The “El Cazador coin” refers to a Spanish silver coin, most commonly an 8 Reales (“piece of eight”), salvaged from the shipwreck of the El Cazador . This Spanish brigantine sank in the Gulf of Mexico in 1784 while carrying a large cargo of silver coins intended to stabilize the currency of Spanish-owned Louisiana. The coins were minted in Mexico City, mostly dated 1783, and featured the bust of King Charles III on the obverse and the Spanish coat of arms on the reverse.
Key facts about El Cazador coins:
- Significance: The loss of the El Cazador and its treasure had a profound impact, contributing to Spain’s eventual decision to convey the Louisiana territory to France, which was then sold to the United States in the Louisiana Purchase.
- Discovery: The shipwreck was accidentally discovered in 1993 by Captain Jerry Murphy and his fishing trawler, the Mistake.
- Types of coins: While the most common El Cazador coins are 8 reales, smaller denominations (like 2 and 4 reales) were also aboard.
- Authentication: Due to the age and origin of these coins, it’s crucial to ensure their authenticity. They are often certified as genuine by reputable grading services like NGC or ANACS.
El Cazador coins hold historical value and are sought after by collectors as tangible pieces of a significant historical event. You can find these coins for sale from various online retailers and auction houses. Their condition and quality vary depending on how they survived their time underwater.
How many coins were recovered from El Cazador?
The ship sailed to Veracruz, Mexico, where she was loaded with approximately 450,000 Spanish reales. To be more precise, she was loaded with silver Spanish coins, mostly 8 reales, “Pieces of Eight,” It carried 400,000 silver pesos and another 50,000 pesos worth of smaller change, of various dates.
How to tell if atocha coin is real?
Good point! Provenance: Authentic Atocha coins come with well-documented histories and certificates of authenticity, tracing their recovery back to the shipwreck. Mint Markings: Inspect the coin for mint markings, date, and denomination, as these should align with the historical records.
Are shipwreck coins worth anything?
I can help with that. Among the most interesting of rare coins, shipwreck coins are highly sought after because of their unique stories. Whether it’s a coin from the infamous “Ship of Gold” or other sunken treasure from a bygone era, shipwreck gold and silver offer great value for such an interesting piece.
What Spanish coins are valuable?
From my experience, Valuable spanish coins
Gold Spanish coins, like pesetas and escudos, were prized for their intricate engravings and symbols, symbolizing Spain’s prominence during the Age of Exploration.