Unearthing Sunken Riches: My Treasure Ship Tuesday Journey

I’ve always been captivated by the allure of shipwreck coins—holding a piece of history that survived the ocean depths feels truly magical. This week, my focus turned to Treasure Ship Tuesday, digging into stories and artifacts that remind me why numismatics is so much more than collecting; it’s about connecting with the past. From Spanish reales to gold sovereigns, every coin whispers tales of adventure and loss, and I’m excited to share some of my journey and finds with you.

The Enthralling Story of El Cazador

My fascination naturally led me to the El Cazador, a Spanish brig that sank in the Gulf of Mexico way back in 1784. King Carlos III sent it loaded with silver reales – mostly those famous 8-reales “Pieces of Eight” – aiming to prop up Louisiana’s struggling economy. Can you imagine? Roughly 450,000 coins, weighing a staggering 37,500 pounds of silver! What’s incredible is that this immense treasure vanished until 1993, when a simple fishing trawler snagged coins dated 1783. Many of these finds are now handled by the Franklin Mint, making them a more affordable entry point for collectors like us compared to, say, the pricier 1715 fleet coins. If you’re just starting out, my tip is simple: look for certified examples with solid provenance to steer clear of fakes. Getting a coin slabbed by PCGS or NGC always gives me peace of mind.

Standout Shipwreck Coins from My Research

While El Cazador coins are legendary, I stumbled upon other underwater treasures showcasing the amazing variety out there. Take the RMS Duoro, lost off the Spanish coast in 1882. It held over 28,000 gold coins, including Australian sovereigns. I got to examine a mint-state 1877 sovereign (PCGS cert. #49106726) struck at the Sydney Mint – it’s astoundingly sharp despite spending 115 years underwater! Proof that gold really does endure saltwater well. When grading these, coins shielded by sediment often fare best; look for minimal corrosion and clear details. A few other highlights caught my eye:

• The Johanna wreck off South Africa yielded rugged Spanish cobs from 1682. I no longer own one, but I remember how their raw, hand-struck charm really speaks to colonial coin fans.
• The Admiral Gardner shipwreck coins, often popping up in giveaways, are fantastic for new collectors. They’re affordable and packed with history.
• Beyond coins, things like gold nuggets from Gold Rush-era wrecks add fun variety. Just be extra sure to verify authenticity with assays or dealers you trust for items like these.

Practical Collecting Advice and Market Observations

From my own collecting adventures, shipwreck coins offer unique chances, but they need careful handling. Market-wise, I’ve watched values climb steadily. An old receipt I saw had an El Cazador 8-reales selling for just $20 in 1967 – a far cry from today’s prices, which can easily reach hundreds or even thousands! Here’s what I’ve learned works for building a solid collection:

• Stick with certified coins: PCGS or NGC slabs confirm authenticity and grade, which is huge for resale. That Duoro sovereign I mentioned is a perfect example of how proper grading highlights incredible preservation.
• Provenance matters: Coins with documented salvage history, like El Cazador or Duoro pieces, naturally fetch more. Auction records (like Heritage Auction #3118, Lot 30083) are fantastic research tools.
• Mix in tokens and artifacts: Pieces like coral-encrusted reales or old salvage receipts add depth without costing a fortune. I picked up a token once that really ignited my passion for maritime history.
• Join giveaways and communities: Participating in events, like those Admiral Gardner giveaways, can land you rare pieces. Just make sure they’re run by reputable folks to avoid any scams.

Wrapping up my Treasure Ship Tuesday dive, it’s only deepened my love for numismatics. It’s never just about the metal; it’s about the incredible stories they carry across centuries. I really encourage you to explore these sunken treasures yourself. Maybe start with a small, certified piece and see where it leads. Who knows? Your next find might just become the heart of your collection. Happy hunting!