This extraordinary Spanish silver "Piece of Eight" carries the spirit of adventure and empire. Minted in the famed Mexico City Mint under the reign of Philip IV, this eight reales coin once journeyed across oceans aboard a Dutch ship bound for the Far East, only to be lost in a shipwreck off the coast of Indonesia around 1629.
On the obverse, the coin bears the crowned Habsburg coat of arms, a testament to Spanish power, with the denomination “8” clearly visible. The reverse features the rare “Florenzada” Cross, a flowered symbol used exclusively by the New World’s first mint, representing the union of Church and State. In its quadrants, you’ll find the lions of León and the castles of Castile, symbols of Queen Isabella's homeland.
Set in solid sterling silver and approximately the size of a silver dollar, this 23.6-gram pendant is more than a piece of jewelry—it’s a relic of the high seas and a symbol of resilience. Wear it as a reminder of the mysteries and stories the ocean still holds.
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: c. 1625
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Metal: Silver
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Weight: 23.6 grams
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Obverse: Crowned Hapsburg Coat of Arms for Philip IV. Denomination "8" visible on right side of shield.
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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 solid sterling silver.
Certificate of Authenticity with photo specific images included. BONUS - History of the Spice Islands wreck is provided. Chain sold separately.
Inv# T 21177
