This authentic Spanish Four Reales, often called a Piece of Eight, is a tangible survivor of one of history's most legendary maritime disasters. Recovered from a shipwreck site south of Cape Canaveral, Florida, this silver cob was part of the famed 1715 Fleet—a convoy of eleven Spanish treasure galleons lost in a devastating hurricane at the end of July 1715 along what is now known as Florida's Treasure Coast.
Hand-struck at the Mexico City Mint during the reign of King Philip V (1705–1723) and bearing the assayer mark of Jose Eustaquio de Leon (J), this remarkable coin once circulated throughout the vast Spanish Empire, helping to fuel global trade and commerce.
The obverse features the crowned Bourbon Coat of Arms, with the mint mark o/M visible beside the shield. The reverse displays the beautiful Florenzada Cross, or flowered cross, a design unique to the Mexico City Mint—the first mint established in the New World. The cross symbolizes the close bond between Church and State, while the castles of Castile and lions of León represent the foundations of the Spanish Crown.
Weighing 8.6 grams and approximately the size of a half dollar, this historic silver cob has been preserved in a handcrafted sterling silver setting, transforming a legendary shipwreck treasure into a timeless heirloom.
Hold a piece of the 1715 Fleet in your hands and carry the adventure, history, and mystery of Florida's Treasure Coast wherever your journey takes you.
Product Description:
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Coin Type: Hand Struck Cob
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Denomination: Four Reales
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Mint: Mexico City
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Empire: Spanish Colonial
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Ruler: Philip V
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Date: 1705-1723 - Assayer J, Jose Eustaquio de Leon
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Metal: Silver
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Weight: 8.6 grams
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Obverse: Crowned shield of the Bourbon Coat of Arms. Mint mark "o/M" visible on left 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. Lions of Leon and castles of Castile (home regions of Queen Isabella of Spain) are in the quadrants.
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Setting: Handcrafted setting in sterling silver.
- Note: Chain may be purchased separately.
Certificate of Authenticity with photo specific images included.
Inv# T11102
