Denomination: 8 Reales                                                                        

Reign: Philip IV

Mint: Mexico City                                                                                    

Assayer: "D" Diego de Goday (1618-1634)                                                                        

Weight: 23.75 gm

Grade: Two (2)

Description: 8 Reales Cob. Obverse: Bold Strike with clear shield. Environmental wear. Mo-D  (Mint Mark and Assayer mark) clearly visible. Reverse: Bold Florenzada cross with Lions and Castles visible in 4 quadrants. 

History: The Spice Islands wreck is a mystery; whether it was a plate ship or merchant vessel is unclear. What is known is that when the ship became stuck and too damaged to continue her voyage; the crew made the decision to light the ship on fire and scuttle her contents.  Sunk Circa 1630 off Southeast Asia (Indonesia).

The Spice Islands are a small group of islands NE of Indonesia. An unknown ship is presumed to have sunk circa 1630 leaving behind several chests of 8 Reales minted in Mexico City and Potosi during the reign of King Philip IV of Spain. Given how long it was at the bottom of the sea, this is a good example given the effects saltwater has on silver.

2025-1003