Hold a piece of maritime history with this Spanish eight reales coin, recovered from the depths of the Dutch Spice Islands shipwreck, dating back to around 1629. Minted in the Mexico City Mint, this hand-struck cob sailed the high seas during the height of the Spanish Empire, only to rest beneath the waves until its rediscovery.
The obverse proudly displays the crowned Habsburg coat of arms, representing the rule of Philip IV, while the reverse features the symbolic "Florenzada" Cross—a unique mark of the Mexico City Mint, signifying the intertwined relationship of Church and State. In the cross's quadrants, the fierce lions of León and the regal castles of Castile stand as a tribute to Queen Isabella’s homeland.
Expertly encased in a sterling silver anchor design with 14K gold accents, this pendant perfectly captures the adventurous spirit of the sea. Roughly the size of a silver dollar, it serves as both a striking accessory and a tangible reminder of a bygone era of exploration and trade.
Product Description:
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Coin Type: Hand Struck Cob
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Denomination: Eight Reales
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Mint: Mexico City
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Empire: Spanish Colonial
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Ruler: Philip IV
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Date: 1621-1665
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Metal: Silver
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Obverse: Crowned Hapsburg Coat of Arms.
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Reverse: "Florenzada" Cross or flowered cross, which was only used by the first mint of the New World, Mexico City. The Cross symbolized the close bond of Church and State. In the quadrants of the cross are the lions of Leon and the castles of Castile (home regions of Queen Isabella of Spain).
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Setting: Handcrafted in sterling silver with 14K gold accents.
Certificate of Authenticity with photo specific images included. Chain sold separately.
Inv# MD 1602
