1651 Potosi 8 Reales PCGS VF-35 – Capitana Shipwreck
Item #CC-0660 | 1651 Potosi 8 Reales PCGS VF-35 – Capitana Shipwreck
Mint: Potosi, Bolivia
Assayer: “E” Antonio de Elgueta
Ruler/Period: King Philip IV
Grade: VF Details
For details and population on this coin from PCGS, click on the serial number here: 49964660
Description: This superb 1651 Potosí Piece of Eight was recovered from the shipwreck of the Spanish Galleon La Capitana.
The Capitana was a Spanish treasure galleon that sank in 1654 while transporting millions of Pieces of Eight and other precious cargo from Spanish Colinial 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.
On the obverse of this coin, you have a complete Hapsburg shield. To the left and right of the shield you have the assayer’s initial “E”, which represents Antonio de Elgueta and to the right of the shield is a well struck “8” for the denomination. You can even see some of the legend for PHILIPPVS IIII.
On the reverse of the coin, you have an almost perfectly centered cross with nicely struck castles and lions and portions of the legend. Most importantly, you have most of the 1651 date, which is a feature that is highly sought after.
Precious few coins from the Capitana Shipwreck have received a straight numismatic grade such as this one at VF-35. Most are given “details” grades that indicate environmental damage.
In stock
$2,250.00
