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Encased in a finely crafted 14k gold bezel, this genuine 8 Reales Spanish Cob Coin from the Concepcion 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: Concepcion (Dominican Republic)
- Bezel Handcrafted in the Florida Keys
- Denomination: 8 Reales (about the size of a US silver dollar)
- Mint: Mexico City
- Mounting: 14k gold bezel (handmade)
- Comes with Certificate of Authenticity
The Final Voyage of the Nuestra Señora de la Pura y Limpia Concepción
The sinking of the Spanish galleon Nuestra Señora de la Pura y Limpia Concepción in 1641 serves as a poignant reminder of the treacherous nature of 17th-century maritime travel and the immense value of the cargo carried on the Spanish treasure fleet. More than a simple story of a shipwreck, the Concepción’s fate illustrates the fragility of imperial trade routes and provides a valuable window into a past era.
In the autumn of 1641, the Concepción departed from Havana as the flagship of a fleet bound for Spain, laden with silver, gold, and other riches from the Americas. However, the galleon was caught in a powerful hurricane near the northeastern coast of Hispaniola. Battered by fierce winds and massive waves, the ship was driven onto a coral reef and swiftly destroyed. The majority of the nearly 500 people aboard were lost to the sea, a tragic end for a vessel intended to represent the might of the Spanish Empire. For over three centuries, the ship lay forgotten at the bottom of the ocean.
The rediscovery of the Concepción in 1978 by American treasure hunter Burt Webber was a monumental event. His team located the scattered remains of the wreck, uncovering a dazzling array of artifacts and treasure. The bounty included a massive haul of silver coins, valuable jewels, and porcelain, offering historians and archaeologists an unprecedented opportunity to study the material culture of the period. The recovered artifacts provided tangible evidence of the extensive trade network that connected the Old and New Worlds.
Ultimately, the wreck of the Concepción represents much more than a tale of lost treasure. Its remains offer a crucial historical record of the dangers, the wealth, and the human cost associated with the grand voyages of the Age of Sail. The ship’s story endures as a powerful testament to both human ambition and the uncontrollable power of nature.
