Southern_Digger
Hero Member
- #1
Thread Owner
I'd be the first to admit this coin is not in very good shape. I can't even make out the stamp on one side. It is still sulfided. From memory, I believe it dates either 1799 or 1801. I purchased it from Marty Meylach at the 1986 Shipwreck Symposium, at the Ft. Lauderdale Marriot. Not a bad historic souvenier for a twenty dollar bill. Also, he had two and three pillar dollars still attached to coral clumps for sale, for a reasonable $35.00 per clump. I did not have the cash on me and by the time I did leave the symposium, race to the bank and return, he sold out the clumps.
The modern history comes in because of how Meylach was able to attain these coins. As was my father, Meylach was a wooden boat carpenter. He noticed the salvage boats could not get near the shallow reefs around the Pillar Dollar wreck. Therefore, he built a shallow draft salvage barge for a one or two man operation, recovering many Pillar Dollars. I look up to him for his wherewithall because he proved even a person with limited gear and budget could be successful in shipwreck salvage. In later years after assembling all data I could attain regarding Florida shipwrecks; and, purchasing nautical charts of some of the keys, I wanted my father to help me build a similar work boat. Unfortunately, I gave up the dream due to the red tape and Florida salvage laws. The wreck is now protected by the Pennecamp Park, however, I highly recommend you read Meylach's book: "Diving to a Flash of Gold." It was an interesting story of his experiences and his success. I cherish this unattractive, sulfided, worn coin because of whom found it and sold it to me. I tip my glass to you Marty.
The modern history comes in because of how Meylach was able to attain these coins. As was my father, Meylach was a wooden boat carpenter. He noticed the salvage boats could not get near the shallow reefs around the Pillar Dollar wreck. Therefore, he built a shallow draft salvage barge for a one or two man operation, recovering many Pillar Dollars. I look up to him for his wherewithall because he proved even a person with limited gear and budget could be successful in shipwreck salvage. In later years after assembling all data I could attain regarding Florida shipwrecks; and, purchasing nautical charts of some of the keys, I wanted my father to help me build a similar work boat. Unfortunately, I gave up the dream due to the red tape and Florida salvage laws. The wreck is now protected by the Pennecamp Park, however, I highly recommend you read Meylach's book: "Diving to a Flash of Gold." It was an interesting story of his experiences and his success. I cherish this unattractive, sulfided, worn coin because of whom found it and sold it to me. I tip my glass to you Marty.
