La Capitana Shipwreck of 1654 - 8 Reales - Crowned "L" - 14k Shark Mount
$3,800
Shipwreck: La Capitana - Sank off Chanduy, Ecuador in 1654
Denomination: 8 Reales
Mint: Potosi, Bolivia
Assayer: "E" Erqueta 1651
Date: Not Visible
Weight: 24.08 gm
Grade: PCGS 55460475 Fine Details
Description: Obverse: Greek cross and with lions and castles visible in four quadrants. Crown marked "L". Type G, rarity C1. Reverse: Strong strike. Mint mark "P" visible.
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 America during the 17th Century, and the flagship of the Viceroyalty of Peru; and the South Sea Armada. This ship was commissioned to to carry Spanish Coins including the Potosi Mint scandal coins, the subsequent countermark coins and many others dated from 1649 to 1654. The galleon, overburdened with unregistered goods, which many say contributed to its sinking. In testimony from crew members; it was said that they 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 ashore.
All attempts to find the shipwreck failed until the location was made by Sub-America Discoveries, INC in November of 1996.
CAP-55460475