POP 1! DATED 1701 MEXICO 1 ESCUDO PCGS 63 1715 FLEET SHIPWRECK PIRATE GOLD COINS
The Mexico 1 Escudo from 1701 recovered from the 1715 Fleet shipwreck is a rare and historically significant gold coin that offers a fascinating glimpse into colonial Spanish coinage and maritime history. Our only 'Box End Cross' Mexico 1 Escudo listed currently, not to mention the only 1701 graded by PCGS!
This coin was minted at the Mexico City Mint, which began striking gold coins in 1679. The 1 escudo was the smallest gold denomination produced at the time, making it relatively uncommon compared to larger denominations like the 8 escudos. Gold coins from this period were hand-struck on irregular planchets, resulting in unique shapes and often incomplete designs.
The 1715 Fleet, from which this coin was recovered, met a tragic fate when it encountered a hurricane off the coast of Florida on July 31, 1715. The fleet consisted of 12 ships carrying an enormous treasure of gold and silver from the Spanish colonies to Spain. Eleven of these ships were lost in the disaster, scattering their precious cargo along the Florida coast.
The recovery of this 1701 1 escudo coin is particularly noteworthy because dated coins from this period are extremely rare. Less than 1% of Mexican silver cobs from the fleet era show a legible date, making clearly dated specimens highly prized by collectors and historians. 31r
As a 1715 Fleet coin, this escudo likely remained underwater for centuries before being salvaged. The marine environment often affects the condition of these coins, but many have been remarkably well-preserved due to the protective qualities of the sand and sediment on the ocean floor.
The historical significance of this coin is further enhanced by its rarity. Prior to the fleet salvage operations, the entire Mexican gold coinage from 1679-1715 was represented by fewer than two dozen surviving specimens. The discovery of coins like this 1701 1 escudo has greatly expanded our understanding of colonial Spanish coinage and the economic systems of the early 18th century.
For collectors and historians, a Mexico 1 Escudo from 1701 recovered from the 1715 Fleet represents a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in maritime history. It embodies the wealth of the Spanish colonial empire, the perils of oceanic trade, and the enduring allure of sunken treasure. Its survival and recovery offer a unique window into the past, allowing us to literally hold a piece of history that witnessed one of the most famous shipwrecks in the annals of treasure hunting.