PCGS Library

Colonial Spanish silver and Gold coins with an estimated worth of $500 million have been awarded to Spain. The Spanish ship Nuestra Senora de la Mercedes was carrying about 600,000 silver and Gold coins when it sank October 5, 1804. The ship sank during a battle with the British Navy about 100 miles west of the straits of Gibraltar. Most of the coins from the sunken ship were recovered by Odyssey Marine Exploration in 2007.

Since the coins were recovered, Odyssey Marine Exploration and Spain have had an ongoing disagreement on who is the rightful owner of the treasure. After a five-year legal battle, U.S. Magistrate Judge James Pizzo finally ordered Odyssey Marine to hand over the coins to Spanish officials.

The recovered coins date back to the 18th century up until 1804 when the ship sank. All the coins were from Spain, many of them minted at the Lima Mint. The sinking of the ship killed about 250 sailors and caused Spain to declare war against England, and subsequently enter the Napoleonic War assisting France.

Since the coins were discovered, other parties have attempted to claim ownership of the ship's contents. Such parties include the Peruvian Government's two sovereigns and 25 descendants of the sailors who died on the ship.

Spanish officials plan to donate the treasures to various museums to be researched, studied and exhibited.

http://www.treasuredstocks.com/coins.html

If you have any questions call Jeff @ 870-670-4255

The 1883 nickel without the word ‘cents” on the reverse definitely has a story to tell. Especially if you have never run across one which has been gold plated. When this new design was released in 1883 an enterprising entrepreneur Josh Tatum had the brilliant idea to gold plate the coin and pass it as a $5 gold piece. After all, nowhere did the word cents appear on the coin. Josh, would make a small purchase, place his gold plated nickel on the counter and wait for change. If the proprietor made change for the five dollars Josh wouldn’t say anything because he was a deaf mute. He would simply pocket the change and take his purchase. He was eventually arrested but was able to avoid conviction because he never stated the coin was a five dollar coin or demanded change for the higher denomination. Because of this, we now have the common phrase, “I’m Joshing You” which has been associated with this coin which makes a great story.

http://www.treasuredstocks.com/coins.html

If you have any questions call Jeff @ 870-670-4255