1638 Potosi 8 Reales NGC Fine Details – Concepcion Shipwreck
Item #CC-0302 | 1638 Potosi 8 Reales NGC Fine Details – Concepcion Shipwreck
Mint: Potosi
Assayer: TR
Ruler/Period: King Philip IV
Weight: 22.29 grams
Description: A fantastic and rarely seen dated cob from the wreck of the Concepcion! While first glance at the obverse this coin does not look like much, the reverse has all the flavor you could ask for. A visible 1638 date on the reverse as well as a stunning cross makes this coin worth it. The shield side is mostly corroded off from the saltwater, while the cross side likely was facing another coin in the center of a larger conglomerate, preserving it wonderfully.
The Nuestra Señora de la Concepción was a Spanish treasure galleon that sank in 1641 in the Bahamas, becoming one of the most famous shipwrecks in maritime history. Part of the Spanish Tierra Firme fleet, the ship was carrying a massive cargo of silver, gold, emeralds, and trade goods from South America back to Spain. After stopping in Havana, the Concepción struck a reef known as the Silver Bank (or Ambrosia Bank) during the night, tearing open its hull and sinking rapidly. Most of the crew survived, and Spanish salvors recovered a significant portion of the treasure in the following years, but much was left behind. Centuries later, in the 1970s, modern treasure hunter Burt Webber rediscovered the wreck, recovering millions of dollars’ worth of coins and artifacts. The Concepción has since become legendary, not only for its immense treasure but also for its role in shaping modern shipwreck exploration and treasure recovery.
In stock
$1,250.00
