Struck in the silver-rich Andes of Potosí and destined for the treasuries of the Spanish Empire, this four reales cob never completed its journey. In 1622, the Nuestra Señora de Atocha—a heavily laden galleon of the Tierra Firme fleet—was torn apart by a hurricane off the coast of Florida. Lost for over three centuries beneath shifting sands and coral, her treasure remained hidden until its dramatic recovery in 1985.
This hand-struck silver cob was minted during the reign of King Philip III, between 1616 and 1617, under the authority of assayer Juan Muñoz, whose initial "M" appears alongside the Potosí mint mark on the obverse. At its center is the crowned Habsburg coat of arms—bold, intricate, and unmistakably regal—declaring the power of an empire that stretched across continents.
The reverse features a Greek cross, flanked by the heraldic lions of León and castles of Castile—emblems of Spain’s royal houses and the unbreakable union of Church and Crown. These symbols, crude yet compelling in their hand-struck form, reflect a world where conquest and faith traveled hand in hand.
Weighing 15.41 grams and framed in handcrafted 14K gold, this pendant is more than treasure—it is a piece of history salvaged from the depths. A testament to empire, endurance, and the eternal allure of the sea.
Product Description:
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Coin Type: Hand Struck Cob
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Denomination: Four Reales
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Mint: Potosi
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Empire: Spanish Colonial
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Ruler: Philip III
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Date: 1616-1617 - Assayer M, Juan Munoz
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Metal: Silver
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Weight: 15.41tw grams
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Obverse: Crowned Hapsburg Coat of Arms of King Philip III. Mint mark "P" for Potosi and assayer mark "M" for Juan Munoz is visible on the left of the shield.
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Reverse: Greek cross with lions of Leon (home region of Queen Isabella of Spain) and castles of Castile in the quadrants. The cross symbolized the close bond of Church and State.
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Setting: Handcrafted in 14K gold
Original Certificate of Authenticity from Treasure Salvors with photo specific images included.
Inv# T 21147
