Mel Fisher's Legendary Atocha - 1622 to 2022: Commemorating 400+ Years of History

In the world of shipwreck treasure coins, Mel Fisher's Atocha reigns supreme!

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

FOR PENDANT SIZE SEE COIN DETAILS BELOW

Atocha is the most famous Spanish galleon in shipwreck history! Mel Fisher spent 16 years searching for her... and every day he would tell his divers: “Today’s the Day!”  Years of trials and heartbreak were endured, along with attacks by the State and Federal government, who wanted to claim what Fisher found along the way.  At last, one fateful morning in 1985 he hit the “mother load...” millions upon millions in glittering Spanish silver and gold!

Your Shipwreck Shipwreck Treasure Coin

• Date: 1620 - Rare visible date
• Denomination: 2 Reale (Very rare denomination) - See Robert's notes below
• Grade 4 - See Robert's Notes below
• Mint: Potosi, Upper Peru - Present Day Bolivia
• Assayer: Not visible but would be Juan Ximenez de Tapia (1618-1621)
• Ruler: King Philip III of Spain
• Coin Metal: Silver
• Bezel Metal: 14K Gold and Proprietary non-tarnishing silver
• Gem stone: Brazilian AA Emerald
• Obverse (Front): The Greek Cross 
• Reverse: (Back): The shield of King Philip III of Spain
• Articulating  Nautical Shackle Bail Interior Diameter: Will accommodate chain or leather necklace up to 6.2mm 
• Pendant size including bezel:  7/8" Across, 1 3/4" Tall - Pendant diameter a few millimeters wider than a U.S. quarter

Robert's Notes: This is a stunning, and VERY unique piece! 2 Reales are extremely rare and desirable from the Atocha, and incredibly difficult to acquire. Only a very small percentage of coins onboard Atocha were the 2 reales, and due to their size, they didn't survive the harsh ocean environment very well.

But this one is really cool for several reason. First, it is dated with a visible "16x0." "REX" Latin for King is visible. "Z" is how the assayer Tapia made 2s, and partial  "PVS III" for PHILIPPVS III or King Phillip III of Spain. Most of the time this falls off the edge of the planchet.

Also, this type of coin is called a "cob" from the Spanish phrase "cabo de barra" roughly meaning "end of the bar." Note the top is flat, and the bottom is naturally rounded. This coin was actually cut from "THE END OF THE BAR"! most cob coins this isn't as obvious.

See NOTES below for more interesting facts about this coin. 

Most of the treasure on board Atocha was the silver dollar sized 8 reales. Atocha coins are becoming very difficult to source, and we are excited to be able to offer this stunning quality 2 reale coin. It is difficult for photos to capture how beautiful this coin is in hand. 

NOTES ON THIS ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY & COIN GRADE: This coin comes with its original, historic Treasure Salvor's, Inc., raised seal Certificate issued in 1986. Long before Mel Fisher and his dedicated crew "hit the mother load," someone believed in Fisher and the magic and mystery of searching for a lost Spanish galleon. When the Atocha was discovered, Fisher gave this coin and others to that investor as part of their return on investment. It has been safe-guarded in a safe deposit box since it was issued.

GRADING and DETAILS: Things were very hectic at the Treasure Salvor's conservation lab in Key West during the the first couple of years after the "main cultural pile" (Mother Load) was discovered. Tens of thousands of coins had to be conserved, cataloged, graded, etc. They needed to get the coins out to investors, and to the eager public, so they could continue salvage efforts. In the decades that I have been working with Atocha coins and Golden Crew members, every now and then we see a coin that would be graded differently (and with the luxury of plenty of time) by today's grading standards. We also see original Certificates with oversights.  

Today, by Fisher standards, this coin would be a Grade 3, and not Grade 4. Also, the photos on the Certificate are the correct coin, and the coin weight is correct, but they have the denomination as a 4 reale instead of a 2 reale, and in their haste, the date was overlooked For many collectors, this is "treasure hunter memorabilia" at it's best. This coin and it certificate attest to a rare time, when the richest treasure galleon in history was discovered.

All of these details, and the photos, will be included with your pendant to preserve its unique provenance.  

For more on Mel Fisher and Atocha, click here>

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

Your Atocha Shipwreck Piece of Eight Pendant Comes Complete with:

1. Our 100% Authentic Lifetime Guarantee
2. Original Raised Seal Historic Mel Fisher Treasure Salvors Certificate of Authenticity issued in 1986
3. A frame-able artist's rendering of Atocha created from the original shipwright's plans for Atocha
4. An archival photo of what a salvaged "treasure chest" looks like filled with thousands of coins
5. 10 Page Full Color Potosi Mint Historic Brief by Robert 
6. "Pieces of Eight" Historic Brief
7. The Coins of the Lost Galleons Book signed by Golden Crew Member Capt. KT Budde-Jones
8. Treasure Hunters Gazette Booklet
9. Mini Museum Display for when you are not wearing your treasure
10. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card