Atocha Shipwreck Coin Pendant Value Guide
- Period
- 1622 (coin origin), 1985-present (reproductions)
- Origin
- Spain
- Materials
- Sterling Silver, Gold-plated metal
- Category
- Atocha shipwreck coin
The Nuestra Señora de Atocha shipwreck of 1622 remains one of history's most legendary maritime discoveries, famously recovered by Mel Fisher in 1985. This pendant captures that legacy, featuring a silver cob coin reproduction that honors the vast Spanish treasure lost for centuries off the Florida Keys.
What affects the value of Atocha Shipwreck Coin Pendant?
- The quality and thickness of the gold-plated bezel significantly impact the $150-$200 price point.
- Overall condition of the silver reproduction, specifically the clarity of the strike and lack of tarnish.
- The presence of original retail packaging or descriptive inserts regarding the 1622 shipwreck history.
- Market demand for treasure-themed jewelry and the popularity of Mel Fisher's historical discovery.
How to Identify Atocha Shipwreck Coin Pendant?
- Examine the coin for the irregular 'cob' shape characteristic of 17th-century Spanish minting techniques.
- Check the bezel for gold-plating marks, as these reproductions typically use gold-toned metal rather than solid 14k or 18k gold.
- Look for a lack of an official Mel Fisher Maritime Heritage Society certificate, which distinguishes these decorative reproductions from original salvaged coins.
- Identify the cross and shield motifs on the silver coin face, which are styled after the authentic Spanish colonial currency found on the Atocha.
History of Atocha Shipwreck Coin Pendant
The Nuestra Señora de Atocha was a Spanish treasure galleon that sank in a hurricane in 1622 off the Florida Keys. For centuries, its vast treasure of gold, silver, and jewels lay lost until its discovery by Mel Fisher and his team in 1985. The Atocha shipwreck is one of the most famous treasure finds in history, captivating imaginations worldwide and inspiring countless reproductions of its salvaged coins.
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