MEXICO 1714 2 ESCUDOS NGC 65 “1715 FLEET” SHIPWRECK PIRATE GOLD TREASURE COIN MEXICO 1714 2 ESCUDOS NGC 65 “1715 FLEET” SHIPWRECK DOUBLOON GOLD COB TREASURE COIN This piece is the 2nd FINEST KNOWN NGC 65 (we have pics of the 66, this piece is far superior) has a SUPERIOR (actually the best we know of in existence) FULL 4 DIGIT DATE!!! Of all the pieces of this variety we’ve handled there’s only been two other pieces that have a comparable Full date, one is in NGC 62, and the other is in a NGC 65 as well (see in our store), but this piece has the most complete markings (FULL CROWN & SHIELD) making this piece “the BEST” piece we’ve handled for a Full 4 Digit Date of this variety. Also, there’s a tiny encrustation in the Crown (redish Coral). The Shield is nearly complete with deep devices and bold strike. It also displays a FULL Mint & Assayer’s mark (oMJ = Mexico Jose De Leon). It catches the eye to see the inner ring (below the 1714 date and also the otter dot ring above the date). The Reverse is just extraordinary with it’s nearly perfectly centered and Boldly struck cross and full Treassure! The overall Luster on this piece is exceptional as well. There’s literally NO Doubling anywhere on this piece and no weak spots. We really feel like this piece should be reviewed as it has superior characteristics for the grade (looks more of a 67 to us). This piece is Pedigreed to Dr. Frank Sedwick and was part of his personal Complete 1714 Set! Another rare opportunity to procure a FULLY DATED 1714 2E in the highest stratosphere of Grades! (KM-53.2; CT-350, S-M30 6.71gm) #5
The 1715 Treasure Fleet was a Spanish treasure fleet returning from the New World to Spain. In the evening of July 30, 1715 , seven days after departing from Havana, Cuba, 11 of the 12 ships of this fleet were lost in a hurricane near present day Vero Beach, Florida. Because the fleet was carrying silver, it is also known as the 1715 Plate Fleet (plata being the Spanish word for silver plate). Some artifacts and even coins still wash up on Florida beaches from time to time. Around 1,000 sailors perished while a small number survived on lifeboats. Many ships, including pirates, took part in the initial salvage. Initially a privateer, Henry Jennings was first accused of piracy for attacking such salvage ships and claiming their salvages. Thus, earning this coinage the name of “Pirate’s Gold!” The story begins with the “War of the Spanish Succession” ending, as well as the death of the Spanish Queen. King Philip found a new bride, Elizabeth Farnesse, Duchess of Palma and needed a new Queens Dowry.
The king would send two separate fleets to the New World (after the Government had cancelled all sailings from the Americas to Spain for two years), which would load up at separate ports ~ Vera Cruz and Cartegena, then meet up in Havana. The plan was to have one large Armada with a heavy navel escort, carrying the accumulated precious metals and jewels from the last three years. Of which, the average year sailed in between 90 and 120 million francs. Treasure ~ The Cartegena Fleet arrived first in Havana (in March), loaded down by chests filled with Gold coins (from Santa Fe de Bogota), Colombian Emeralds from Muzo mine and gold jewelry from Peru. Awaiting the fleet of Vera Cruz, commanded by Gen.
Don Juan Eseban de Ubilla, carrying Gold and Silver ingots. However Don Juan was delayed in Vera Cruz awaiting pack mule trains from Acapulco. Finally in the first week of May the mule train arrived with their silks, ivories and blue and white porcelains. The details of the Queens jewels are blurry at best, but were known to include and Emerald ring weighing in at 74 carats, a heart designed from 130 matched pears, a pair of earrings each of 14 pears and a rosary of pure coral. There were 8 chests in total and stowed in Ubilla’s cabin (who was a senior military officer and had overall command). After many other delays, finally the Galleons left Havana on Wednesday July 24th, with favorable winds pushing them at nearly 6 knots. By the 29th the winds were over 70 knots, with gusts hitting over 100 knots. The chaplain said, “the water flew in the air like arrows, doing injury to those it hit.”
Finally, at 2:30am on July 31st, the flagship hit the reefs and torn apart, throwing all off her decks and 223 sailors were pounded to death by the rocks. More than 700 men were missing, wreckage and bodies scattered for almost 30 miles along the coast. For the next four years the Spanish attempted to salvage the treasure, but finally ceased in 1719. The dangers or sharks, pirates and Indians were just too great. Records show approx.. 30% of the inventoried treasure was recovered, which is a low estimate due to much of the inventory being kept off the books to avoid the king’s tax. There was an estimate of 14 million pesos registered treasure lost. This sunken fleet of Galleons is still giving up her Treasure!
In 2010 the claim owners discovered the only bronze swivel gun ever found on the 1715 Fleet. Tucked away inside this the bronze cannon were 51 Gold Escudos and 40 Silver Reales. Shortly after was another discovery of the most amazing artifact, the “Pelican in Piety,” worth $885,000. Then in July 2014, the claim owners crew recovered another 51 Gold escudos valued at $300,000. Most recently, another find of 50 Feet of Gold Chain and 5 additional Gold escudos were just recovered, approx.. $300,000 in value.