This 1732 Princess Louisa Shipwreck Spanish Coin Pendant is a remarkable treasure steeped in both history and maritime lore. Recovered from the wreck of the East Indiaman "Princess Louisa," which sank in 1743 off the Cape Verde Islands, this pendant carries the weight of both oceanic adventure and colonial history. Set in a handcrafted 14K gold setting, the coin is the perfect size for everyday wear, about the size of a nickel, making it a striking piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
The coin, a hand-struck cob minted in Lima, Peru, was part of the Spanish Colonial Empire's far-reaching trade network. On the obverse, a partial view of the Pillars of Hercules, iconic symbols that guard the entrance to the Mediterranean, represents Spain's global ambition.
On the reverse, the potent Jerusalem Cross stands proudly, symbolizing the union of Church and State during Philip V’s reign. The cross is flanked by the lions of Leon and the castles of Castile in the quadrants, the royal emblems of Queen Isabella's home regions, reinforcing the deeply rooted significance of this Spanish coin in both European and New World history.
Weighing 3.5 grams, the coin is made of silver and showcases the rough beauty typical of hand-struck cobs, each one a unique reflection of its time. The handcrafted 14K gold setting provides a smooth and elegant contrast to the coin’s raw history, making it not only a valuable historical artifact but also a beautiful piece of wearable art.
Product Description:
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Coin Type: Hand Struck Cob
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Denomination: Two Reales
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Mint: Lima, Peru
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Empire: Spanish Colonial
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Ruler: Philip V
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Date: 1732 - Assayer N, Fernando Negron
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Metal: Silver
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Weight: 3.5 grams
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Obverse: Partial view of vertical lines representing the Pillars of Hercules that stand on either side of the Straits of Gibraltar at the entrance to the Mediterranean. First line has denomination "2" and assayer mark "N". Second line has partial "PLVSVLTRA" ("more beyond") and the third line bears the date 1"732" and mint mark "L".
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Reverse: Potent Jerusalem Cross. The cross symbolized the close bond of Church and State. In the quadrants are the lions of Leon and the castles of Castile (home regions of Queen Isabella of Spain).
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Setting: Handcrafted in 14K gold.
Certificate of Authenticity with photo specific images included. BONUS- History of the shipwreck is also provided. Chain sold separately.
Inv# T 31253
