loaded with gold, silver, and precious gems destined for the Spanish crown. On July 31, 1715, the fleet was devastated by a hurricane off the coast of Florida, sending most of the ships and their treasures to the ocean floor and killing over 1,000 sailors.
For centuries, the wreckage remained largely untouched until rediscovery in the mid-20th century by modern salvors including Kip Wagner and Mel Fisher. Coins like this one—well-preserved and still gleaming—stand as direct links to this dramatic maritime tragedy and the age of empire and exploration it represents.
A remarkable piece of colonial and numismatic history, this 1715 Mexico gold cob offers more than just precious metal—it offers a story of empire, catastrophe, and rediscovery. Accompanied by a photo certificate of authenticity.32
Click Here to read more about the '1715 Fleet Shipwreck'
Mint: Mexico City (S-M30); Calicó-2214; Friedberg-6; KM-57.2. Weight: 26.89 grams.
This stunning 8 escudos gold cob, struck in 1715 at the Mexico City mint under the authority of King Philip V of Spain, is a treasure both numismatically and historically. Graded AU 55 by NGC and certified with the highly sought-after 1715 Fleet Shipwreck Label, this coin represents a rare survivor of one of the most famous maritime disasters of the colonial era.
The obverse features a fully detailed Habsburg shield, complete with a bold “oMJ” mintmark and a clearly visible “171” of the date, with the final digit of “5” partially visible. The reverse displays a well-centered and complete Jerusalem cross within a tressure, a hallmark of high-quality cobs of this era. Some flattening is present along the peripheries—common for the issue—with the obverse rim beveled as typically seen.
A fascinating coral “footprint” remains impressed near the top of the obverse, a visual testament to its centuries-long immersion beneath the sea. The coin's surface glows with a rich golden hue and traces of luster, presenting a strong case for Mint State quality.
Historical Significance
This coin was minted during the reign of Philip V (reigned 1700–1746), the first Bourbon monarch of Spain. Born in 1683, Philip ascended the throne at age 17 after the death of Charles II, whose death without an heir plunged Europe into the War of the Spanish Succession (1701–1714). Philip’s rule marked the beginning of Bourbon centralization and reform, seeking to modernize Spain’s administration and restore its imperial power. Though he briefly abdicated in 1724 in favor of his son Louis I, the young king’s death soon after prompted Philip’s return to the throne, where he reigned until his own death in 1746.
Philip’s reign was heavily dependent on wealth from the Americas, making treasure fleets like the one this coin came from absolutely vital to Spain’s economy.
The 1715 Fleet Disaster
This coin was salvaged from the ill-fated 1715 Treasure Fleet, a convoy of eleven Spanish ships that sailed from Havana in late July 1715, loaded with gold, silver, and precious gems destined for the Spanish crown. On July 31, 1715, the fleet was devastated by a hurricane off the coast of Florida, sending most of the ships and their treasures to the ocean floor and killing over 1,000 sailors.
For centuries, the wreckage remained largely untouched until rediscovery in the mid-20th century by modern salvors including Kip Wagner and Mel Fisher. Coins like this one—well-preserved and still gleaming—stand as direct links to this dramatic maritime tragedy and the age of empire and exploration it represents.
A remarkable piece of colonial and numismatic history, this 1715 Mexico gold cob offers more than just precious metal—it offers a story of empire, catastrophe, and rediscovery. Accompanied by a photo certificate of authenticity.32
Click Here to read more about the '1715 Fleet Shipwreck'
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