Spanish Piece of Eight || Shipwreck Consolación 1600s

This specimen is a genuine 8 reales cob, piece of eight, salvaged from the treasure ship Consolación that sank in 1681. The small island of Santa Clara within the Bay of Guayaquil, Ecuador, was nicknamed Isla de Muerto (Island of the Dead) by the Spanish. In the 1600’s Isla de Muerto was often a routine stopover for the Armada del Sur (South Sea Armada), the galleons carrying treasure from Chile and El Perú to Panama for Spain.

A delay in getting its silver coins from the mint in Potosi prevented the Santa Maria de la Consolación from sailing with the rest of the armada from Callao, Chile. When the lone ship met with pirates, the captain decided to ground the Consolación on Isla de Muerto, but because the vessel hit a reef, it was evacuated and intentionally set on fire to stop any stealing. Neither pirates nor returning Spaniards were able to recover all of the treasure.

Certificate of authenticity is included.

Approximate Measurements: 1.3125"x1.25"

All items are cleansed, charged and Reiki infused.

Note: The listing is for this exact specimen. Natural products vary in size, color, and shape. All crystal uses and metaphysical definitions are provided as a means of education.