Spanish galleons, majestic sailing ships from the era of exploration and trade, often carried vast amounts of treasure between the New World colonies and Spain . These treasures included precious metals and coins, which have become coveted historical artifacts.
Here’s a closer look at these intriguing coins:
- Cobs (or Macuquinas): These are irregularly shaped, hand-struck coins produced in colonial mints like Potosí, Lima, and Mexico City from the early 1500s until the mid-18th century.
- Milled Coins: Starting in 1732 in Mexico, then later in South America, mechanical presses were introduced to produce more standardized, round coins.
- Pillar Dollars: A type of milled silver coin, considered by some to be the first “dollars” of the United States.
- Doubloons: The term commonly used for gold coins, originally referring to the two-escudo coin.
- [Pillars of Hercules:] A common design on some coins representing the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar.
- Cross of Jerusalem: Found on the reverse side of some coins, symbolizing Spain’s alliance with the Catholic Church.
- Assayer’s Mark: An initial identifying the person responsible for verifying the metal’s quality.
- Mint Mark: Letters indicating the mint where the coin was produced.
- Year: Dates of mintage are often present, with some variation in visibility depending on the coin’s condition.
- Plus Ultra (PVA): A Latin phrase meaning “Further Beyond,” Spain’s national motto, signifying their global ambitions.
- Denomination: Marked with a number, usually 8 for an 8 reales or 8 escudos coin, [according to ZME Science].
- Nuestra Señora de Atocha: A galleon that sank in 1622 off the Florida Keys, famous for its recovered silver and gold coins.
- San José: The “Holy Grail of all shipwrecks,” [according to Popular Mechanics] , carrying an estimated $17 billion in modern-day wealth, including gold, silver, and emeralds. It sank in 1708 off the coast of Colombia during the War of the Spanish Succession. The San José wreck was recently confirmed using coins minted in Lima, Peru in 1707 with specific markings.
- Santa Margarita: Sister ship to the Atocha, also lost in the 1622 hurricane and later salvaged.
- [Consolación]: A Spanish galleon lost in 1681 off Ecuador, whose recovered coins offer insights into minting practices and transitional designs.
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Pillars of Hercules 4.5 (1.2K)Open · Historical landmark 4MC3+7J3, Queen’s Rd]
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- Authenticity is Key: For collectors, identifying and authenticating the coins’ weight, silver content, strike, and mint-specific features is essential to determine value.
- Condition Matters: Gold coins from shipwrecks tend to be in better condition than those circulated on land, as salt water doesn’t affect them like it does silver.
- Historical Significance: Beyond monetary value, these coins represent a tangible link to a fascinating period of global trade and exploration.
- Availability: Spanish galleon coins, including replicas, are available from various sources, including online marketplaces like eBay and specialized coin dealers. However, some coins are highly sought after and may be rare or expensive.
- Legal Ownership Debates: The immense value of some shipwreck treasures has led to ongoing disputes over ownership, such as the case of the San José.
How much is a Spanish galleon worth?
The 64-gun, three-masted Spanish flagship alone carried as much as 200 tons of treasure with a modern value estimated as high as $17 billion by today’s standards. On June 8, however, the galleon had the misfortune of running across a squadron of five British warships during the War of Spanish Succession.
How much is a galleon coin worth?
Converted into other currencies. According to J. K. Rowling, the approximate value of a Galleon is ” About five Great British pounds, though the exchange rate varies!”
How to tell if Atocha coin is real?
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.
What is an old Spanish gold coin called?
Gold escudo
The first escudo was a gold coin introduced in 1535/1537, with coins denominated in escudos issued until 1833. It was initially worth 16 reales. When different reales were introduced, the escudo became worth 16 reales de plata in 1642, then 16 reales de plata fuerte or 40 reales de vellón from 1737.