In 1499, the Spanish explorer and conquistador Alonso de Ojeda set sail along the Northern coast of South America, landing at Cabo de la Vela marking the discovery of what is now Colombia. Ojeda led the expedition, commissioned by the Spanish Crown, and was accompanied by Juan de la Cosa (a skilled cartographer) and Amerigo…
Read more Doubloons of Cartagena – The First Gold Coins Minted in the Americas »
When Christopher Columbus discovered the New World and its vast resources, gold and silver became the life blood of the Spanish Empire. Each year, the Spanish treasure fleet, or “Flota de Indias” transported oil, wine, textiles, books and tools to the Spanish Colonies and on the return voyage, the fleet brought back gold, silver, copper,…
Beginning in the early 1500’s, Spanish conquistadores plundered the New World in search of gold, silver, emeralds, and other riches. As the Spanish colonized large swaths of the Americas, tales of unfathomable riches emerged. These stories fueled the fires of conquest, which initially reaped incredible wealth for the Spanish empire, but as time passed, the…
In the summer of 1964, divers working off Lucayan Beach, Grand Bahama Island, found an unusual anchor on the seabed. This anchor lacked the usual cross arms which indicated that it came from an early vessel. The next day, the divers located two cannons, ballast stones and silver coins. The boat had grounded, it appeared,…
In 1745 and 1746, many British gold and silver coin issues were minted with the word “LIMA” just below King George II’s portrait. This is a curious feature seeing as Lima, Peru was a colony owned by Spain at this time and King Philip V of Spain and King George II of England were at…
Read more Rare British “Lima” Coins Commemorating Victories over the Spanish! »
When the Spanish discovered the New World in 1492, the one commodity they sought after more than any other was gold. Once they found any quantity of it, it was melted down at the colonial mint and converted into coins and ingots so it could be shipped back to Spain. The coins were known as…
When collecting coins in general, it is very important to educate yourself prior to spending your hard-earned money, especially if you are considering buying expensive raw coins that have not been professionally authenticated or graded. This is crucial when buying uncertified Spanish or Spanish Colonial cobs as there are many fakes out in the market…
The History and Significance of Spanish Reales As a numismatist and shipwreck coin enthusiast, I have spent countless hours delving into the captivating world of Spanish reales. These remarkable coins hold a unique place in history and remain a treasure for collectors worldwide. In this article, we will explore the history of Spanish reales, their…
Spanish cob coins, with their unique shapes and historical significance, are treasures that many collectors and enthusiasts covet. These coins, minted in the Spanish colonies between the 16th and 18th centuries, tell stories of exploration, trade, and conquest. However, their allure also makes them prime targets for counterfeiters. Identifying fake Spanish cob coins is crucial…
Read more Real or Fake? How to Spot Counterfeit Spanish Cob Coins »
“The past whispers to us through the treasures it leaves behind, and few whispers are as rich as those of Spanish coins.” Imagine standing on the deck of a sunken galleon, the cold, dark waters of the Atlantic pressing around you. As you dive into the depths, your flashlight catches a glint of gold. You…
Read more Expert Reviews: Which Spanish Coins Are the Best to Buy Now? »