1678 Cob found in the late 80s

[je177]

1678 Cob found in the late 80's

This cob was found in Rhode Island in the late 80's by a long time detectorist. Nothing special to the story of finding it. I'm just jealous and wanted to post a picture of it. I've always wanted to snag one, but it hasn't happened yet. It appears to be a Potosi mint 1678 and weighs about 26grams. Thanks for looking. Any additional info on it would be great. Thanks again!

 

[Tom_in_CA]

Don't have any info on it, but just wanted to say that's a nice-looking find ! I'm guessing a land find, not a beach find, eh? (based on good shape of the metal). If you can imagine how hard those are to find on the east coast, then imagine how hard they are to find on the WEST coast, where our utmost earlier European toe-hold, wasn't till 1769. I've only ever heard of 2 or 3 cobs found on this coast

 

[Iron Patch]

Don't have any info on it, but just wanted to say that's a nice-looking find ! I'm guessing a land find, not a beach find, eh? (based on good shape of the metal). If you can imagine how hard those are to find on the east coast, then imagine how hard they are to find on the WEST coast, where our utmost earlier European toe-hold, wasn't till 1769. I've only ever heard of 2 or 3 cobs found on this coast

Looks over cleaned so I don't think the current condition is much of an indication to the type of pace it was found.

 

[je177]

True, it was actually professionally cleaned by a jeweler. He had told me it was almost brown when it came out.

 

[DiggerGal]

Looks like this is From the wreck of the Consolacion, Nice 8-reale silver cob "Piece of Eight."
Intended to be part of the Spanish “South Seas Fleet” of 1681, which left Lima’s port of Callao in April, the Consolación apparently was delayed and ended up traveling alone. At the Gulf of Guayaquil, off modern-day Ecuador, the Consolación encountered English pirates, led by Bartholomew Sharpe, who forced the Spanish galleon to sink on a reef off Santa Clara Island (later nicknamed “Isla de Muerto,” or Dead Man’s Island). Before the pirates could get to the ship, the crew set fire to her and tried to escape to the nearby island without success. Angered by the inability to seize the valuable cargo of the Consolación, Sharpe’s men killed the Spaniards and tried in vain to recover the treasure through the efforts of local fishermen. Spanish attempts after that were also fruitless, so the treasure of the Consolación sat undisturbed until our time.

 

[je177]

Thanks for that info! I have heard the story of the consolacion before. Under what scenarios could it end up dug in Rhode Island?

 

[DiggerGal]

It was re discovered between 1978-1981. Someone is probably still really mad that they dropped that coin out of their collection! Lol

 

[je177]

Lol maybe...I'm sure they may have been circulated widely amongst other vessels also. Perhaps vessel to vessel and eventually to the northern US colonies.

 

[DiggerGal]

Seeing that the story is it was a "Pirated" ship, I would doubt the loot was traded as the currency was not accepted and would be worthless in that time period other than its silver weight.
With the oceans constant movement and under currents and tides, things can move dramatically over 200+ years.
It's quite a find! A "Treasured" piece of substantial history!

 

[flyadive]

I think you are storing that Cob in a PVC holder!!
If I were you I would purchase a modern coin holder.
The square cardboard type seem to be the best.
http://coins.thefuntimesguide.com/2009/11/coin_pvc.php

 

[CincinnatiKid]

I'm unable to verify coin or condition from available pictures. Please send to me for certain authentication.
Seriously, cleaned or not, it's wonderful!
Peace ✌

 

[je177]

Thanks for all the replies [emoji106][emoji106][emoji106]