DATED 1617! FISHER COA ATOCHA 1622 SHIPWRECK BOLIVIA 8 REAELES PCGS PIRATE GOLD

Description: In the tumultuous reign of King Philip III of Spain, a magnificent silver treasure emerged from the depths of the Florida Keys - a relic of the ill-fated Nuestra Señora de Atocha's tragic voyage in 1622. This prized artifact, a BOLIVIA, Potosí cob 8 reales coin minted in 1617, bears silent witness to the golden age of Spanish colonial power and the perils of seafaring in the 17th century. The Coin This remarkable piece of eight, weighing a substantial 26.30 grams, showcases the artistry of colonial minting4. The coin's face proudly displays a full cross flanked by lions and castles, symbols of the Spanish crown's might. A shield, doubled in its striking, bears the clear mark "P.M" to its left, signifying its origin in the legendary silver mines of Potosí. Most intriguingly, the date 1617 stands out in bold relief, having been forcefully punched over an earlier border of dots - a tantalizing hint at the coin's complex history before it even left the mint. The Shipwreck This coin's journey took a dramatic turn when it was loaded aboard the Atocha in 1622. As part of a 28-ship fleet, the galleon set sail from Havana on September 4, laden with an almost unimaginable fortune in silver, gold, and precious gems. Fate intervened cruelly when a hurricane struck the fleet on September 6, sending eight ships, including the Atocha, to the ocean floor. The Discovery For over three centuries, the Atocha's treasures lay hidden beneath the waves, defying Spanish salvage attempts. It wasn't until 1985 that the persistent efforts of treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his team finally uncovered the "motherlode" of the Atocha. This coin, assigned the recovery number 85A-141369, emerged from its watery tomb as part of what's been hailed as the "greatest treasure ever found". The Legacy Today, this Grade 2 cob 8 reales stands as a tangible link to a bygone era of Spanish colonial ambition, treacherous sea voyages, and the enduring allure of sunken treasure. Its solid, uncorroded state after centuries underwater makes it a choice specimen for collectors and historians alike, offering a rare glimpse into the economic powerhouse that was the Spanish Empire under Philip III's rule. Atocha History The Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish treasure galleon that sank in 1622, stands as one of history's most captivating shipwrecks. This 110-foot vessel, serving as the rear guard of the 1622 Tierra Firme fleet, carried an astounding cargo valued at up to $500 million in today's terms. Its holds were laden with 24 tons of silver bullion, 180,000 pesos in silver coins, gold bars, and a wealth of other precious commodities. The Atocha's final voyage was ill-fated from the start, plagued by delays and ultimately doomed by a fierce hurricane in the Florida Straits. Of the 265 souls aboard, only five survived the sinking, clinging desperately to the ship's mizzenmast as the galleon was smashed upon a coral reef. Spanish authorities launched immediate salvage efforts, but their attempts were thwarted by the sea's unyielding grip and a second hurricane that scattered the wreckage. For centuries, the Atocha's treasure lay hidden beneath the waves, becoming the stuff of legend. It wasn't until the 1960s that modern treasure hunter Mel Fisher began his relentless 16-year quest to locate the shipwreck. Fisher's search was marked by tantalizing clues, tragic losses, and unwavering determination. On July 20, 1985, exactly a decade after losing his son, daughter-in-law, and a diver in a salvage accident, Fisher's team finally discovered the "mother lode" - a veritable reef of silver bars and countless artifacts. The Atocha's discovery sparked intense legal battles, with the U.S. government initially claiming ownership of the treasure. After years of litigation, the Supreme Court ruled in Fisher's favor, granting him and his investors the majority of the find, with Florida receiving a 25% share. Today, the Atocha continues to yield secrets, with ongoing searches for its undiscovered stern castle and captain's cabin, believed to house even more treasures. The shipwreck has left an indelible mark on popular culture, revitalizing interest in marine archaeology and treasure hunting. Artifacts from the Atocha grace museums and private collections worldwide, serving as tangible links to the golden age of Spanish colonial power and the perils of 17th-century seafaring. The Atocha's story, from its tragic sinking to its dramatic rediscovery, remains a testament to human perseverance and the enduring allure of lost treasure.chris

Price: 12750 USD

Location: La Jolla, California

End Time: 2025-01-01T20:00:42.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD