DATED 1619! W/ COA! BOLIVIA 8 REALES ATOCHA 1622 SHIPWRECK PIRATE SILVER PCGS

Description: Bolivia 8 Reales, 1619: A Glimpse into the Atocha Shipwreck and Spanish Colonial Power The Bolivia 8 Reales dated 1619, recovered from the famed Atocha shipwreck, is a remarkable artifact steeped in historical significance. It represents a pivotal era in Spanish colonial history, the evolution of coinage, and the perilous endeavors of transatlantic trade during the 17th century. This write-up delves into the historical context of the coin, the reign of King Philip III of Spain, and the fascinating story of the Atocha shipwreck.King Philip III of Spain (Reigned 1598–1621) The coin was minted during the reign of Philip III, a monarch whose leadership coincided with the height of the Spanish Empire’s influence and the onset of its decline. Philip III inherited vast territories across Europe and the Americas but was criticized for his reliance on corrupt favorites, such as the Duke of Lerma, and his inability to address Spain’s economic troubles effectively. While the empire remained territorially expansive, Philip’s reign saw challenges, including spiraling debts from prolonged wars and a rigid reliance on the treasure fleets from the New World to sustain the crown’s finances. Despite these issues, the Spanish colonies continued to produce immense wealth in silver and gold, particularly from mines like Potosí in present-day Bolivia.The 8 Reales Coin The 8 reales, often referred to as a "piece of eight," was the global trade currency of its time. It was minted from high-purity silver sourced from South America, notably the Cerro Rico de Potosí. The 1619 Bolivia 8 reales features a crude, hand-struck design typical of cob coins, which prioritized weight and purity over aesthetics due to the rushed minting process required to meet growing demands for silver currency. Key features of the coin include:The Habsburg shield, symbolizing Spanish royal authority.A cross with castles and lions, representing the union of Castile and León.The mint mark P for Potosí and the date, 1619.The Atocha Shipwreck The Nuestra Señora de Atocha, a Spanish galleon, was part of the Tierra Firme fleet, transporting treasure from the Americas to Spain. On September 6, 1622, the Atocha sank off the Florida Keys during a hurricane, taking with it an estimated 47 tons of silver, gold bars, and other treasures. Key facts about the Atocha:Discovery: The wreck was discovered in 1985 by treasure hunter Mel Fisher after a 16-year search.Treasure Trove: Among the recovered artifacts were over 100,000 silver coins, including the 8 reales from Bolivia, emeralds from Colombia, and gold chains.Cultural Insight: Items like olive jars and navigational tools provide a glimpse into the daily lives and maritime practices of 17th-century Spanish sailors. The Atocha’s treasure illustrates Spain’s dependence on New World riches to sustain its empire. However, the shipwreck also highlights the inherent risks of transporting immense wealth across treacherous seas.Cool Facts and LegacyThe Atocha coins, including the 1619 Bolivia 8 reales, are highly sought after by collectors for their historical and numismatic value.The silver from the Atocha contributed to global trade, with pieces of eight becoming a precursor to modern currencies.The story of the Atocha exemplifies the allure of sunken treasure, blending history, adventure, and archaeology.

Price: 5950 USD

Location: La Jolla, California

End Time: 2024-12-15T18:29:19.000Z

Shipping Cost: N/A USD