Very Rare Atocha Gold Coin, 2 Escudos

Very Rare

Approx. size: 2cm x 2cm

Nuestra Señora de Atocha extraordinarily rare 2 Escudo gold coin

Discover true piece of maritime history with this extraordinarily rare 2 Escudo gold coin from the World Famous Nuestra Señora de Atocha shipwreck. Minted in Seville, Spain, during the early 17th century under the reign of King Philip III, these coins represent the pinnacle of Spanish colonial wealth and craftsmanship. Crafted from pure New World gold, they feature the iconic Spanish shield on one side—symbolizing the united kingdoms of Castile, León, Aragon, and others—and a bold cross on the reverse, embodying the Catholic faith that underpinned Spain’s empire.

These 2 Escudo coins, often called “doubloons” (from the Spanish “doblón,” meaning double, as they were worth two escudos), were not part of the Atocha’s official cargo like the vast silver bars and coins. Instead, they were personal treasures carried to the New World by affluent passengers, high-ranking ship’s officers, or Catholic Church officials. These elite individuals brought such coins from Spain for trade, payments, or personal security during their voyages across the Atlantic. On the return journey to Spain in 1622, aboard the Atocha—part of the Tierra Firme treasure fleet laden with riches from South America—these coins were stowed in private chests, destined for the royal court or ecclesiastical coffers back home.

Tragedy struck on September 6, 1622, when a hurricane ravaged the 1622 fleet off the Florida Keys, sinking the Atocha and claiming 260 lives. The ship and its treasures lay buried under sand and coral for over 350 years until legendary treasure hunter Mel Fisher and his team recovered them in 1985 after a 16-year search. Of the vast hoard, to date only 123 gold coins were ever found—making this 2 Escudo one of the rarest artifacts from the wreck. Each coin bears the marks of its tumultuous history: irregular “cob” shaping from hand-struck minting, subtle seawater patina, and the enduring luster of high karat gold.

Ideal for collectors of shipwreck artifacts, Spanish colonial numismatics, or historical treasures, this coin comes authenticated and graded, with a high security certificate of authenticity from Mel Fisher’s Treasures. Own a tangible link to the Age of Exploration, where fortune and fate collided on the high seas.

Don’t miss this opportunity to hold history in your hands—quantities are extremely limited.

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