Treasure Sales - 8 Reales 1777
Shipwreck Treasure from the East Indiaman Halsewell - Wrecked on the Dorset Coast UK in 1786.
Guide Price £65.00 GBP ($120.00.US).
Coin Details:
- Silver 8 Reale.
- Dated: 1777.
- Mint Mark: Mexico. Assayer: F.M.
- Weight: 27g.
- Diameter: 38mm.
- Obverse: Bust of Charles III facing right.
- Reverse: 2 columns of the new world, with crown and shield.
A full Certificate Of Authenticity is issued with this coin, signed by the recovering diver and on behalf of the Salvor.
This is a nice coin that will make a good addition to any collection, however, please note that the obverse side of this coin is pitted and well worn. The reverse side of the coin that shows the 2 columns and crown is in good condition. All numbers and letters are readable.
When this coin was recovered from the wreck site it was encrusted in concretion. To make the coin presentable and readable we had to carry out a cleaning process called reverse electrolyses, this left the coin with a slight shine to it. Unfortunately this is unavoidable, but eventually the coin will dull.
Most of the Seadart coin collection from the Halsewell is made up of the 8 Reale coin. We can only summarize how these coins became part of the Halsewell treasure as there is no official record of the coins being part of the ships manifest and no record of any large amounts being salvaged. We assume that the owners of the ship or the East India Company purchased these coins from the Crown to use as payment for cargo or repairs etc on their journey to the East.
Central American silver was far superior to any of the UK's silver, therefore if traders were to be paid in silver they would prefer Central American silver.
8 Reale coins recovered from the Halsewell show signs of ware. This is understandable,as most of them have been tossed about in the seabed for over 200 years but occasionally we do find a coin in reasonable condition.
For details of shipping and insurance coast or any other information regarding this coin, please email enquiries to: admin@seadart.net.