The famed Pirate Piece of Eight in an Heirloom Pendant

Pirates! Perhaps no other class of seafarers is quite so famous – or infamous! 

Please Note: This is an authentic Consolacion Shipwreck Treasure Coin, and you will receive the exact pendant in the photographs and description.

FOR PENDANT SIZE SEE COIN DETAILS BELOW

But tying shipwreck coins to actual pirates is rare – most treasure galleons sank due to hurricanes, poor navigation or lack of upkeep.  But the Treasure of Isla de Muerto (The Treasure of Dead Man’s Island) is the exception… for her cache of glittering treasure went to the bottom because of – yes, you guessed it – PIRATES!

This Piece of Eight was salvaged from the wreckage of the Spanish galleon Santa Maria de la Consolación.

Your Consolacion Shipwreck 8 Reale Pirate Piece of Eight

• Date: 1679
• Denomination: 8 Reale
• Assayer: Rare C assayer
• Mint: Potosi, Upper Viceroyalty of Peru (Modern Day Bolivia)
• Coin Metal: Silver
• Bezel Metal: 14K Gold & Proprietary, Non-Tarnishing Sterling Silver
• Obverse (Front): The Cross of Jerusalem
• Reverse: (Back): The Pillars and Waves (The Pillars of Hercules and Waves of the Atlantic Ocean)
• Articulating Bail Interior Diameter: Will accommodate chain or leather necklace up to LARGE 8 mm
• Pendant size including bezel: 1 5/8" Across, 2" Tall - the width of a silver dollar

Robert's Notes: Beautiful cross and and Pillars and Waves with nice partial "PLV SVL TRA" PLUS ULTRA Latin meaning "More Beyond (SEE Below).

Rare C assayer's initials, P mint mark, and partial POTOSI on the edge. Most of the time this isn't visible.  "C" was only at the mint 1678-79.

Sweet crack fill. Many of the 8 reales on Consolacion had edge cracks probably from the planchet not being heated enough (annealed to soften the metal) before it was struck. The cross looks like the die cracked or the hammer bounced when the coin was struck.

Pretty cool piece in great condition.

This treasure coin has good detail, but perhaps my favorite thing about it is the sea-wear that really highlights the shipwreck provenance of this treasure coin. I was recovered from the shallow water part of the wreck where the was a lot of wave action. 

We treasure hunters affectionately call these coins "Key West Dog Tags." Sidle (if there's no horse, it's sidle) up to an oyster bar wearing this and you will turn heads.

The Spanish Cob Coin Pillars and Waves Design

While each coin does not have every detail, the most striking feature is the two upright “pillars” which represent the Pillars of Hercules; the waves below, the Atlantic Ocean. Starting in the 10 o’clock position there is a “P” for Potosi, next is a number for the denomination. Next is the assayer’s initial.  The two or three numerals above the center wave are the date. Through the center runs the phrase PLV SVL TRA – “PLUS ULTRA” – More Beyond the Pillars of Hercules. On the reverse is the crusaders cross, with lions and castles in the four quadrants representing the early Spanish kingdoms of Leon and Castile. Coins minted in the 1700s will have three digits, i.e. 737 for 1737. 

Learn more about the Consolacion shipwreck and pirates... click here>

LEARN HOW TO READ YOUR PILLARS AND WAVES COIN HERE

To see our complete collection of Spanish "Piece of Eight" treasure coins, click here>

Your Isla de Muerto Pendant Comes Complete with:

• Our 100% Authentic Lifetime Guarantee
• A Detailed, Customized, Multi-Page, Full Color Photo Certificate of Authenticity Researched and Written by Robert Lewis Knecht
• 10 Page Full Color Potosi Mint historic Brief researched and written by Robert
• "Pieces of Eight" Historic Brief
• The Coins of the Lost Galleons Book
• Treasure Hunters Gazette Booklet
• Mini Museum Display for when you are not wearing your treasure
• A Treasure Jewelry Care Card