From St. Augustine’s day to the present, Christians have gathered for ceremonial foot washing on Maundy Thursday – but it is the British tradition that has led to some of the most treasured of Maundy offerings… the silver coins known the world over as “Maundy Money.”

Knights in shining armor... fair damsels... jousting tournaments and legendary feats of daring-do were all funded by something perhaps not quite as legendary, but ever-so-fascinating - the hand-hammered penny. Take a somewhat irreverent look at this world-changing currency.

Yep, this one can be a bit confusing, because, well, these amazing artifacts just aren't round. But, there are some general "Rules of Thumb" (and the picture guide above doesn't hurt either).

Crafting shipwreck treasure coins - like these from the Atocha and Sao Jose - into heirloom necklaces is part art, part science. And, of course, learn more about Atocha coins along the way as you watch!

OK, so at first blush this may not seem to have anything to do with shipwreck treasure coins, but when you add in Columbus, the Ottoman empire, a pope and a treaty dividing the world, amazing things can happen.

Discover how a 1784 shipwreck shaped the modern world, and how her precious cargo of "America's First Silver Dollars" made a greater mark on history at the bottom of the sea than if they had arrived at their destination.

How to read the legendary Pillars and Waves treasure coins of the Spanish Main... yes, you too can amaze your friends and family with your keen understanding of piratical history!

I got into the treasure hunting and adventure biz back in 1988 when I was a Firefighter/EMT in Key Largo and wrote stories for Florida Keys newspapers and publications.  There were two things I quickly discovered...

Ahoy Seafarers, Scurvy Bilge Rats... and, of course, Pirates! Here be the latest videos from the Captain's Cabin:  All about Pieces of Eight Part I, and Inside the Studio: Creating a Piece of Heirloom Jewelry from a Piece of 8!

distinct theme? I could blather on about this topic for quite some time... but maybe I'll just throw it out to the group... here are some of his most recent posts:

I admit - I've always love medieval Western European history... so I guess it was inevitable that I would fall in love with the main staple of post 800 AD medieval European currency - the silver hammered penny!