(1621-28) Mexico 2 Reales Philip IV Lucayan Beach Shipwreck F Detail

Introducing a treasure from the past, the (1621-28) Mexico 2 Reales Philip IV Lucayan Beach Shipwreck. This exceptional piece of history has withstood the test of time, preserving a story of maritime adventure and resilience.

The 2 Reales from the Lucayan Beach find are among the scarcest in all of the known Shipwrecks. There were only a small few 2 Reales recovered and only a small handful are available with NGC Certification.

This 2 Reales coin from Mexico features a shield-type cob design and was minted in the colonial period, specifically between 1621-28. The coin is made of 0.9 fineness silver and has been circulated, adding to its historical value. The Lucayan Beach variety of this coin has been certified by NGC, ensuring its authenticity and quality and is among only a handful of Lucayan 2 Reales available to collectors. This coin is a rare find and a piece of Mexican history that should not be missed.

The Lucayan Beach Treasure Coins, are one of only a small amount of Shipwreck finds, that can be attributed to Pirates. One of history’s most significant numismatic finds, these are 100% authentic cobs from the wreck salvage. They were minted by Spain, in Mexico for the 13 colonies. The ship transporting them was captured by pirates along with the whole Spanish fleet in 1628 and then lost at sea. Nearly 340 years later they were discovered and these, which are among the last ones available for public purchase, have not seen the light of day for decades and are fresh back from being authenticated and certified by NGC.

The Lucayan Beach Wreck was discovered August 1964 by four Americans in the waters off Freeport, Grand Bahama Island. The 4 divers conducted a water sports business based at the Lucayan Beach Hotel and the discovery was made in only 10' of water less than a mile from the hotel. This was one of the most significant finds in numismatic history. Though the mystery of the ships name was never solved, it's known that it was among the wreck of the Dutch Pirate Piet Heyn who had captured the entire Spanish Fleet at Matanzas Bay, Cuba in 1628. It's known that 2 of the captured vessels were lost at sea during their return voyage, and this is from one of those 2 ships. Piet Heyn (Pieter Pieterszoon) was a Dutch admiral and privateer for the Dutch Republic during the Eighty Years' War. Heyn was the first and the last to capture a large part of a Spanish treasure fleet which transported huge amounts of gold and silver from Spanish America to Spain.

That makes this one of only a few certified pirate treasure finds known. Most of the coins discovered were minted 1613 - 1626 in Mexico City, MX during the reign of Philip IV and bear the OMD Mint mark. A small number of additional coins found were minted during the reigns of Filipe II & III in Potosi, Bolivia & Mexico City bearing the mintmarks PR, OMA & OMP.

One immediately noticeable feature of this coin is its captivating surface, showcasing a beautiful spectrum of gray shades. Both light and dark grays intermingle across its surface, hinting at the coin's age and its long-held secrets beneath the waves. Certain areas are darker, revealing the effects of aging and potential saltwater exposure, adding an authentic touch to its historic narrative.

This coin is far more than a relic; it's a testament to the rich maritime history and the era of Philip IV. Discover the timeless allure of this extraordinary piece, a tangible connection to the bygone Golden Age of Piracy.