La Capitana - 4 Reales - 14K Gold Diver Pendant
$4,200
Denomination: 4 Reales
Reign: Carlos II
Mint: Potosi
Grade: Fine Plus
Assayer: "E" Antonio de Ergueta (Last Shield Design)
Date: XX51
Weight: 9.0 Gm
Bezel: 14K Gold Diver
Description: Crowned New type Z. Rarity R3 (5 to 10) coins of this type. Obverse: Partial date of XX51. Greek cross with Lions and castles in top two quadrants. Crowned New Type Z. Reverse: Partially visible Hapsburg shield.
History: La Capitana sank in October of 1654 off the coast of Chanduy, Ecuador. The 1,200 ton Spanish galleon was the largest built in Colonial American during the 17th century, and the flagship of the Viceroyalty of Peru and the South Sea Armada. This ship was commissioned to carry Spanish coins including the Potosi Mint scandal coins, the subsequent countermark coins and many other dated from 1649-1654.
The galleon overburdened with unregistered goods which many say contributed to the sinking, and backed by testimonies of the crew itself, led to the greatest loss in silver coinage of any Spanish galleon of the time. It was said the crew members could not even lower the anchors because there was so much treasure stacked on the anchor cables. At least 20 people died in their attempt to swim to shore.
All attempts to find the shipwreck failed until the location was made by Sub-America Discoveries, INC in November of 1996
Cap-7676
