1651-52 Potosi Capitana Shipwreck 8 Reales NGC VF Details
Item #CC-0610 | 1651-52 Potosi Capitana Shipwreck 8 Reales NGC VF Details
Mint: Potosi, Bolivia
Ruler/Period: King Philip IV
Grade: VF Details
For details and population on this coin from NGC, click on the serial number here: 6928840-003
Description:
This beautiful example from the wreck of the Capitana boasts a wide planchet, rare and unique “Z” counter stamp, and is one of only two examples graded.
The Capitana was a Spanish treasure galleon that sank in 1654 while transporting a large cache of silver and other precious cargo from South and Central America to Spain. As the flagship of a fleet known as the Flota de la Plata (Silver Fleet), it left from Callao, Peru, and headed north to Panama before setting out across the Atlantic. However, during its journey, the heavily laden ship encountered treacherous waters off the coast of Ecuador and sank near Chanduy Bay.
The loss of the Capitana was a devastating blow to Spain, as it carried an enormous amount of wealth intended to fund the empire’s European campaigns. Attempts were made to recover the silver soon after, with Spanish divers managing to retrieve a portion of the treasure, though much remained on the seabed. Centuries later, modern treasure hunters and archaeologists rediscovered the site, uncovering artifacts and coins that offered insights into Spain’s colonial economy and its vast maritime network. The shipwreck of the Capitana remains one of the iconic tales of Spain’s lost treasures from the Age of Exploration.
In stock
$2,500.00
