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Encased in a finely crafted 14k gold bezel, this genuine 8 Reales Spanish Cob Coin from the historic Atocha shipwreck embodies a remarkable slice of Spanish heritage. Merging precious metal elegance with a rare artifact, it delivers lasting beauty and a powerful link to history. Ideal for collectors or as a one-of-a-kind gift, this piece combines skilled artistry with deep cultural meaning, making it a captivating highlight in any jewelry collection or treasure trove.
- Shipwreck: The Atocha (Key West)
- Grade: 2
- Bezel Handcrafted in the Florida Keys
- Denomination: 8 Reales (about the size of a US silver dollar)
- Mint: Potosi
- Assayer: Q (1613-1616)
- Mounting: 14k gold bezel (handmade)
- Comes with Certificate of Authenticity
Imagine yourself 40 miles off Key West, diving into a world of lost galleons and glittering gold. The Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish treasure ship that sank in 1622, rests on the ocean floor, holding a secret for over 350 years. In 1985, after 16 years of tireless searching, the legendary treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his team discovered its riches. The massive find included more than 40 tons of silver and gold, a treasure trove of emeralds, and priceless artifacts. The Atocha shipwreck is a captivating story of perseverance, discovery, and one of the most remarkable underwater treasure finds in history
The story of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon that sank in 1622, is a fascinating tale of historical misfortune and modern discovery. Part of a fleet sailing from Havana to Spain, the Atocha was laden with an immense treasure of gold, silver, and precious jewels when it was caught in a powerful hurricane off the Florida Keys. The storm was so severe that it drove the ship into a coral reef, causing it to sink rapidly in approximately 55 feet of water. Along with its sister ships, the Atocha became one of the most sought-after and elusive shipwrecks in maritime history, its location lost to time for over 350 years.
The quest to find the Atocha and its fortune was a monumental undertaking, led by the determined treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his team. Beginning their search in 1969, Fisher and his company, Treasure Salvors, Inc., spent more than sixteen years meticulously combing the ocean floor, facing countless setbacks, financial struggles, and even the tragic loss of family members. Their persistence finally paid off on July 20, 1985, when a diver located the main shipwreck site. The discovery revealed a staggering cache of artifacts and riches, including more than 40 tons of silver and gold and an incredible collection of emeralds.
The recovery of the Atocha’s treasure not only brought a long and difficult search to an end but also ignited a legal battle over ownership, with the U.S. government claiming the artifacts belonged to the public. Mel Fisher’s ultimate victory in court set a significant precedent for treasure salvors. The story of the Atocha stands as a testament to the perseverance of its seekers, the tragic power of nature, and the enduring allure of buried treasure, forever cementing its place in the annals of shipwreck lore.
