Shipwreck coins and conservation

stevereecy

Hey there,

I just won this thing on flea-bay: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190329862993&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

The coin is dated 1783. The wreck occured in 1784, and the coin was listed as being UNC.

Its a cool looking coin, and I don't think I overpaid, but I don't really care. It's super historical and I wouldn't dare crack it out because that is its own pedigree.

Here's my question. I remember there was a controversy about "conserving" coins. I don't want to open up that controversy. But what I'm wondering is...looking at the coin itself, it doesn't look damaged by salt water. Is it possible that it was not damaged, even though it spent hundreds of years in Davy Jone's locker? Or is it a foregone conclusion that it has identifiable damage.

And lastly, if you had to guess, how many of the Spanish coins that go up for sale today were from ship wrecks. I mean, as a percentage. If I buy an 8-reale cob coin on flea-bay that doesn't mention a ship wreck, what do you think the odds are that it is still a shipwreck coin?

Oh, and FWIW, the final auction price was $1 from my maximum.

Steve

FilthyBroke

Like minds, eh? I just got this one last week.




I know it's not as nice as the one in your LINK, but it's authenticated and cool to have a shipwreck coin of my own finally. Mine looks to have taken more abuse from the elements than yours, though.

Oh, and beyond that I have no real answers to your inquiries.

stevereecy

Heh, yeah, but yours is an 8 Reale, and mine is on only a half Real, so yours has 16 times as much spending power. Yeah, honestly I was so excited to get a ship wreck coin that I didn't pay too much attention to demonination. I want to get a "real" (reale?) piece of eight eventually. The story behind the shipwreck is pretty cool. Love the history behind these coins.

All I can figure is that maybe the higher grade ones were quickly cut off from the flow of water...like they sunk in the mud or something. I'm real curious to know how the surface would compare to a true high grade coin. Hope I'll find out eventually.


***EDIT***....hey, look what I just found. Lots of information here: Franklin Mint

AND!...as a bonus, I learned how to add a link here.

Steve

GoldenEyeNumismatics

That's the average price for the 1/2 real from El Cazador.

The coin will have pebbly, corroded surfaces.

No clue how many of the listed 8 reales are shipwreck pieces, but probably very few unless identified otherwise.

CIVITAS

I think the vast majority of 1783 Mo FF 8 Reales were on El Cazador. It's unusual to find one that isn't sea salvaged, but they do turn up.

BBQnBLUES

Steve;

Gotta admit finding _ANY Shipwreck MS 200+ y/o coins is Kewl

Just wait until you start buying **Gold Escudos..
.
.
.

you'll sell your soul to the devil to acquire 'em

(voice of experience)