Spanish Colonial 1/2 Real (1668-1747) NGC Genuine coin. This is a historic piece, likely recovered from a shipwreck, which adds significantly to its story and value.
🪙 Coin Identification & History
The coin is a Spanish Colonial 1/2 Real, a small silver denomination minted in the New World, primarily at the Mexico City Mint, during the specified period of 1668-1747.
- Denomination and Material: It is a $\frac{1}{2}$ Real (half-real), which was a small silver fractional coin. The Real was the standard silver currency of the Spanish Empire.
- Cob Coinage: Coins from this era were typically “cobs”, which were irregularly shaped, hand-hammered pieces of silver cut from a bar or ingot. The shape of your coin in the holder is characteristic of this method. This makes each cob coin unique.
- Historical Context: These coins were the lifeblood of daily commerce throughout the Spanish colonies. The larger 8 Reales coin (the famous “Piece of Eight”) was primarily used for international trade, while the smaller denominations like your $\frac{1}{2}$ Real were used for everyday transactions by merchants and citizens.
âš“ Shipwreck Certification
The NGC slab indicates a “Shipwreck Certification”, which means the coin was recovered from a sunken Spanish treasure ship. This provenance is a major factor in its collectible value and historical appeal.
- NGC Genuine: The Numismatic Guaranty Corporation (NGC) has certified the coin as Genuine. This grade is common for shipwreck coins, as their time underwater often leaves them with heavy wear, irregular surfaces, or encrustation, which prevents them from being assigned a standard numerical grade. The “Genuine” certification confirms its authenticity as a salvaged piece.
- Potential Shipwreck: While the slab does not specify the name of the shipwreck for this particular serial number, many Spanish Colonial coins from this period (including those with the NGC Shipwreck Certification) are associated with famous wrecks like El Cazador (which sank in 1784, but carried earlier-dated coins) or other unnamed wrecks of Spanish galleons.
💰 Approximate Market Value
Based on recent sales and listings for similar NGC Certified Genuine Spanish Colonial $\frac{1}{2}$ Real shipwreck coins from this date range (1668-1747):
| Vendor Type |
Approximate Price Range |
Notes |
| Online Marketplaces (e.g., eBay) |
$70 – $120 USD |
Prices vary based on the coin’s specific preservation, visibility of the mint/assayer marks, and the seller’s reputation. |
| Coin Dealers (Retail) |
$80 – $150+ USD |
Often slightly higher for presentation and guarantee of authenticity. |
Key Value Factors:
- Shipwreck Provenance: The shipwreck certification significantly increases the coin’s value compared to a non-shipwreck $\frac{1}{2}$ Real cob in similar condition.
- Condition/Detail: Despite the Genuine grade, a coin with a more clearly visible date, mint mark, or assayer mark can command a higher price.
- Specific Shipwreck: If the coin could be conclusively traced to a named, famous shipwreck (like the 1715 Fleet or Atocha), the value would be substantially higher, but the NGC label would typically include the shipwreck’s name in that case.
Your coin is a wonderful and tangible piece of Spanish colonial history and global maritime trade!
