The famed Pirate Piece of Eight in an Heirloom Pendant

Pirates! Perhaps no other class of seafarers is quite so famous – or infamous! 

Please Note: This is an authentic Consolacion Shipwreck Treasure Coin, and you will receive the exact pendant in the photographs and description.

FOR PENDANT SIZE SEE COIN DETAILS BELOW

But tying shipwreck coins to actual pirates is rare – most treasure galleons sank due to hurricanes, poor navigation or lack of upkeep.  But the Treasure of Isla de Muerto (The Treasure of Dead Man’s Island) is the exception… for her cache of glittering treasure went to the bottom because of – yes, you guessed it – PIRATES!

Your Consolacion Shipwreck 8 Reale Pirate Piece of Eight

• Date: 1673
• Denomination: 8 Reale
• Mint: Potosi, Upper Peru (Modern Day Bolivia)
• Coin Metal: Silver
• Bezel Metal: Proprietary, Non-Tarnishing Sterling Silver
• Obverse (Front): Jerusalem Cross
• Reverse: (Back): The Pillars and Waves (The Pillars of Hercules and Waves of the Atlantic Ocean)
• Articulating Nautical Shackle Bail Interior Diameter: Will accommodate chain or leather necklace up to LARGE 7.5mm 
• Pendant Size including bezel: 1 3/8" Across, 2" Tall - diameter of a silver dollar

Robert's Notes: Fascinating piece, with visible cross and Pillars and Waves, "73" date, and P mint mark, E assayer's initials.

Interesting planchet metal crack. We see this on some Consolacion and "E" assayer coins from this time period. It usually indicates the planchet was not re-heated (annealed) enough after it was cut down to its proper size, and then struck. The crack does not affect the sturdiness of the coin, but rather enhances its "piratical coolness."   

Partial "PLV SVL TRA" PLUS ULTRA, Latin for More Beyond - SEE BELOW. This coin still has a nice heft to it.

This coin was recovered from the shallow water section of the wreck where there was a lot of wave action. This treasure coin has details, but perhaps my favorite thing about it is the sea-wear that really highlights the shipwreck provenance of this treasure coin.

We treasure hunters affectionately call these "Key West Dog Tags." Sidle (if there's no horse, it's sidle) up to an oyster bar and you will turn heads, mate!

The Spanish Cob Coin Pillars and Waves Design

While each coin does not have every detail, the most striking feature is the two upright “pillars” which represent the Pillars of Hercules; the waves below, the Atlantic Ocean. Starting in the 10 o’clock position there is a “P” for Potosi, next is a number for the denomination. Next is the assayer’s initial.  The two or three numerals above the center wave are the date. Through the center runs the phrase PLV SVL TRA – “Plus Ultra” – More Beyond the Pillars of Hercules. On the reverse is the crusaders cross, with lions and castles in the four quadrants representing the early Spanish kingdoms of Leon and Castile. Coins minted in the 1700s will have three digits, i.e. 737 for 1737. 

Learn How to Read Your Pillars and Waves Coin HERE >>

Learn more about the Consolacion shipwreck and pirates... click here>

To see our complete collection of Spanish "Piece of Eight" treasure coins, click here>

Your Isla de Muerto Pendant Comes Complete with:

1. Our 100% Authentic Lifetime Guarantee
2. A Detailed, Customized, Multi-Page, Full Color Photo Certificate of Authenticity Researched and Written by Robert Lewis Knecht
3. 10 Page Full Color Potosi Mint historic Brief researched and written by Robert
4. "Pieces of Eight" Historic Brief
5. The Coins of the Lost Galleons Book
6. Treasure Hunters Gazette Booklet
7. Mini Museum Display for when you are not wearing your treasure
8. A Treasure Jewelry Care Card