1679C Cob 8 reales clump
Potosi mint, Bolivia
43.44 gms.
Beginning in the mid-1500s, Spain arranged up to 50-ship convoys to sail between Panama and Spain. The convoys carried gold, silver, and other goods from the New World. The Potosi mint in Bolivia provided large amounts of silver to Spain, which were delivered by Spanish galleons. The ships would travel from Peru, along the Western coast of South America to Panama. Then, men would unload the ships’ cargo and carry it by mule to awaiting ships on the Atlantic side.
In 1681, the fleet left Lima for Panama, but one ship, the Consolacion was delayed. Loaded with silver and other precious items, it left Peru alone to hurriedly join the rest of the fleet. However, English pirate ships led by the Bartholomew Sharpe caught up with the Consolacion near Ecuador. They chased the vessel until the treasure ship struck a reef. But, before the 
pirates could come along side and board the Consolacion, the crew set fire to the ship. Then, the crew and travelers escaped to a nearby island.
The ship and its cargo of valuables, now a charred hulk sunk in deep water. The pirates tried to bring up some of the treasure with local divers, but they were unsuccessful. There, the ship lay on the bottom of the sea, undisturbed, for nearly 300 years.
In 1997, modern technology like sonar and detectors were now available. The treasure was discovered, though the name of the shipwreck was yet to be known. Some of the treasure was brought to the surface, prepared, and sold at auction.
The specimen on display is two 8 reales coins fused together from the effects of salt water. These ‘pieces of eight’ were made at the Potosi mint in 1679. The surfaces, though severely etched were cleaned to show the striking details.
This piece was acquired for the museum from Daniel Sedgwick of Winter Park, Florida, a respected specialist in shipwreck coins and artifacts. Pedigreed to the Spink (New York) auction of December 2001, with original lot-tag #738 as part of the “Isla de Muerto Shipwreck”.